‘Ia ‘oa‘oa i tō ‘oe mahana fānaura‘a
To say happy birthday in Tahitian, use ‘Ia ‘oa‘oa i tō ‘oe mahana fānaura‘a.
This phrase is used to wish someone well on their birthday.
Meaning: good wishes for a birthday (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means may your birthday be joyful, or may there be joy in your birthday.
When do people say it?
A birthday greeting often begins with ‘Ia ora na, the common Tahitian greeting used to start any social exchange.
Did you know?
- While ‘Ia ora na is used to start the birthday greeting, it literally translates to 'may you live' or 'may you be healthy'. This makes the entire birthday wish a series of blessings for long life and joy.
- The word mahana, meaning 'day', is also the word for 'sun' in many Polynesian contexts, reflecting the inseparable connection between time and the sun's passage.
- While 'happy' is expressed through ‘oa‘oa, this root is also used to describe the feeling of profound, soulful satisfaction found in communal activities.
Example conversation
Moani is greeting Tahi on his birthday.
- Moani‘Ia ‘oa‘oa i tō ‘oe mahana fānaura‘a, Tahi!Happy birthday, Tahi!
- TahiMāuruuru roa, Moani!Thank you very much, Moani!
- MoaniE ‘āia tō ‘oe mahana fānaura‘a?How is your birthday going?
- Tahi‘E farē maita‘i tō‘u mahana.My day is going very well.
