wati
The Fijian word for wife is wati.
wati is used to refer to a female partner in a marriage.
Meaning: female partner in a marriage (noun)
Did you know?
- The concept of 'wife' in Fijian history is tied to the 'tabua' or whale's tooth, which was often presented as a ceremonial gift to seal a marriage contract.
- In traditional Fijian society, wati was not always monogamous, as polygyny was practiced among chiefs and high-ranking men to forge political alliances between clans.
- Fijian kinship terms are often reciprocal, meaning wati functions as a mirrored term for any spouse regardless of who is speaking.
Examples in context
- Sa qai mai na wati.The wife has arrived.
Example conversation
Semi is introducing his partner to Mere.
- MereO cei koya, Semi?Who is she, Semi?
- SemiO koya na noqu wati.She is my wife.
- MereSa dredre na nomu wati?Is your wife kind?
- SemiIo, e vinaka cake vaka liu.Yes, she is very good.
