Shopping

1. E vica na ilavo?

   E vi-tha na i-la-vo

   How much is it?

   Usage

   Essential phrase at markets and souvenir shops. Fijian currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD).

   Grammar Note

   "c" = "th" so "vica" = "vi-tha". "Ilavo" = money. Prices in Fijian markets are usually fixed.

2. Au via volia na...

   Au vi-a vo-li-a na...

   I want to buy...

   Usage

   "Volia" means "to buy". It is a different word from "solia" (to give), so do not confuse them.

   Grammar Note

   "Volia" has the transitive suffix "-ia" (stem voli = to trade/buy). Fijian transitive verbs often take "-a", "-ia", or "-va" endings.

3. E rawa ni cici cake?

   E ra-wa ni thi-thi tha-ke

   Can you give a discount?

   Usage

   At craft markets or local stalls, negotiation may be possible. Ask politely.

   Grammar Note

   "c" = "th". Polite negotiation with a smile is the Fijian way. Fixed price shops will decline gracefully.

4. Tabua

   Tam-bu-a

   Tabua (sperm whale tooth, traditional gift)

   Usage

   The most sacred gift in Fijian culture. Used at weddings, funerals, and diplomatic occasions.

   Grammar Note

   "b" = "mb" so "tabua" = "tam-bua". The most valuable traditional gift in Fiji. Only heirlooms are used today due to whale protection laws.

5. Masi

   Ma-si

   Masi (tapa cloth, traditional bark cloth)

   Usage

   Traditional Fijian bark cloth with geometric patterns. Popular souvenir and ceremonial item.

   Grammar Note

   Masi is made by beating the bark of the mulberry tree. Deeply rooted in Fijian and Tongan culture. Available in souvenir shops in various sizes.

6. E tiko e vei na sitoa?

   E ti-ko e vei na si-to-a

   Where is the shop?

   Usage

   Use when looking for a supermarket or shop. "Sitoa" is borrowed from English "store".

   Grammar Note

   "E tiko e vei na ...?" is the standard "where is" question for things and places ("Ko" is the personal "you", so it is not used for objects). "Sitoa" from English. Suva and Nadi have large markets.

7. Sega, vinaka

   Se-nga vi-na-ka

   No thank you

   Usage

   Politely decline a sales pitch. Smile while saying it and vendors will understand.

   Grammar Note

   "Sega" = no. "g" = "ng" so "sega" = "se-nga". "Sega, vinaka" = no thank you (polite decline).

8. Au via volia tale

   Au vi-a vo-li-a ta-le

   I will buy another one

   Usage

   When buying another of the same item. "Tale" = again/another.

   Grammar Note

   "Tale" = again/another (same word as in "sota tale" = see you again). "Tale dua" = one more.

9. E levu duadua?

   E le-vu ndu-a-ndu-a

   Is that all? / Only this?

   Usage

   Used by shop staff to confirm before totaling the bill.

   Grammar Note

   "Levu" = big, but in context means "is that all". "Duadua" = reduplication of "dua" (one) = only/alone.

10. Vakacegu mai

    Va-ka-the-ngu mai

    Welcome (come this way)

    Usage

    Shop greeting for customers. "Bula! Vakacegu mai!" = Hello! Welcome! is the standard greeting.

    Grammar Note

    "c" = "th". "Cegu" = "the-ngu". "Mai" = towards the speaker (come here). Common warm shop greeting.

11. Au sega ni vinakata na risiti

    Au se-nga ni vi-na-ka-ta na ri-si-ti

    I don't need a receipt

    Usage

    Used to decline a receipt when it is offered. In small Fijian shops declining verbally is normal.

    Grammar Note

    "Sega ni" is the standard negation. "g" = "ng", so "sega" = "se-nga". "Vinakata" is the transitive verb built on "vinaka" (good), meaning "to want (something)"; its object takes the article "na".

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