Question Words

1. A cava?

   What?

   Usage

   Works on its own; point at the thing as you say it

2. I vei?

   Where?

   Usage

   Ask for a place; add a place or object name in front to make a sentence

3. Ena gauna cava?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times and opening hours

4. O cei?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who is in charge or whose something is

5. Baleta na cava?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; in some languages it sounds blunt, so smile

6. Vakacava?

   How?

   Usage

   For how to get somewhere or how to use something

7. E vica?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks a count; hold up fingers to confirm the number

8. E vica na kena isau?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The core shopping question; ask them to show the figure on a calculator

9. E dua cava?

   Which one?

   Usage

   When you need someone to pick from several options

10. Na cava oqo?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at an unfamiliar item in a market or eatery

11. E tiko e vei na vale lailai?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used travel questions — memorise it whole

12. Sa vica na kaloko?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Ask the time; having them show a clock face avoids number confusion

13. E tiko vei iko?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or vacancy; put it after the name of the thing

14. O rawa ni cakava?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Checks whether a request is possible; also opens a price negotiation

15. E dua na isau?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    For luggage storage, Wi-Fi, or entry — check before you use it

16. E sega na isau?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirm that a sample, a bottle of water, or a service costs nothing

17. E vinaka?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    For asking permission; use it with a pointing gesture

18. E sega ni vinaka?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    For double-checking after being turned down

19. O sa vinaka?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Checking on someone's wellbeing

20. E dina?

    Really?

    Usage

    A quick check when something surprises you

21. O lako mai vei?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

22. O cei na yacamu?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

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