Basic Words

1. Io

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Sega

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Yalovinaka

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Vinaka

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Tulou

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Tulou" is obligatory when passing in front of someone, especially a seated person — the key courtesy word in Fiji.

6. Vosoti au

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Sa vinaka

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Au sega ni kila

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Au sa kila

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Sa oti

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Yalovinaka mo waraka

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Waraka mada

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. E dua na tamata levu

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Au a sega ni buki

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    "Buki" is a loan from English "book" (to reserve).

15. Au a buki tu

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Yalovinaka mo vukei au

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Tukuna tale mada

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Vosa vakamalua mada

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Au vosa vakalailai ga

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. O vosa vakavalagi?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Oqo

    This

    Usage

    Point at something right in front of you

22. Oqori

    That (near you)

    Usage

    Point at something near the listener

23. Oya

    That over there

    Usage

    Point at something further away

24. Eke

    Here

    Usage

    Point at a place

25. Au

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself to make clear who you mean

26. Iko

    You

    Usage

    Point at the other person to make clear who you mean

27. Vata

    Together

    Usage

    Show that you are with someone

28. E dua na tamata

    One person

    Usage

    Give the number of people

29. E rua na tamata

    Two people

    Usage

    Give the number of people

30. E tolu na tamata

    Three people

    Usage

    Give the number of people

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