How to Say “Please” in Tahitian

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maita
The Tahitian word for "please" is maita.
maita is used as an interjection to make a polite request.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)

Did you know?

  • The word maita is closely related to the word for 'good' or 'well', suggesting that a polite request is essentially making the situation 'good'.
  • The concept of politeness in Tahiti is deeply tied to the idea of 'honor' and 'respect', which is a much broader social pillar than the English 'please'.
  • Because Tahitian evolved from Proto-Polynesian, maita shares distant linguistic roots with words for 'good' across other Pacific islands like Hawaii and Samoa.

Example conversation

Vairupe is asking Tahi for help in the kitchen.

  1. Vairupe

    Maita, āpu'u mai te vai.
    Please, pour the water.
  2. Tahi

    Ā eia, Vairupe.
    Yes, Vairupe.
  3. Vairupe

    Maita, āpu'u i te tāmā'a.
    Please, pour the juice too.
  4. Tahi

    I'ia, e tāmā'ia au.
    Okay, I will take care of it.
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Ruth Christine
Ruth ChristineHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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