tukai
The Fijian word for grandfather is tukai.
The term tukai is a noun used to refer to a grandfather from either the maternal or paternal side of a person's family.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Did you know?
- While tukai means grandfather, the word can be used as a term of deep respect for any elderly man in a village, even if there is no blood relation.
- In certain traditional settings, the respect shown to a tukai is reflected in the physical way you sit or stand when speaking to him. The word itself carries an unspoken requirement for specific body language.
- If you were to use tukai in a formal chiefly ceremony, you would likely use a more ceremonial variant to honor the person's rank.
Examples in context
- O koya na noqu tukai.He is my grandfather.
- Sa mai tukai na noqu.My grandfather has arrived.
Example conversation
Teresia and Jone are looking at an old family photograph.
- TeresiaO cei na tukai erai na wanikau?Who is the grandfather in this photo?
- JoneO koya na no tukai, Teresia.He is your grandfather, Teresia.
- TeresiaE sa kaukau na nona matana.His eyes are very sharp.
- JoneIo, e sa qelele mada.Yes, he is already old.
