French may be the official language of Tahiti, but the Tahitian language is widely spoken roa you by the locals. It includes only 16 letters and 1,000 words, making it relatively easy to learn. Initially just an oral language, Tahitian was committed to writing in 1810 by a Welsh linguist and historian named John Davis.
When it comes to talking gnaws at you , most vowels are pronounced and all syllables end in vowels. An apostrophe indicates a short pause. For example, Faa’a International Airport is pronounced Fah-ah-ah . The Rs roll up and there are no silent letters.
Although you will likely find the French language in most places of business and English is spoken in the resorts, it can be fun to learn basic te roa greetings if you are planning a trip to Tahiti, Moorea, or Bora Bora. The islanders talk gnawing at you , and the Tahitians love it when you arrive, knowing how to say “hello” and “thank you.” Here are some keywords and phrases you can memorize to help you communicate on the go.
Some common useful terms
- Yes: E – pronounced ay, not like the long vowel sound in English
- No: Aita – pronounced eye-tah
- Large: Nui – pronounced new-ee
- Small: Iti – pronounced ee-tee
- Look: A hello – pronounced ah-hee-oh
- Come here: Haere mai – pronounced ha-ay-ray my
- Come on: Haere tatou – pronounced ha-ay-ray tah-taw
- What? Eaha? – pronounced ey-ah-hah
- Why? Don’t you aha? – pronounced noh-tay ah-hah
- Happy: Oa’oa – pronounced oh-ah oh-ah
- Good: Maita’i – pronounced may-tay
- No problem: Aita pe’a pe’a – pronounced eye-tah pay-ah pay-ah
Greetings, courtesies and greetings.
- Hello: Ia Ora na – pronounced yo-rah-nah
- Welcome: Maeva – pronounced mah-ay-vah. This word is not the same as the basic hello greeting. It is usually used when you welcome someone into your home, room, or space.
- Goodbye: Nana – pronounced nah-nah
- Thank you: Mauru ‘uru – pronounced mah-roo-roo
- How are you? Maita’i oe? – pronounced may-tay oh-ay
- I’m fine: Maita’i roa – pronounced may-tay ro-ah
- Cheers! Manuia! – pronounced mah-new-yah
People
- Male: Tane – pronounced tah-nay
- Female: Vahine – pronounced vah-he-nay
- Child: Tamarii – pronounced tah-ma-ree-ee
- Friend: Hoa – pronounced ho-ah
- Polynesian: Ma ‘ohi – pronounced mah-o-hee
Times of the day
- Morning: Poipoi – pronounced poy-poy
- Afternoon: Ahiahi – pronounced ah-hee-ah-hee
Places, locations and businesses
- Island: Motu – pronounced mo-too
- Ocean: Moana – pronounced mo-ah-nah
- House: Fare – pronounced fah-ray
- Bench: Fare Moni – pronounced fah-ray moh-nee
- Tent: Fare Toa – pronounced fah-ray toe-ah
- Church: Fare Pure – pronounced fah-ray poor-ray
- Post Office: Fare Rata – pronounced fah-ray rah-tah
- Hospital: Fare Ma’i – pronounced fah-ray may
- Doctor: Taote – pronounced tah-oh-tay
- Police: Muto’i – pronounced moo-toh-ee
Food and drinks
- Food: Ma’a – pronounced mah-ah
- Water: Pape – steep payment
- Pan: Faraoa – pronounced fah-rah-o-ah
- Beer: Pia – pronounced pee
- Earth oven: Himaa – pronounced hee-mah-ah
Tourism and things of interest
- Pearl: Poe – pronounced po-ay
- Black Pearl: Poerava – pronounced po-ay ra-vah
- Cloth wrap: Pareu – pronounced pa-ray-oh
- Flower: Tiare – pronounced tee-ah-ray
- Drum: Pahu – pronounced pah-hu
- Ancient Temple: Marae – pronounced mah-ray
- Song: Himene – pronounced hee-meh-nay
- Stone statue: Tiki – pronounced tee-kee
- Feast: Tamaaraa – pronounced ta-mah-rah
Heaven
- Sun: Mahana – pronounced ma-ha-nah
- Luna: Avae – pronounced ah-vay-ay
- Star: Fatia – pronounced fah-tee-ah
