Slang

1. Bula

   Hello / life

   Usage

   Safe with anyone; it literally means "life", and serves as both a greeting and a drinking toast. "Bula vinaka" is the polite version

2. Vanua

   The land and its people

   Usage

   Safe with anyone, but not a word to joke with; it fuses land, community, and belonging into one concept

3. Turaga

   Sir / chief

   Usage

   A polite way to address an adult man; using it for older men and village officials always lands well

4. Marama

   Madam / lady

   Usage

   The counterpart of "turaga", a polite address for an adult woman; fine in shops and hotels

5. Tabu

   Sacred / forbidden

   Usage

   The source of English "taboo"; where it is posted, obey it, and never use it jokingly

6. Tanoa

   Kava bowl

   Usage

   Safe with anyone; the big wooden bowl at the centre of a kava (yaqona) session. Never step over it

Browse all TravelPhrases languages