Directions

1. E tiko e vei na ...?

   Where is the ...?

   Usage

   Basic phrase for asking the location of any place

   Grammar Note

   In Fijian, the verb "tiko" (to be) comes first: "e tiko vei" means "is where?" — the subject follows.

2. Lako dodonu.

   Go straight ahead.

   Usage

   When directing someone to go straight

   Grammar Note

   "Dodonu" means straight, right. "Lako dodonu" is going straight ahead.

3. Vuki ki na imawi.

   Turn to the left.

   Usage

   When directing someone to turn left

   Grammar Note

   "Vuki" means to turn, "ki" marks the direction of movement, and left is "imawi". This pairs with "Vuki ki na matau" for turning right. "Dolava" means to open (a door), not to turn.

4. Vuki ki na matau.

   Turn to the right.

   Usage

   When directing someone to turn right

   Grammar Note

   Right is "matau". Turning is "vuki"; "dolava" means to open a door, not to turn. "Ki" marks direction of movement, paired with "mai" (towards here).

5. E yawa vakacava?

   How far is it?

   Usage

   When checking the distance to a destination

   Grammar Note

   The prefix "vaka-" indicates manner or degree. "Vakacava" means "how/to what extent" as an interrogative adverb.

6. Au a sese.

   I am lost.

   Usage

   When asking for help after getting lost

   Grammar Note

   Being lost is "sese" (wandering about; astray). "A" is the past aspect marker.

7. E liu mai na sitoa.

   It is in front of the shop.

   Usage

   When describing a location using a landmark

   Grammar Note

   "Liu mai" means "in front/ahead." The directional "mai" emphasizes proximity to the speaker's side.

8. Na basi oqo e lako ki ivei?

   Where does this bus go?

   Usage

   When checking the destination of a bus

   Grammar Note

   Fijian's basic order is VOS (verb-object-subject); here the subject "na basi" (the bus) is topicalized to the front. "Lako" (to go) is the verb.

9. E vica na miniti na taubale ki kea?

   How many minutes does it take to walk?

   Usage

   When asking how long it takes to walk to a destination

   Grammar Note

   Walking is "taubale" and a minute is "miniti". "E vica na …?" asks how many.

10. Vosota sara, o sa kila na vanua oya?

    Excuse me, do you know that place?

    Usage

    When asking a local if they know the location of a place

    Grammar Note

    "Vosota sara" is a polite apologetic expression meaning "I'm sorry to bother you." "Sa" is a present-state aspect marker.

11. Na imatau

    Right

    Usage

    One word works even in a moving taxi

12. Na imawi

    Left

    Usage

    One word works even in a moving taxi

13. Lako dodonu

    Straight ahead

    Usage

    One word works even in a moving taxi

14. Lesu tale

    Go back

    Usage

    Show it when the driver has gone the wrong way

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