[3][4] According to Australian linguist, ethnologist and historian Geoffrey Hull, however, that explanation is phonologically and historically implausible, as the language spoken in the area now known as Dili before the Portuguese established their seat of administration there in 1769 was Mambai, not Tetum.

[3] Another "folk etymology" explanation suggested by the municipality is that its name is derived from the Portuguese word Dali, which, in turn, is an approximation of the Tetum expression tali akar (transl.

According to the municipality, there were lots of hemp trees in what is now the suco of Caicoli [de] at the centre of the then Reino Motaain, which covered present day Dili.

Every year, the local community held a traditional dance ceremony, and also offered sacrifices for the hemp tree.

[5] It lies on the north coast of the island of Timor facing Ombai Strait,[6]: ES I-4, 2-13  and borders the municipalities of Manatuto to the east, Aileu to the south, and Liquiçá to the west.