Namaste
everyday, Fiji
In Fiji Hindi a common way to say "hello" is Namaste. Indo-Fijians also say Ram Ram, and everyone in Fiji, whatever language they speak, can greet with the Fijian Bula.
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Note |
|---|---|
| Namaste | everyday, Fiji |
| Ram Ram | traditional |
| Bula | Fijian |
Namaste works with all ages and often goes with a small bow and folded hands. Ram Ram is a traditional Hindu greeting.
Which one should you use?
Bula is Fijian rather than Fiji Hindi, but it is the national greeting of Fiji and Indo-Fijians use it too.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Fiji Hindi is the everyday language of Indo-Fijians, the descendants of workers brought to Fiji from India between 1879 and 1916. It grew out of Hindi varieties and differs from standard Hindi in vocabulary and grammar.
Did you know?
- The Fijian word Bula literally means "life" and is used as a greeting all over Fiji.
Examples in context
- Namaste, chacha.Hello, uncle.
- Ram Ram, bhai.Hello, brother.
- Bula, namaste.Hello, namaste.
Example conversation
Raj greets his neighbor Sunita in the street in Suva.
- RajNamaste, Sunita didi.Hello, Sunita, older sister.
- SunitaNamaste, Raj. Bula!Hello, Raj. Bula!
- RajBula, didi.Bula, sister.
