kana vinaka
In Fijian, the English phrase "yummy" is expressed as kana vinaka.
While kana vinaka is used idiomatically to mean that food is delicious, its literal meaning is to "eat well".
Meaning: delicious (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "the food is delicious" or "the food is good", you can use the structure sa vinaka na kai.
Did you know?
- Because vinaka means both 'good' and 'thank you', saying it after a meal serves as both a compliment to the chef and an expression of gratitude.
- The word kana is found in many other Pacific languages due to its ancient Proto-Oceanic roots. This makes the core of the 'yummy' phrase recognizable to many sailors and travelers in the region.
- Because kana vinaka translates to 'eat well', saying it to a host might be interpreted as a compliment to their hospitality rather than just a comment on the flavor.
Example conversation
Sairusa and Teresia are eating lunch together.
- SairusaTeresia, sa kana vinaka na lovo qo.Teresia, this earth-oven food is delicious.
- TeresiaIo, sa kana vinaka meda kania.Yes, it is delicious for us to eat.
- SairusaO cei era cakava qo?Who made this?
- TeresiaNa noda gone na cakava.Our children made it.
