vale lailai
The Fijian word for toilet is vale lailai.
vale lailai refers to a fixture used for urination and defecation.
Meaning: fixture used for urination and defecation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vale lailai literally means small house.
Is it said differently in some regions?
On the island of Vanua Levu, locals may refer to the toilet as bure ni wai.
Did you know?
- The term vale lailai is often used to practice vaka-turaga, a cultural concept of behaving and speaking with the dignity of a chief.
- In traditional villages, the vale lailai is not just a room but a distinct building placed far from the family home to keep spiritual and physical impurities separate.
- The word vale descends from the Proto-Austronesian root balay, linking the Fijian word for 'house' to similar terms used across thousands of islands in the Pacific.
Examples in context
- Au na lako ki na vale lailai.I am going to the toilet.
- Sa tiko na vale lailai e mata.The toilet is in front.
Example conversation
Semi and Mere are at a friend's house.
- SemiMere, e vei na vale lailai?Mere, where is the toilet?
- MereE tiko ena rua ni koro.It is at the end of the house.
- SemiVinaka, au na lako oqo.Thank you, I will go now.
- MereSega na leqa, Semi.No problem, Semi.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
