moce mada ena vakacegu
To say 'rest in peace' in Fijian, you say moce mada ena vakacegu.
The phrase moce mada ena vakacegu is used as a respectful way to express condolences or to wish peace upon the deceased.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of moce (sleep/rest), mada (a particle used for politeness or to soften a command), ena (in) and vakacegu (peace/rest/relief).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb moce, which literally means 'to sleep' but is used idiomatically to mean 'to rest' or 'to depart' in a funerary context.
Did you know?
- The word moce is used for both the eternal rest of the deceased and as a common way to say 'goodbye' to friends and family.
- The word moce is a linguistic relative of the Māori word moe and the Tongan word mohe.
- In Fijian culture, the concept of 'peace' in vakacegu is deeply tied to the idea of relief from labor or stress.
Example conversation
Isoa and Mere are visiting a gravesite to pay their respects.
- IsoaSega na cake ni dau vakacegu.There is no end to the peace.
- MereIo, moce mada ena vakacegu na ituvaki.Yes, may the soul rest in peace.
- IsoaEna vaka ca ga na nona veisau.His transition will be peaceful.
- MereMe vakacegu tiko na loma.May the heart be at peace.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moce, CC BY-SA 4.0.
