sega
The English word 'no' is translated into Fijian as sega.
sega is used as a particle to express simple negation, such as answering 'no' to a question or showing disagreement.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While sega acts as a particle for the word 'no', the related form segai is used as a determiner meaning 'not any' or 'none'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
sega is the particle used for simple negation, whereas segai functions as a determiner meaning 'not any'.
Did you know?
- The particle sega is actually a contraction of two smaller words: se, meaning 'or', and ga, meaning 'but' or 'only'.
- While sega is the standard 'no', in some traditional Fijian village settings, a long silence or a vague answer is preferred over a direct sega to avoid causing loss of face.
- In many Fijian dialects, the way you pronounce or tone the negation can signal whether you are being blunt or politely declining.
Examples in context
- Sega, au na lako tani.No, I will go away.
- O vinakata na ti?
Sega, vinaka.Do you want tea?
No, thank you. - Sega, vinaka.No, thank you.
Example conversation
Teresia and Sairusa are talking about a task.
- TeresiaO sa vakacava na cakacaka, Sairusa?How is the work, Sairusa?
- SairusaSega, au sega ni vakacava.No, I haven't done anything.
- TeresiaO sega ni via vukei au?Do you not want to help me?
- SairusaSega, au na vukei iko nikua.No, I will help you today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries sega, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sega, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
