lako mai
The Fijian verb for 'come' is lako mai.
lako mai is used to describe the action of arriving or appearing.
Meaning: to arrive, to appear (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb lako, which means 'to go' and the directional particle mai, which means 'towards the speaker'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Fijian, the verb for 'come' is constructed by combining a verb of motion with a directional particle that indicates movement toward the speaker.
Did you know?
- The word mai is a linguistic survivor from Proto-Austronesian, a language family that spans from Madagascar to Easter Island.
- In traditional Fijian culture, the direction of movement and the relative position of people are critical for social etiquette and navigation.
- If you were to use lako without the particle mai, you would likely be telling someone to 'go' away from you rather than 'come' to you.
Examples in context
- Lako mai na gone!The child is coming!
- E lako mai na kalewati.The woman is coming.
- Lako mai na solomuni.The rain is coming.
Example conversation
Mere is waiting for Isoa to join her at a table.
- MereIsoa, lako mai oya!Isoa, come over here!
- IsoaAu lako mai tukuna.I am coming now.
- MereKerekere, lako mai vaka leva.Please, come quickly.
- IsoaAu sa lako mai.I have arrived.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
