vanuinui vinaka e nomu volau
The Fijian phrase for "have a safe trip" is vanuinui vinaka e nomu volau.
Did you know?
- Fijian is an Austronesian language, meaning the root concepts of travel and navigation found in volau are distantly related to words used in languages as far away as Madagascar.
- In Fiji, wishing someone a safe trip is often accompanied by a warm, heartfelt hug or a handshake, reflecting the culture's strong emphasis on community and physical connection.
- The term volau reflects a cultural history where the most significant journeys were made by double-hulled canoes called drua, which were among the fastest vessels in the Pacific.
Example conversation
Semi and Mere are saying goodbye at the airport.
- SemiSota tale, Mere!See you later, Mere!
- MereSota tale, Semi!See you later, Semi!
- SemiVanuinui vinaka e nomu volau.Have a safe trip.
- MereVinaka vakalevu!Thank you very much!
