Lesson 7 At the Market (E na Makete)
Lesson 7 At the Market In Fiji, markets aren’t just for shopping; they are social hubs. You don’t just grab and go you greet, you ask, and you show appreciation.
1. Key Phrases for Buying
- Oqo: This
- O ya: That
- Vinakata: Want
- Sa rauta: That’s enough / That’s plenty
- Solevaka: To buy in bulk/bundle
2. Quality and Quantity
- Sa dreu? Is it ripe?
- Sa fresh? Is it fresh? (Fijians often use the English word “fresh” but pronounce it virese).
- Me vica? How many (for me)?
- Kena i-sau: Its price.
Daily Important Conversation: The Full Transaction
Here is a typical exchange at the Suva or Nadi market. Lesson 7 At the Market
- Seller: Bula marama/turaga! Mai na tavioka! (Hello ma’am/sir! Come get some cassava!)
- You: Bula! E vica na i-vesu ni tavioka oqo? (Hello! How much for this bundle of cassava?)
- Seller: E lima na dola. ($5.00)
- You: Vinaka. Au vinakata e rua na i-vesu. (Thanks. I want two bundles.)
- Seller: Vinaka. Oqo e tini na dola. (Thanks. That’s $10.00.)
- You: Vinaka vakalevu. Moce! (Thank you very much. Goodbye!)
Vocabulary List (Lesson 7)
- Moli: Lemon / Orange / Citrus
- Vuaka: Pig (often sold as pork in the butchery)
- I-ka: Fish
- Taga: Bag / Sack
Small Test 7: The Market Test
Imagine you are at a stall. How do you say:
- How much for that pineapple?
- I want three bundles of dalo.
- This banana is not ripe. (Hint: Use Sega ni dreu for “not ripe”)
- That is enough, thank you.
What’s Next?
Excellent! You’re handling the market like a local. In Lesson 8, we will learn how to get around the islands with Directions & Transport (Buses, Taxis, and Carriers).
Would you like to head to the bus station for Lesson 8, or should we practice your bargaining skills a bit more?
Vinaka! You’re navigating the market perfectly. Now, let’s get you moving around the islands.
First, let’s check your Lesson 7 results: Answers to Test 7:
- How much for that pineapple?: E vica na kena i-sau na painapiu o ya?
- I want three bundles of dalo: Au vinakata e tolu na i-vesu dalo.
- This banana is not ripe: E sega ni dreu na jaina oqo.
- That is enough, thank you: Sa rauta, vinaka.