buna
The Fijian word for grandmother is buna.
The term refers to the mother of one's parent.
Meaning: mother of someone's parent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While buna is the standard term, Bubu is also used in an informal context.
Did you know?
- The concept of 'veivakaturaga' means that calling a grandmother by her given name is often considered a social taboo.
- In some island groups, different words for 'grandmother' may be used to distinguish between a maternal and a paternal grandmother.
- Using the term Bubu is an essential part of the 'veivakaturaga' custom, which is the practice of showing respect and acknowledging the dignity of elders.
Examples in context
- Au vola mai vei kemuni, ka sa mai bula vakalevu vei Bubu?I am writing to you, how are you doing, Bubu?
Example conversation
Jone and Mere are looking at an old family photograph.
- JoneO cei na yaqona o qori?Who is that woman?
- MereOya na noqu buna.That is my grandmother.
- JoneE sa qai vakaikViki na nodu iyalayala.Her picture looks very old.
- MereIo, e sa qase na noqu buna.Yes, my grandmother is now elderly.
