bula
/ᵐbu.la/
The Fijian word for "hello" is bula.
bula is used as a general greeting to say hello.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word bula literally means "life".
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ᵐbu.la/.
When do people say it?
When saying bula, it is customary to make eye contact and often accompany the word with a warm smile or a nod.
Did you know?
- Fijian has a specific use of bula to describe saving money, which is a direct translation of the English 'save'.
- In some contexts, bula can be used as a toast similar to 'cheers' in English, invoking the concept of life and health.
- While bula is the standard greeting, it is common to say it multiple times in a row, such as bula bula, to show extra warmth or enthusiasm.
Examples in context
- Bula!Hello!
- Bula vinaka.Hello, a polite greeting.
- Ni sa bula.Hello, a formal greeting.
Example conversation
Sereana and Sairusa meet on a village path.
- SereanaBula, Sairusa!Hello, Sairusa!
- SairusaBula, Sereana!Hello, Sereana!
- SereanaO sa bula vinaka?Are you doing well?
- SairusaIo, au sa bula vinaka.Yes, I am doing well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries bula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
