vinaka
/βi.na.ka/
The Fijian word for "good" is vinaka.
vinaka is an adjective used to describe something that is pleasant or enjoyable.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While vinaka functions as the adjective for "good" or "pleasant", it is also the standard way to express gratitude. For a more formal or emphasized way to say "thank you", speakers often use vinaka vakalevu.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "very good" or to express that something is done "very much", you add vakalevu after vinaka to form vinaka vakalevu.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /βi.na.ka/.
Did you know?
- While vinaka means 'good', the concept of goodness in Fijian culture is deeply tied to 'veivakaturaga', which describes the act of showing respect and generosity to others.
- The word vinaka is so central to social harmony that it is often used as a way to signal politeness and softness in speech during sensitive conversations.
- When saying vinaka to express gratitude, it is common to accompany the word with a slight nod of the head or a smile to convey sincerity and warmth.
Examples in context
- E vinaka na kakana.The food is good.This sentence shows how to describe food using vinaka.
- E vinaka vakalevu.It's very good.This sentence demonstrates how to say something is very good using vinaka.
- ni sa yadra vinakaGood morning
- Bula, au sa vinaka.Hello, I am well.
Example conversation
Mere and Isoa are talking about the weather.
- MereE vinaka na siga nikua, sa no?The day is pleasant today, isn't it?
- IsoaIo, e vinaka sara.Yes, it is very enjoyable.
- MereMe da lako tani.Let's go outside.
- IsoaSega na leqa, me da lako.No problem, let's go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vinaka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
