maniki
The Fijian word for monkey is maniki.
The term maniki is used to refer to a primate.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Did you know?
- There are no native monkeys in Fiji, so the word maniki is used to describe animals introduced from other regions or seen in zoos.
- Because Fiji has no native primates, the word maniki is often used as a playful or teasing label for a child who is being mischievous.
- Fijian is an Austronesian language, meaning maniki shares a distant ancestral root with languages spoken from Madagascar to Hawaii.
Example conversation
Sereana and Isoa are looking at animals at a zoo.
- SereanaNi lua na maniki e oke vata.There are two monkeys playing together.
- IsoaEra sa qai qilai sara.They are very clever.
- SereanaNa maniki oya e cakacaka vakalevu.That monkey is very active.
- IsoaIo, era sa qai rura vaka ca.Yes, they are acting naughty.
