dabe
The Fijian verb for "sit" is dabe.
dabe is used to describe a person being in a position where the upper body is upright and the legs are supported.
Meaning: of a person, be in a position in which the upper body is upright and the legs are supported (verb)
Did you know?
- In some village contexts, it is considered disrespectful to dabe at a level higher than the chief, even if the surface is a natural rock or slope.
- The word dabe can function as a noun meaning 'a sitting', which refers specifically to a formal assembly or a traditional meeting of chiefs.
- While English speakers use 'sit' for both people and objects, in Fijian, one must be careful to use the correct verb for inanimate objects like chairs.
Examples in context
- Dabe mai na luvotu.Sit on the mat.
- Ena dabe tale.He will sit again.
Example conversation
Sairusa and Adi are relaxing in the village shade.
- SairusaAdi, dabe mai.Adi, come sit here.
- AdiVinaka, Sairusa. Au sa dabe.Thank you, Sairusa. I am sitting.
- SairusaDabe vinaka e na luvotu.Sit comfortably on the mat.
- AdiIo, sa vinaka sara.Yes, it is very good.
