How to Say “What” in Fijian

Hello and welcome to this guide on how to say “what” in Fijian! Learning how to communicate in the local language can greatly enhance your travel experience and help you connect with the people of Fiji on a deeper level. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “what” in Fijian, as well as provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “What” in Fijian

When addressing someone formally or in a respectful manner, you can use the following phrases to ask “what” or “excuse me” in Fijian:

1. “Kere” or “Bula kere”: This is the most common and polite way to ask “what” in Fijian. It can be used in various situations, such as when seeking information or politely interrupting someone.

Here are a few examples of using “kere” in formal contexts:

Example 1:
Person A: “Bula kere, sa soli tiko na nomu tau?” (Excuse me, have you seen your dog?)
Person B: “Sega, lako sobu na noqu tau.” (No, my dog went down.)

Example 2:
Person A: “Kere, sa dua na gauna ka oti, o cei me kusarawa?” (Excuse me, it’s getting late, who should I call quickly?)
Person B: “O cei tiko sa noqu tau.” (My dog’s the one you should call.)

Informal Ways to Say “What” in Fijian

When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use the following phrases to ask “what” informally:

1. “Sai”: This is a casual and commonly used way to say “what” among friends or in informal conversations.

Here are a few examples of using “sai” in informal contexts:

Example 1:
Person A: “Sai, sa moce noqu canaka mai daku.” (Hey, what did my friend bring from town?)
Person B: “A, sa kau dina na nomu canaka, ni ra maroroi nai yau.” (Oh, your friend brought some supplies for us.)

Example 2:
Person A: “Sai, sa sega ni yaco mai nai sosomi.” (Hey, what happened to the party?)
Person B: “Sa lade tiko na cagi e na magiti, ni ra moce tani ga.” (The wind is strong at the venue, so they postponed it.)

Regional Variations

Fiji consists of several regions, each with its own dialect or slight variations in language. While the phrases mentioned above are generally understood across Fiji, there might be some regional differences in the way “what” is expressed. However, these variations are minimal, and the formal and informal phrases mentioned earlier should still suffice in most situations.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to remember when using the word “what” in Fijian:

1. Politeness is key: Fijian culture places a strong emphasis on respect and politeness. When asking “what,” be sure to use a polite tone and consider the context of the situation.
2. Non-verbal cues: Pay attention to non-verbal cues and body language when asking “what” in Fijian. Sometimes a simple gesture or expression can convey your question even without speaking.
3. Practice pronunciation: Take the time to practice pronouncing “what” in Fijian. This will not only help you be understood better but also show your respect for the language and culture.
4. Build on your vocabulary: Learning additional Fijian words and phrases will greatly enhance your ability to communicate. Use online resources, language apps, or interact with locals to expand your vocabulary.

Remember, learning a few local phrases goes a long way in connecting with the people and culture of Fiji. So, practice and embrace the Fijian language during your stay, and immerse yourself in this beautiful island nation!