Māuruuru
Tahitian, everyday
In French Polynesia you can say Māuruuru in Tahitian for "thank you", and Māuruuru roa for "thank you very much". The official language is French, so Merci is understood as well.
Meaning: expression of thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Māuruuru | Tahitian, everyday |
| Māuruuru roa | Tahitian, strong thanks |
| Merci | French |
Visitors who use Māuruuru often get a warm smile. The word roa adds the meaning of "very" or "greatly".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Other Polynesian islands in French Polynesia have related languages, and Tahitian is the one most widely heard in Papeete.
How do you pronounce it?
The mark over the ā shows a long vowel. Say each vowel in Māuruuru clearly: "MAH-oo-roo-oo-roo".
Did you know?
- Tahitian and French are both spoken in daily life in French Polynesia, and many people move between the two.
Examples in context
- Māuruuru.Thank you.
- Merci beaucoup.Thank you very much (in French).
Example conversation
Teva hands a fresh coconut to a visitor, Claire, at a market in Papeete.
- TevaBonjour, voici votre noix de coco.Hello, here is your coconut.
- ClaireMāuruuru roa.Thank you very much.
- TevaAita e peapea.No problem.
