Why Not Learn Some Fijian Words!

Before you leave the cold to lie on the beach in the tropical paradise, here are some Fijian words that might help you during your trip.

Surprisingly enough there is around 300 regional dialects of the Fijian language but there is one variety of the language that is understood by the Fijian people over the whole country. You will notice that the letters in their language are the same as English but there are a few letters are missing. Even though their language contains the same letters, they are pronounced differently which can confuse some tourist, for example one of my favourite towns is Korotogo which is pronounced “Kor-a-tonga”

One of the most common words you will hear during your trip will be the cheerful word "Bula". This is the Fijian word for "Hello" and because the people are so friendly it is always said with energy, a lovely feature of the country.

Another word that will feature regularly during your trip will be the word “Vinaka” (say – vee naka) meaning “Thank you” and sometimes you might hear the words “Vinaka vaka levu” (say – vee naka vaka lee voo) for “Thank you very much”.

Other words which you might find useful are below (I have tried my hardest, with the help of local Fijians to put the pronunciation of each word beside, but if you get stuck I am sure one of the friendly Fijians would love to help you).

Fiji – viti (vit-e)
Good morning - ni sa yadra (nisah-yan-dra)
Goodbye – ni sa moce (ni-sah-mothey)
Please – yalo vinaka (yalo-vee-naka)
Excuse me – tulou (too low)
Yes – io (ee-o)
No – sega (sang-a)
Man – turaga (tu-rang -ah)
Lady - marama (mah-rah-mah)
Go – lako (la-ko)
Come – lako mai (la-ko-my)
Sea – waitui (why-tu-e)
Swim – qalo
Fish – ika (ee-kah)
Food – kakana (ka-kah-na)
Coconut – niu (new)
Drink – gunu (goo noo)
Beer – bia (bee-a)
House – vale (va-lay)
Toilet – vale lailai (va-lay-lie-lie)
Village –koro (ko-ro)
One – dua (n-dua)
Two – rua (ru-a)


Hopefully these Fijian words will help you during your stay. Although it is not essential to learn the language, I believe it is a sign of respect if you try and learn a few words to say to the locals.

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