History & Culture
A short list of CHamoru words that go a long way with locals
Verified 2026 · Island Seeker Editorial
quick answer
CHamoru (Chamorro) is Guam's indigenous language, spoken alongside English. You don't need to learn much — locals don't expect visitors to speak CHamoru — but a few basics like Håfa Adai (hello), Si Yu'os Ma'åse' (thank you), and Buenas (a casual greeting) are genuinely appreciated and used constantly around the island, including on official signage and in everyday conversation.
Håfa Adai
Hello / welcome — Guam's signature greeting
Si Yu'os Ma'åse'
Thank you
Official languages
English and CHamoru
Language family
Austronesian, unique to the Mariana Islands
CHamoru (also spelled Chamorro) is the indigenous language of the Mariana Islands, including Guam. It's an Austronesian language, historically influenced by centuries of Spanish colonial rule, which is why some CHamoru words have Spanish roots even though the grammar and core vocabulary are distinctly Austronesian.
English is Guam's dominant everyday language and all tourist-facing signage, menus, and services are in English. CHamoru is co-official and visible everywhere — on government buildings, road signs, and in place names — and is taught in schools as part of a cultural revitalisation effort.
Håfa Adai (HAH-fah AH-dai) — the essential Guam greeting, used for both "hello" and generally "welcome." You'll see it on the airport arrivals sign, hotel lobbies, and hear it constantly. Using it back is an easy, appreciated gesture.
Buenas (bweh-nahs) — a shorter, casual greeting borrowed from Spanish, roughly equivalent to "hey" or "good day." Often used between locals as a quick hello.
Håfa tatatmanu hao? — "How are you?" A more involved phrase, mostly useful if you want to go beyond a basic greeting.
Si Yu'os Ma'åse' (see YU-os mah-AH-seh) — "thank you," literally invoking a blessing ("God have mercy/thanks"). Widely used and always well received.
Dångkulo na Si Yu'os Ma'åse' — "thank you very much," for when you want to be more emphatic.
Buen Biåhe — "safe travels" / "bon voyage," a nice phrase to leave with your hosts or new friends when departing.
CHamoru culture and language faced real suppression during periods of colonial rule, so the current revival — visible in schools, government signage, and everyday greetings like Håfa Adai — carries real cultural weight. Visitors who make even a small effort tend to get a warm, appreciative response.
You'll encounter CHamoru culture beyond language too: at the Chamorro Village Night Market, in traditional food, and during cultural events held throughout CHamoru Heritage Month in March.
questions & answers
What does 'Håfa Adai' mean?
Håfa Adai is Guam's signature CHamoru greeting, used for both "hello" and a general sense of "welcome." It's used constantly across the island, from airport signage to everyday conversation.
Do I need to speak CHamoru to visit Guam?
No — English is Guam's dominant everyday language and all tourist services operate in English. CHamoru phrases are a nice-to-have that locals appreciate, not a requirement.
How do you say thank you in CHamoru?
Si Yu'os Ma'åse' (pronounced roughly "see YU-os mah-AH-seh") is the standard way to say thank you in CHamoru.
Is CHamoru the same as Chamorro?
Yes — CHamoru and Chamorro refer to the same indigenous language and people of the Mariana Islands. CHamoru is the spelling now used officially in Guam; Chamorro remains common in English-language writing.
Where can I learn more about CHamoru culture during my trip?
The Chamorro Village Night Market in Hagåtña is the most accessible introduction, alongside cultural events during CHamoru Heritage Month in March. War in the Pacific National Historical Park also touches on CHamoru history around WWII.
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