Bula
/ᵐbu.la/
In Fijian, "hi" is expressed as Bula.
Bula is used as a standard greeting for both "hi" and "hello".
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Bula literally means "life".
How do you pronounce it?
/ᵐbu.la/
When do people say it?
When addressing elders or people in authoritative positions, it is customary to use titles: Marama for a woman and Turaga for a man.
Did you know?
- In addition to 'hello', Bula can be used in a financial context to mean 'to save money'.
- In Fiji, you will often hear the greeting repeated as Bula bula to express extra warmth or enthusiasm.
- While Bula is the standard greeting, it is common in Fiji to accompany the word with a wide, genuine smile as a cultural requirement of friendliness.
Examples in context
- Bula!Hi!
- Bula vei kemudou!Hi to you all!
Example conversation
Isoa walks into the village community hall where Mere is working.
- IsoaBula, Mere!Hi, Mere!
- MereBula, Isoa!Hi, Isoa!
- IsoaO sa tiko vinaka?Are you doing well?
- MereIo, au sa vinaka.Yes, I am well.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry bula.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
