Ni sa bula mai Viti
The English phrase "welcome to Fiji" is translated into Fijian as Ni sa bula mai Viti.
This phrase is a greeting used specifically to welcome someone who has just arrived in Fiji. The core component, Bula, is a versatile word that can mean hello, welcome, life or to live.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ni sa bula (a respectful greeting) and mai Viti (from or to Fiji).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The inclusion of Ni sa makes this greeting a polite version suitable for formal settings or when addressing strangers.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, Viti is the word used for the country of Fiji itself.
Did you know?
- While bula is a friendly greeting, it is also used as a verb meaning 'to save money' through a linguistic borrowing from the English word 'save'.
Examples in context
- Ni sa bula mai Viti!Welcome to Fiji!
- Sereana, ni sa bula mai Viti.Sereana, welcome to Fiji.
Example conversation
Sereana greets Semi at the airport.
- SereanaNi sa bula mai Viti, Semi!Welcome to Fiji, Semi!
- SemiVinaka, Sereana!Thank you, Sereana!
- SereanaO sa marau meda rairai.We are happy to see you.
- SemiAu sa marau talega.I am happy too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Viti, bula, mai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
