The Islands of Tahiti, filled with breathtaking lagoons, pristine beaches and rich culture, is every traveller's dream destination. But before going to the picturesque islands of Tahiti, why not learn some Tahitian words and phrases?
Learning and understanding the Tahitian language can enrich your experience and allow you to connect more deeply with the locals.
In today's blog, we'll teach Tahitian words and phrases you can use on your next holiday on the Island of Love.
What Language is Spoken in Tahiti?
Since the Islands of Tahiti is a French overseas collectivity, its official language is French. However, islanders mostly speak Tahitian or Reo Tahiti in their homes.
Although French is used in businesses, schools and governments, English is also well-spoken in restaurants, resorts and other tourist areas. Most Tahitians consider it their third language.
That said, learning common Tahitian phrases and a few basic French words can make your next holiday even more memorable. Islanders will appreciate your efforts of learning to say hello in Tahitian.
A Quick Overview of the Tahitian Language
Before we enumerate the common Tahitian words and phrases you should learn before your holiday, let's discuss how the Tahitian language works.
The Tahitian language has a melodic intonation like a siren's song and is very simple, with only 16 letters and 1,000 words. With only five vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and eleven consonants (b, f, g, h, k, m, n, p, r, t, v), learning the language is very easy. An apostrophe indicates a short pause or a glottal stop, and most vowels are pronounced.
44 Useful Tahitian Words & Phrases
Here are a few useful Tahitian words and phrases you can use during your stay in French Polynesia and how to pronounce them:
Basic Greetings & Courtesies
- Hello – Ia Orana (pronounced as yo-rah-nah)
- Welcome – Maeva (pronounced as mah-yeh-vah)
- Thank you – Maururu (pronounced as mah-roo-roo)
- Good – Maitai (pronounced as my-tie)
- Yes – E (pronounced as ay)
- No – Aita (pronounced as eye-tah)
- I love you – Uua here vau ia oe (pronounced as oo-ah hay-ray ee-ah oh-ay)
- Bye/See you later – Nana (pronounced as nah-nah)
- Cheers/To your health – Manuia (pronounced as mah-nwee-ah)
People & Family
- Man – Tane (pronounced as tah-nay)
- Woman – Vahine (pronounced as vah-he-nay)
- Child – Tamarii (pronounced as tah-ma-ree-ee)
Time & Nature
- Morning – Poipoi (pronounced as poy-poy)
- Evening – Ahiahi (pronounced as ah-hee-ah-hee)
- Island – Motu (pronounced as moh-too)
- Ocean – Moana (pronounced as mo-ah-nah)
Daily Conversations & Activities
- Look – A hi'o (pronounced as ah-hee-oh)
- How are you? – Maita'i oe? (pronounced as may-tay oh-ay)
- I am fine – Maita’i roa (pronounced as may-tay ro-ah)
- What? – Eaha? (pronounced as ey-ah-hah)
- Why? – No te aha? (pronounced as noh-tay ah-hah)
- No problem – Aita pe’a pe’a (pronounced as eye-tah pay-ah pay-ah)
- Let's go – Haere tatou (pronounced as ha-ay-ray tah-taw)
Places & Locations
- Island - Motu (pronounced as mo-too)
- Ocean - Moana (pronounced as mo-ah-nah)
- House - Fare (pronounced as fah-ray)
- Bank - Fare Moni (pronounced as fah-ray moh-nee)
- Store - Fare Toa (pronounced as fah-ray toe-ah)
- Church - Fare Pure (pronounced as fah-ray poor-ray)
- Post office - Fare Rata (pronounced as fah-ray rah-tah)
- Hospital - Fare Ma'i (pronounced as fah-ray may)
- Doctor - Taote (pronounced as tah-oh-tay)
- Police - Muto'i (pronounced as moo-toh-ee)
Food, Drinks & Sightseeing
- Bread – Faraoa (pronounced as fah-rah-o-ah)
- Water – Pape (pronounced as pa-pay)
- Pearl – Poe (pronounced as po-ay)
- Black pearl – Poerava (pronounced as po-ay ra-vah)
- Beer – Pia (pronounced as pee-ah)
- Flower – Tiare (pronounced as tee-ah-ray)
- Cloth wrap – Pareu (pronounced as pa-ray-oh)
- Drum - Pahu (pronounced as pah-hu)
- Ancient temple - Mare (pronounced as mah-ray)
- Song - Himene (pronounced as hee-meh-nay)
- Stone statue - Tiki (pronounced as tee-kee)
Basic French Phrases & Their Meanings
Since many Islanders also speak French, it's also advisable to learn a few basic French phrases, like:
- Hello - Bonjour (pronounced as bohn-zhoor)
- Goodbye - Au Revoir (pronounced as oh ruh-vwahr)
- Please - S'il vous plaît (pronounced as seel voo pleh)
- Thank you - Merci (pronounced as mehr-see)
- No - Non (pronounced as non)
- Yes - Oui (pronounced as wee)
- Excuse me - Excusez-moi (pronounced as ehk-skew-zay mwah)
- I'm sorry - Pardon (pronounced as pahr-dohn)
- Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous anglais? (pronounced as par-lay voo ahn-glay)
- How much does it cost? – Combien ça coûte? (pronounced as kohm-byen sah koot)
Best Tahiti Island to Visit
With over 118 islands and atolls, picking an island to visit isn't easy. To help you out, we've listed which islands are ideal for divers, newlyweds, surfers and other adventurers:
For Divers: Fakarave & Rangiora
Fakarava and Rangiroa are two Tuamoto islands known for their pristine lagoons and colourful marine life. Fakarava's waters have some of the most fascinating and rare species of marine animals, making it one of the world's best diving destinations.
Additionally, the island is home to two ocean passes: the Garuae and the Tumakohoa Pass. Swim with giant pelagics and manta rays in the Garuae Pass, or get up close and personal with the Tumakohoa Pass's lemon and hammerhead sharks.
For Newlyweds: Tikehau
With countless pink and white sand beaches, the atoll of Tikehau is the ultimate honeymoon destination for newlyweds.
You can enjoy a relaxing day on one of the island's secluded beaches or take a quaint boat ride to its lagoon for marine life excursions. Tikehau is also home to the Motu Puararua, where you can observe numerous colonies of nesting sea birds.
For Surfers: Tahiti
If you're looking to catch some of the best crushing swells, then the main island of Tahiti is for you.
With some of the world's most iconic surfing spots, like the Teahupo'o and Papara, the island has waves that could challenge even the most experienced surfers. More specifically, the Teahupo'o is where international competitions like the Tahiti Pro are held.
For Adventurers: Moorea & Huahine
Lastly, we recommend visiting Moorea and Huahine if you want to go on land adventures.
The two islands offer wonderful activities, such as hiking the Pass of the Three Coconuts, zip-lining through the canopy of Moorea, kite surfing or quad biking in the lush forests of Huahine.
Now, you're ready to fly to the stunning French Polynesia! Whether you're dreaming of a romantic getaway in a Tahiti overwater bungalow or exploring the pristine beaches and vibrant culture, our Tahiti packages have something for everyone.
To learn more about our Tahiti packages, contact us online, or if you prefer speaking to a destination specialist, call us at (02) 9094 3322.
