Fijian Idioms: Na ivosavosa
vakaviti
This blog provides the most
common Fijian idioms. These are phrases, sayings or a group of words that have
metaphorical meaning, which has become accepted in common usage in the Fijian
language.
Idioms have evolved and as
a result, they have become the building blocks of the Fijian language and
civilization. Fijian idioms have made the language interesting, dynamic and
bring a spectacular illustration to everyday speech.
Fijian idioms also provide
interesting insights into the use of words, and the thought processes of
speakers.
These idioms have a sense of mystery and fun.
About the Editor
Joseph Veramu BEd, MPhil, PhD (USP); MSc (London)
is a former high school teacher who later worked at the University of the South
Pacific. He also served as a Curriculum Specialist for the United Nations
Development Program and as a Social Policy Specialist for UNICEF based in the
Solomon islands. Veramu can be contacted on joseph.veramu@outlook.com
Contents
Introduction
Fijian Idioms (Listed in
Alphabetical Order)
Introduction
I regularly get asked by
visitors to Fiji, and Fijians living overseas about Fijian idioms. I have
compiled the most well-known ones in this compact book. An idiom is a phrase,
saying or a group of words that does not have a literal meaning. It is
basically a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object
or action to which it is not literally applicable. It becomes an idiom when it
has become accepted in common usage.
Idioms have positively
changed the Fijian language. They are the foundation of Fijian culture and
ethos. These idioms have generated immense interest especially amongst young
people. Idioms make a language come alive and become more dynamic. They
provide clear views on the witty and creative use of words to provide insights
into the thought processes of Fijian speakers.
So what makes idioms hard
to understand for non-Fijian speakers? The response is their “meaning”. Idioms
are not easily understand especially if one does not speak Fijian.
It is hoped that this brief
collection of Fijian idioms with explanations in English will provide useful
insights for visitors to Fiji and Fijians globally, on native speakers thought
processes and how the Fijian language is being shaped to become more functional
in our post-modern world. Fijian is becoming a dynamic living language that is
spoken not only by ethnic Fijians but by other ethnic groups who live and work
in Fiji.
Source: theidioms.com.
Accessed from the World Wide Web on 3/1/2019.
Top 11 Common Fijian Idioms
(1) Kunekune dredre
na yaloka ni dilio: Translation: It is hard to find the egg of
the dilio (Golden Plover) bird.
Meaning 1: A person has
rare qualities of integrity and positive values.
Meaning
2: Something that happens suddenly or at short notice which rarely
would happen in normal circumstances. Implies challenges of achieving it
(2) Sivi mada na
veikau qai kalu: Translation: It is best to first go past the forest before
you start whistling.
Meaning 1: It is wise to
complete your chores / tasks before you start chatting about how difficult or
easy it was.
Meaning 2: Do not be too
boastful or come to a conclusion too early.
(3) Qalova uaua na
moka: Translation: Swimming towards the fish trap at high tide.
Meaning 1: To do something
at an inappropriate time which may lead to personal life risks.
Meaning 2: Someone who is
very young and trying to act in a mature adult-like manner.
(4) Toro cake na
ua, toro cake na kolokolo: Translation: The waves rise high and
the swimmer tries to go higher
Meaning: A young person
growing up and acting in an arrogant, know-it-all way unwilling to listen to
parents, elders or mature adults for advice.
5. Lutu na niu,
lutu ki vuna: Translation: A coconut falls close to its roots
Meaning: Children’s
personality or behavior will closely imitate what they have been taught (or how
they have been reared) in their homes
6: E sega ni vuka
na kaka me biu toka na buina. Translation: The parrot will not fly leaving
its tail in its nest.
Meaning: The chief (or
leader) will not go out to an important function without his ‘matanivanua’
(spokesman); Proverb usually uttered of something that is essential.
7. Ucu ni vatu na
kena vivili or in speech “Qarauna ga, ucu ni vatu na kena vivili.” Translation:
At the edge of the rock there are shellfish.
Meaning: The girls are
there but they have someone to protect them.
8. Na dalo e tei ka
vakasulina. Translation: Taro is planted with its suckers
Meaning: Girls are fed and
brought up in homes with great affection and respect. Strongly implies that
suitors should respectfully ask parents for permission to marry their daughters
(rather than eloping)
(9) E vaka e kana
uvi kataka: Translation: It’s like he’s eating a hot piece of yam
Meaning: Someone is
speaking so fast that what s/he is saying is not clear or not intelligible.
(10) Vaka e cavu na
dalo matua. Translation: It’s like pulling matured taro from the farm.
Meaning: Refers to an
individual who responds quickly to a request without complaining. (The hard
working individual is being compared to a matured taro.)
(11) Voci vaka vudi: Translation:
It’s like peeling a (ripe or well cooked) plantain.
Meaning 1: A person’s
explanation is very clear and easily understood.
Meaning 2: Something done
very easily, quickly with no effort, such as in removing the skin of plantain
fruit, to gush forth with the whole story.
B
. baca kuita. Literally translated as
“octopus bait.” The expression is usually used when enticing someone. In
conversation, someone may ask in jest, “O iko baca cava?” What bait
(enticement) are you using? The reply is, “Na baca kuita.” This implies something
enticing that will surely succeed!
2. E sega ni dua na nomu baigani eke.
Literally translated as, “It’s none of your eggplant” meaning ‘It’s none of
your business.’
3. Vunibaka ga sa tevoro.
Literally translated as “The banyan tree is the devil!” It means that a big
person may on first impression look very impressive but beware as he can be
dangerous too.
4. mate vakabalabala. Literally
translated as “To die like a fern tree.” The idiom indicates that someone died
childless, like a fern tree (balabala). The fern that grows abundantly in
forests does not have suckers or seeds.(Editor’s Note: It grows through its
spores.)
4. Vosa mada o iko, e rovu e liu na batimu. Literally
translated as, “Please go ahead and talk, because your teeth sprouted first.”
The expression is usually said in jest when two people talk at the same time.
One will say, “Please go ahead and speak. You are my elder. Your teeth sprouted
first.”
5. Basu bawara. Literally
translated as “To break open an unopened flower shoot.” Bawara is the spathe
(unopened flower shoot) of the coconut palm. A spathe bursts open as it dries
and matures, and reveals its flowers. It means that a person (usually young)
wants to break free of discipline in the home, village or the workplace.
The Flying Fox a fruit and insect eating bat is the
inspiration of 4 idioms.
6. (Slang idiom used especially amongst young
people) beka ni bogi Literally translated as ‘the night bat”
(Slang) A person who is active only at night.
7. lako vakabeka or vuka
vakabeka. Literally translated as ”to go like a bat” or “to fly like a
bat.” It means that someone takes his own food when going on a journey or that
someone finds one’s own food and thus is not dependent on others. (Sometimes it
has subtle connotations of someone being westernized!)
8. samusamu beka means that
someone stands around idly while others are working.
9. tuvani vaka bati ni beka Literarily
translated as “Very neatly arranged like the teeth of a bat.
10. gunu wai ni bele. Literally
translated as ”To drink the boiled juice of the hibiscus spinach (bele) (which
is unpleasant!).” It means that someone is humiliated and / or being
reprimanded.
The reef heron (belo) is the subject of 2 idioms:
11. domo ni belo Literally
translated as “The cry of a heron.” It means that an individual has had a very
light meal, perhaps just a cup of tea for lunch or dinner.
12. Sa suru na belo. Literally
translated as “The heron has sneezed.” It means that the allocated work for the
day is done. It has been completed.
Fijian idioms on bici, the banded rail bird.
13. Ketekete ni bici na lomalagi translated
as “It is a fine clear sky with light strips of cloud, like the breast of the
bici.”
14. E lauta na bici na kena ikolo.
Literally translated as “The bici bird gets hit with the projectile meant for
it.” It means that someone gets a just punishment. The punishment fits the
crime.
Fijian idioms on the ‘coconut’ shell cup.
15. bilo cicila. Literally
translated as, “Like a leaky cup.” It means that someone cannot be
relied upon.
16. bilo vata (usually said
in jest as in Daru sa bilo vata or Kedaru sa
bilo vata. Usually said as a joke by a man to a woman “Let’s share the same
cup” It implies that they have much in common, and should have an intimate
relationship.
17. vakabilo (Literally translated
as “S/he has a cup.” It means that someone has occult powers derived from
pouring a cup of yaqona (kava) to an evil spirit.
Another meaning of vakabilo in a
positive sense is someone of chiefly rank who has been installed by having been
given the official cup to drink. The individual has been given the ceremonial
cup of yaqona (vagunuvi) to the chiefly position s/he has been installed
in.
18. Dui seva ga na bua ka tea:
Translation: You will reap the bua (frangipani) that you planted. Meaning: You
will reap what you sow. (Usually said when something bad happens to someone
whose evil/negative behavior may have caused it.)
19. Maca na wai ka boko na buka.
Literally translated as “There’s no more water and the fire has gone out” It
means that the cupboard is bare in the sense that there is no more kava,
tobacco, food etc.
20. vakabula ika levu Literally
translated as “The big one (fish) got away”. It means that you missed your big
chance. The big fish was saved (by escaping). .
21. kana buta Literally
translated as “to eat food that is cooked and ready.” This refers to a person
who expects to be fed or rewarded as if he had helped substantially in the work
activity.
22. Au butuka tu. Literally
translated as “I am standing (on) my ground.” This is a defiant response (said
in a good natured way) to someone from another place who is acting with
presumption. This might be said by a Vitilevu highlander to someone from the
smaller islands, a kai-yanuyanu.
23. butu cala Literally
translated as “to put one’s foot on slippery ground.” It means that someone
makes a gaffe of impropriety in traditional custom, such as speaking out of
turn in a formal situation.
C
1. kana cagi Literally
translated as “to eat wind!” It means that someone has nothing to
eat.
2. tamata vakaicaqe Literally
translated as “someone capable of kicking!” It implies that a particular
individual is an influential person. Implies that one is rich and
powerful.
3. caqe veva Literally
translated as “to kick paper around” It means “to fool around, doing nothing.”
4. Sulukui na vudi, e dua e cika? Sulukui
na vudi refers to ripening stalks of plantain that are cut and covered
with leaves on the ground but they do not deceive the kikau birds. e
dua e cika? Does someone have conjunctivitis? (That s/he is not able
to see that the ripe plantain are concealed with leaves) It means
(in conversation) ,”You are trying to hide something from me as if I cannot see
clearly.
5. malumalumu vakacikinovu Literally
translated as “looks weak like a centipede.” It means that a man may
looks harmless but is dangerous like a centipede,
6. cokacoka na vula. Literally
translated as “trying to strike the moon (vula) with a spear.” It means that
one is too ambitious, striving for the impossible, This idiom often refers to a
person desiring a certain romantic match that is impossible.
7. E dua ga na siga ni cola qele. Literally
translated as “It is only one day of carrying soil.” Meaning as expressed in a
conversation: “Let’s try hard to finish this work; we surely can finish it
today.”
8. curu vale Literally
translated as “to enter a house or to sneak into a house. Meaning: To abscond
with someone else’s spouse. Refers to a man taking another man’s wife or taking
in a mistress.
9. tamata curu-suka Literally
translated as “person entering in and out” Meaning: An offender who is
regularly in and out of prison.
D
These two idioms use the word “daba”. It refers to
mud lobsters and rock lobster crabs having their seasonal egg bearing plump
(with considerable meat) around April.
. Sa daba o iko! Meaning:
“You’re awesome, you’re great!”
2. Sa daba! Meaning: “That’s
marvelous”
3. vaka e cavu na dalo matua. Literally
translated as ‘like mature taro being pulled out of the ground easily.” It
means that something is done easily and quickly.
4. Na dalo e tei ka vakasulina. Literally
translated as “Taro is planted and has suckers.” It means that a woman has
responsible, caring parents who must be approached traditionally by a suitor
seeking her hand in marriage.
5. kena na isamu ni dawa.
Literally translated as “S/he has been struck by the projectile used to bring
down lychee fruits from the tree.” It means that someone has
suffered from someone else’s actions. .
6. Tara na dike ni niu qai kevu. Literally
translated as “touched the ‘dike’, the central branch of a bunch of coconuts
then fell.” This assumes that someone climbed a coconut tree (to get coconuts)
but quit the effort after reaching close to the (dike) goal. It means that someone
did not accomplish what he set out to do.
7. vakuli-ni-dilo: Literally translated
as ‘like the bark of a dilo tree. (Dilo is a seaside tree used for making
wooden drums, furniture, boat keel) It means that a man is very strong,
implying that he is not easily hurt and having tough
skin.
8. waiwai dilo: Literally translated as
“dilo oil.” (The dilo tree has nuts that is used for oil for body massage.) It
means “to sweet-talk someone to get what is wanted.”
9. Na nomu dodomo sa vaka e dua na tiaina
dreu. Literally translated as “Your love is like a ripe banana.” It means
that it is ‘puppy love’. It won’t last.
10. dramica na vusi Literally
translated as, “The cat licked it up” It means that some food or item is so
relished / desirable that it disappeared quickly, or something has been stolen
secretly.
11. Sa dre ko Malolo. Literally
translated as, “Malolo is pulling” or “The sun is setting.” (Malolo Island is
in the west of Vitilevu Island, off the coast of Nadi). It may mean
that something is coming to an end. It can also mean that time is being wasted
in idleness.
12. Dromu na vula, dromu vata kei na kena
kalokalo. Literally translated as. “The moon sets and its star
sets with it.” It means that the death of one individual can quickly bring on
the death of a spouse, close relative or associate.
13. Dua mai keri! Literally
translated as “Your turn!” (to speak, tell a story, entertain the group). This
is said by someone, in a pleasant tone, who has just finished telling a
yarn.
14. Dui mate ga ena nona ucu ni vatu.
Literally translated as “Each person is ready to die defending his home
territory.” It means that there is a close attachment to the land
and when cornered, a Fijian will fight to the death.
15. ucu mai duru: Literally
translated as “Taking out of the knee” or “Like a nose growing out of the knee.
It means that it is fiction, unbelievable, a tall tale.
F & G
1. Meca i a fika ga, or Meca
qo na fika ga. Literally translated as, “The thing is to think it through”
It means that ‘things will be done or solved in due time (by hook or by
crook!)
2. sili vaka ga (siliva vaka
maina) Literally translated as “to bathe like a duck or a mynah bird”
Usually said to a child who takes a quick, superficial bath, not bathing
properly.
3. dau gasa yawa Literally
translated as “always wanting something that is inaccessible.” This is often
said of an individual who stays away from home, feeling more comfortable
elsewhere.
4. Daru qai laki sota ki na gasau leka. Literally
translated as, “We will meet next at the place where the short reed grows (at
Bua, supposedly the jumping-off place to the next world, after
death). It means that we are not likely to meet again
5. silima na gau ni dali Literally
translated as “to dive for the middle (rather than the end) of a rope fallen in
the water.” It means that someone intrudes in a conversation.
6. Mo muria na nomu gaunisala. Literally
translated as “You should follow your appropriate path .It means that one is to
follow proper protocol, as in the formalities of entering a village, or
approaching a chief.
K
1. vakaseuta na bure ni kadi Literally
translated as “to scratch into an ant’s nest” It means “to stir up
trouble.”
2. Sa kala na matanisiga. Literally
translated as “The sun is setting.” It means that someone is getting old.
3. matai via kana vuaka. Literally
translated as “The carpenter who wants to eat pork” It refers to a person who
might pretend to be hard working and skilled but is only interested in how the
work is rewarded.
4. Sa kua la na kana! Literally
translated as “I do not feel like eating.” It implies playful flattering words
said to a pretty girl. It implies that she is so pretty that an admirer looking
at her has filled his stomach up that he does not feel like eating.
. Kana, kana! Ka o lakova mai.
Literally translated as “Eat, eat! That’s what you came
for.” Usually said when teasing a friend who is passing by during a
meal and is invited to join in.
6 vakarokoroko vakanace. Literally
translated as “showing respect like a mullet” It means that one fails to give
proper respect, just as a mullet skips out of the water to avoid the larger
predatory fish.
7. vakania na qio Literally
translated as “to feed the sharks” It means that one vomits at sea when
seasick.
8. Oi au sa kara. Literally
translated as “I am still thirsty.” It implies that the person wants another
mix of kava.
9. kasivita na vale: Literally
translated as “to spit (or simulate) spitting on the house.” This refers to
celebrating the completion of a newly constructed home. This is usually fun
filled kava drinking with the home owner as host. The celebration is
called ikasiviti ni vale.
10. katakata vakurokava: Literally
translated as “like a tin pot that heats up quickly (and then cools off very
quickly too) It refers to a person’s temperament becoming quickly hot then
quickly cold. People may start off some activity with great enthusiasm, but may
lose interest quickly.
11. E kauta tu ga na ketena.
Literally translated as “He takes his stomach.” It means that someone goes to a
feast, dinner or function bringing only his/her stomach, with no food or gift,
just to eat “free”.
12. tabu rogoca na kere ni cakau. Literally
translated as “does not listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the
reef.” Usually said of one who does not listen to instructions or good
advice.
13. Sa moce na koli e matadravu. Literally
translated as “The dog sleeps in the fireplace (where food is cooked). It means
that there is no food at home.
14. Rogo ikuru. Literally
translated as “Hearing about it.” It means that someone intrudes into an event
or feast without being invited. The person crashed the party by just hearing
about it.
15. Sa lala tu na koro. Literally
translated as “The village is empty (of people)” It may mean
that the chief is absent or that a chief has not been installed
yet.
16. kana e bele ni ilalakai Literally
translated as “to eat at the edge (bele) of the chiefly food-tray.” This is
said of a dependent or pretentious person who tries to act as if he is a member
of the important household (when he is not).
L
1. lauti koya na sui ni kena.
Literally translated as “The fish-bone from his own food pierced him.” It means
that he got caught in his own trap.
2. lave na rara. Literally
translated as “lifted up the playing field.” It means that the visiting team
has won.
3. Sa dreu na kena leba. Literally
translated as the leba fruit is ripe. (Leba is an indigenous forest tree with
white flowers, highly scented ribbed fruit, deep purple when fully ripe and
used as a dye. Women also use its scented fruit in garlands.) It means that everything
is going very well and done in a timely manner.
4. lesu tale na koli i na nona lua Literally
translated as “The dog returns to its vomit.” It means that one desires what
has been previously rejected.
5. Me ra leuta mada na malamala mai na
matadra. Literally translated as “Please remove the beam (or
plank) in your eye.” It means that it is the height of
hypocrisy to point out a minor flaw (sin) in another, when your sins are much
worse
6. lumuta na moivi Literally
translated as “to oil the moivi war club.” (Moivi was a type of warclub made
from the moivi tree.) It means that someone is retelling or
rehashing a well-worn story. To continue relating stale news.
M
1: macake na beka Literally
translated as “The bat is diabetic.” Idiom is said in jest as bats are never
affected by eating sweet things as humans do. It may mean that, for example, A
lady has worn a dress or ornament that is overdone (over-dressed) that even
bats may be affected by the excessive sweetness. May also be said of a very
enticing explanation that is overdone. (Idiom is usually said in a good natured
way.)
2. Maqa na leqa! Sa matua na
raisi. Literally translated as “There is no problem! There is rice at
hand.” It implies that we should not be worried. Everything is okay.
3. Mate na toa, kena isau na bici. Literally
translated as “The chicken is dead, (given away or stolen), and all that is
given in return is a bici (small bird).” It means that the exchange is not of
equal value.
4. Mate o vale dua ka bula ko vale
rua. Idiom suggests that one lives well who can eat at two
different houses but might die of hunger if one eats only at one’s own family
home. Usually said good naturedly to someone invited to join in eating a meal
at someone else’s house, who declines with natural politeness.
5. qase molau Literally
translated as “old man resembling the molau.” It refers to a man who is no
longer young but acts as if younger than his years, particularly in relation to
women (sexually active), an expression used in humor. The molau tree has young-looking
heartwood though the outside wood and bark look aged.
N
1. kana vaka nasi Literally
translated as “eating like a nurse.” It means that one eats delicately with
overly refined, very careful manners. This comes from the notion that nurses
are very careful in measuring out doses of medicine, and meticulous in their way
of working.
2. Ki Namuka vata ga nikua. Literally
translated as “We will all reach Namuka today.” It means that it makes no
difference if one travels one way or another. The result is the
same. We will all get there at the same time.
3. Tu na inima, ka luvu na waqa.
Literally translated as “the bailer was there but the boat sank.” It means that
the solution (to a problem) was at hand but nobody thought of it.
4. niu ga kei madrai Literally
translated as “It’s just a matter of coconuts and bread.” It is just the same
whether I say 6 of 12, or half a dozen. There is no difference. There is
nothing much to choose between them. It’s nothing special, just routine (of
people), comparing two things that are of equal value.
5. Sinai na noqu noke. Literally
translated as “My (seafood) basket (noke) is full.” Meaning: I have a lot of
gossip/stories to tell.
6. Sa lili toka na noke. Literally
translated as “The seafood basket is still hanging up (and you have not yet
gone fishing).” Meaning: Don’t talk about what will be achieved till the work
is underway.
7. leka na noqu iqilai Literally
translated as “My iqilai is too short “ iqilai is the wooden crook used to pull
and gather grass to be cut when clearing land, or used to roll up a carpet of
grass after it is cut loose with the knife. It is also used to pull down
branches to reach fruit to be picked. Meaning: I do not have the
power or authority to do that. That is beyond my reach.
R
1. rekirekitaki waqa vou Literally
translated as “being thrilled over a new boat.” Meaning: To fill thrilled over
something (for example a child with a new toy) over a short period until its
novelty wears off. Also refers to an emotion that will soon pass,
2. Vakavuti sara ga na rewai, qai vuku na
kai Viti. Literally translated as “As soon as the eel develops
fur, then the Fijian will become wise.” Meaning: It will take a very long time
to happen.
3. E sega ni rogo mai na toa mai na
nomu koro Literally translated as “The fowl crying from your
village is not heard here.” {The jungle fowl is symbolic of a warrior.}
Meaning: However important you may be in your territory (Vanua), it means
nothing here.
S
1. vaka e siri na saku Literally
translated as “like the saku skims on the surface. Meaning: Someone is very
fast. Saku is the edible garfish which skims on the surface of lagoons.
2. E tubua na sala ki na nona koro Literally
translated as ”The path to his/her village is overgrown.” Meaning: S/he has
lost connection to the village and rarely visits it. To renew relations to
one’s village is cara sala to “clear or sweep the
path”. It is a cultural process, requiring gifts of goods, and time
spent to build affirming relations.
3. kemu isau, sa vuni tu. Literally
translated as “your reward remains concealed” Meaning: Your reward (success)
will come in time.
4. vaka savu liga Literally
translated as “wash one’s hands of any responsibility.” Meaning: A
person is uninvolved, ineffectual and idle.
5. Sa sere na koli. Literally
translated as “The dog is let off the leash” This idiom refers to people
suddenly freed from restriction or discipline who may act a little wild.
6. kila vakasigalevu Literally
translated as “know by noon.” Meaning: To know something very clearly.
7. Sa vaka na siko dai. Literally
translated as “It is like checking the (animal) trap (with frequent regular
visits)” Implying that the visitor is perhaps too pressing; too
frequent.
8. sa na siri na duamu Literally
translated as "your legs will get knocked out from under you" Usually
said to a man attracted to a girl. It means that he will fall hopelessly in
love.
9. solisoli vakatoa Literally
translated as “give like a rooster (who offers the female some food in the beak
and then grabs it back}” Meaning: Giving and then taking back,
10. solia na kesuna Literally
translated as “to turn one’s back (in disdain) Meaning: To reject an approach
or request.
T
1. dabe ena ibe qai kisi ki na
tabakau. Literally translated as “to sit on a fine mat, and then
shift to the crude matting of tabakau.” Meaning: Usually said about someone who
was riding high in social status, and was then reduced to a lowered status.
2: tagitagica na yaloka ni mata ni
vonu. Literally translated as to “cry for/like the eyes of a
turtle.” (When caught and beached the turtle’s eyes exude tears, appearing to
cry. Those tears are in vain.) Meaning: This applies to someone who yearns for
what is impossible.
3. talai vakatoa Literally
translated as “sent on an errand like a chicken.” Usually said in reference to
a child who is slow and unreliable when sent on an errand. (Like a
chicken, the child is diverted, losing track of the purpose of the
mission.)
4. tala or tala
simede Literally translated as to “unload cement” Meaning: It may
refer to having sex after long abstinence. (b) vaqara
tala Literally translated as “to go and unload.” Meaning: To look
for sexual opportunities. (c) Me laki rawataki ikeri na nomu tala? You
are going to try your luck there at having sex?
5. tali magimagi Literally
translated as “to plait sinnet.” Meaning: To chat together. To tell a story or
report in very great detail.
6. tara-koro Literally
translated as “to build/touch village.” Meaning: To gossip together, as an
informal group, about people, relatives, news from the villages (koro).
7. tara reveni Literally
translated as “to touch the ribbon,” Meaning: To reach the limit, accomplish
the goal (sometimes said when drinking yaqona), come to the end.
8. e tavidi na vusi Literally
translated as “to proceed quietly, as a cat moves.” Meaning: They went about
their work quietly
9 kana yava ni toa Literally
translated as “to eat chicken feet” Usually said to a child who is
hyper-active, unable to sit still.
10. Sa dui cagi ni toba Literally
translated as “Each bay has its own different wind” Meaning: Your authority is
effective in your territory (Vanua), but is irrelevant here in this territory.
Each can be a chief in his own land.
U
1. were ubiubi Literally
translated as “to fake the work of cutting grass, weeds, by just knocking
vegetation down to lie against the ground.” Meaning: To pretend to work. This
idiom may imply that someone is not telling the whole story, that they are
concealing some truth.
2. Sega ni ura me sa tei damu.
Literally translated as “no prawn just turns red (unless someone has cooked
it.” Meaning: Where there is smoke there is fire. The truth will come out.
There must be a cause for something to happen, and the truth will be
known.
V and Y
1. vaka e vidi na ura Literally
translated as “like a prawn springing into action.” Meaning: It conveys the
notion of something that jumps suddenly into action, as the prawn
does.
2. Sa viritaki na kena vatu. Literally
translated as “a stone has already been thrown at it.” Meaning: It is already
decisively rejected. Can also mean that the decision has been made to quit
something, such as a game. A child may spit on a stone and throw the
stone into the bushes to indicate that he is quitting a game. The notion is
that if you found the stone he would be forced to stay
3. veivunauci vaka i Ra kasala. Literally
translated as “to give advice as a kasala fish does” Meaning: You are good at
giving advice but failing to follow that advice yourself.
4. Sa suasua na yavamu. Literally
translated as “Your legs are still wet” This implies that you are
new to this place, having just arrived ashore. You are a newcomer
here and should not speak with assurance.
6. Yavita dole na mataisau Literally
translated as “to club the carpenter prematurely.” Meaning: To judge a job
prematurely before the work has been completed.
http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150318-why-volcano-myths-are-true
(4) This website carried stories of Fiji’s Myths and Legends
(5) This website has more stories of Fiji’s Myths and Legends
(6) This website carries explanations on Fiji Mythology
(7) This website tells the legend and oral history of Toberua Island Resort
(8) This website recounts the Myths and Legends of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes
(9) This website recounts the myth of Dakuwaqa the Shark God
(10) This website tells of the legend of the The Turtles of Namuana
