Cooking & Markets

1. E tiko e vei na makete ni vanua?

   Where is the local market?

   Usage

   Used when looking for fresh local produce

   Grammar Note

   Fijian uses VOS word order with the verb in first position. "e" is a pre-verbal particle

2. Na cava na yacana na kakana oqo?

   What is this ingredient called?

   Usage

   Used to ask the name of an unfamiliar ingredient

   Grammar Note

   "Na cava" is the Fijian interrogative expression meaning "what"

3. E gaga sara na kakana oqo?

   Is this dish very spicy?

   Usage

   Used to check whether a dish is very spicy

   Grammar Note

   Pungent/spicy is "gaga". "Cila" means "to shine" (of the sun or moon), nothing to do with taste. "Sara" is the intensifier "very/really".

4. Yalovinaka mo tukuna mai e dua na cooking class vinaka.

   Can you recommend a cooking class?

   Usage

   Used when seeking a cooking class recommendation

   Grammar Note

   Politeness in Fijian is expressed through specific vocabulary and structures

5. E vakatikina vakacava na kakana oqo?

   How do you prepare this dish?

   Usage

   Used to ask how to prepare a dish

   Grammar Note

   "vakacava" is the Fijian interrogative adverb meaning "how"

6. E tiko e vei na vegetable vou e rawa ni volia?

   Where can I buy fresh vegetables?

   Usage

   Used to find where to buy fresh produce

   Grammar Note

   "rawa" is a Fijian modal expressing ability or possibility

7. Au via kila me cook na kakana ni vanua oqo.

   I'd like to learn to cook local food.

   Usage

   Expresses interest in learning local cuisine

   Grammar Note

   "via" is a Fijian desiderative modal meaning "want to"

8. E tiko na ka ni kakana e sega ni yago ni manumanu?

   Do you have vegetarian ingredients?

   Usage

   Used when looking for plant-based ingredients

   Grammar Note

   "sega" is the Fijian negation word meaning "no/not"

9. Na cava na spice e vakayagataki ena kakana oqo?

   What spices are used in this dish?

   Usage

   Used to inquire about spices in a dish

   Grammar Note

   Fijian has many English loanwords in its modern vocabulary

10. E rawa ni au tovolea?

    Can I try a sample?

    Usage

    Used at markets or food shops to request a taste

    Grammar Note

    "E rawa ni au ~?" asks for ability or permission. To taste is tovolea

11. Na masima

    Salt

    Usage

    Ask for seasoning or check an ingredient

12. Na suka

    Sugar

    Usage

    Ask for seasoning or check an ingredient

13. Na bata

    Butter

    Usage

    Check for dairy or order it

14. Na supu

    Soup

    Usage

    Use when ordering

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