Lesson 2 Numbers & Money (Fika kei na iLavo)
Lesson 2 Numbers & Money (Fika kei na iLavo) In Fiji, numbers are straightforward. Once you learn 1 through 10, you can build almost any number.
1. The Base Numbers (1–10)
| Number | Fijian | Pronunciation Tip |
| 1 | Dua | Ndua |
| 2 | Rua | Roo-ah |
| 3 | Tolu | Toe-loo |
| 4 | Va | Vah |
| 5 | Lima | Lee-mah |
| 6 | Ono | Oh-no |
| 7 | Vitu | Vee-too |
| 8 | Walu | Wah-loo |
| 9 | Ciwa | Thee-wah |
| 10 | Tini | Tee-nee |
2. Counting Higher (11–20)
To make numbers from 11 to 19, you simply say “Tini ka” (Ten and) followed by the number.
- 11: Tini ka dua
- 12: Tini ka rua
- 15: Tini ka lima
- 20: Ruasagavulu (Rua + sagavulu which means “tens”)
Daily Important Conversation: At the Shop
When you are at a local “canteen” (small shop) or the market, you’ll need to ask for prices.
- You: E vica na kena i-sau? (How much is the price?)
- Shopkeeper: E dua na dola, limasagavulu na sene. ($1.50)
- You: Vinaka. Oqo na i-lavo. (Thank you. Here is the money.)
Key Vocab for the Shop:
- i-Lavo: Money
- Vica: How many / How much
- Sene: Cents
- Dola: Dollars
Small Test 2: The Number Cruncher
Translate these into Fijian using the rules above:
- Seven
- Nineteen (Hint: Ten and nine)
- Three dollars
- How many?