Basic Words

1. Aap

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

   Grammar Note

   Also used as a back-channel; "Suu" means the same

2. Naamik

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

   Grammar Note

   "Naagga" is an equally common form

3. Qinnuigaakkit

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I request you": qinnuigaa- "asks (someone) for something" + -kkit ("I ... you"). Kalaallisut has no separate word for "please"; this fixed verb form does the job

4. Qujanaq

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

   Grammar Note

   The basic thanks; the reply is "Illillu" (you too)

5. Utoqqatserpunga

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I apologise"; it also serves to get someone's attention

6. Utoqqatserfigaakkit

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   "I apologise to you" — naming the addressee makes it a fuller apology

7. Ajunngilaq

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

   Grammar Note

   Literally "it is not bad"; the everyday way to say "it's fine"

8. Paasinngilara

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

   Grammar Note

   Negation is formed by inserting the affix "-nngil-" into the verb

9. Paasivara

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Naammassivara

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    Literally "I have completed it"

11. Utaqqiniarit

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "-niar-" marks a polite request and "-it" the second-person singular imperative

12. Sivikitsuinnaq

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

    Grammar Note

    From "sivikitsoq" (short) plus "-innaq" (only) — "just a short while"

13. Inersimasoq ataaseq

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

    Grammar Note

    "Inersimasoq" is an adult and "ataaseq" is "one"

14. Inniminniisimanngilanga

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    inniminniivoq "to book" plus the perfective -sima- and the negation -nngila-

15. Inniminniisimavunga

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

    Grammar Note

    inniminniivoq "to book" + perfective -sima- + first person singular

16. Ikiulaannga

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    ikiulaannga is ikiorpaa "helps" + the softening -laar- + a 2nd-to-1st-person imperative, meaning "please help me"

17. Utilaaruk

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

    Grammar Note

    utilaaruk is an imperative form meaning "say it once more"

18. Arriitsumik oqaluniarit

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

    Grammar Note

    "Arriitsumik" means slowly; "oqalup-" is to speak

19. Kalaallisut annikitsumik oqalussinnaavunga

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    "Kalaallisut" means "in Greenlandic"; "-sinnaa-" expresses ability

20. Tuluttut oqalussinnaavit?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    "Tuluttut" means "in English"; "-vit" marks a second-person question

21. angut

    Man / male

    Usage

    For indicating male, e.g. at a toilet or counter

22. arnaq

    Woman / female

    Usage

    For indicating female, e.g. at a toilet or counter

Browse all TravelPhrases languages