Bula
/ᵐbu.la/
The Fijian word for welcome is Bula.
Bula serves as a general greeting used for both 'hello' and 'welcome' when meeting someone. It can also be used more specifically to welcome someone to a place, such as in the phrase Bula vinaka mai Viti!, which means 'welcome to Fiji'.
Meaning: greeting given upon someone's arrival (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Bula literally means 'life'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ᵐbu.la/. The word has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In a modern context, the Fijian word bula has been used as a calque of the English word 'save' when referring to saving money.
- In a Fijian context, a warm 'welcome' is often accompanied by a traditional 'sevusevu' ceremony involving kava, rather than just the spoken word.
- The word Bula can be used to describe a person who is alive or the state of being healthy.
Examples in context
- Bula!Welcome!
Example conversation
Jone greets Mere at the airport.
- JoneBula, Mere!Welcome, Mere!
- MereBula, Jone!Hello, Jone!
- JoneSa vinaka ni qai tiko mai.It is good that you are here.
- MereVinaka vakalevu.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry bula.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
