Language Learning

1. Na cava na vosa vaka-Viti ni "vinaka"?

   How do you say "thank you" in Fijian?

   Usage

   Used to ask for a basic expression in Fijian

   Grammar Note

   "vaka-" is a prefix meaning "in the manner of / in the language of". "Viti" is the local name for Fiji

2. Talanoa malua, yalo vinaka.

   Please speak more slowly.

   Usage

   A polite request to slow down speech in Fijian

   Grammar Note

   "yalo vinaka" literally means "kind heart" and is a polite formulaic expression

3. E rawa ni o vola vei au?

   Can you write that down for me?

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to write something down

   Grammar Note

   "To write" is vola (intransitive volavola). "Vei au" is "to me / for me". "E rawa ni o …?" asks "can you …?"

4. Na cava na ibalebale ni vosa oqo?

   What does this word mean?

   Usage

   Used to ask the meaning of a Fijian word

   Grammar Note

   Fijian typically places "na" before nouns, functioning somewhat like a definite article

5. Au dau vuli vaka-Viti — e rawa ni da vuli vata?

   I'm studying Fijian — can we practice together?

   Usage

   Used to find a Fijian language practice partner

   Grammar Note

   Fijian distinguishes inclusive "we" (keda; da before a verb) from exclusive "we" (keimami, and keitou for exactly three excluding you). Because the speaker invites the listener to practice together, the inclusive "da" is used

6. Na vosa oqo e tukuni vakacava?

   How do you pronounce this?

   Usage

   Used to confirm pronunciation in Fijian

   Grammar Note

   Fijian orthography differs from English: b=mb, d=nd, g=ng, q=ngg

7. E rawa ni o tukuna vei au e dua na iyaya vinaka ni vuli vosa?

   Can you recommend a good language learning resource?

   Usage

   Used to ask for recommendations for Fijian learning materials

   Grammar Note

   Standard Fijian (Bauan) is the official form and the base for many regional dialects

8. E vaka cava na vosa vakayavusa mai ikei?

   What is the local dialect like?

   Usage

   Used to inquire about regional variation in Fijian

   Grammar Note

   Fiji has many tribal and regional dialects with varying vocabulary and pronunciation

9. E tiko ikei e dua na veivosaki ni vuli vosa?

   Is there a language exchange event here?

   Usage

   Used to look for language exchange events locally

   Grammar Note

   "Veivosaki" is the reciprocal prefix "vei-" plus vosa (speak): talking with one another. Ask whether something is here with "E tiko ikei …"

10. Au sa tekivu ga ni vuli — yalo vinaka, vosota kei au!

    I'm a beginner — please be patient with me!

    Usage

    Used to say you are a beginner and ask for patience in Fijian

    Grammar Note

    "Tekivu" is "begin", "ga" adds "just / only", and "vosota" is "be patient". "Yalo vinaka" makes the request polite

Browse all TravelPhrases languages