Basic Words

1. 'Ē

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

   Grammar Note

   ʔAe / 'ee is "oui", written with a long vowel; the glottal stop is word-initial.

2. 'Aita

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. E ani atu vau

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

   Grammar Note

   "Ani : demander ; solliciter". The initial e is the verbal aspect particle and takes no glottal stop.

4. Māuruuru

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Fa'a'oroma'i mai

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger's attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Fa'a'oroma'i : patient ; patienter ; endurer", the standard way to say "excuse me". The glottal stops fall in both fa'a- and -'oroma'i.

6. Tē tātarahapa nei au.

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   tātarahapa is "regretter ; repentir ; regret". pe'ape'a means "problem, trouble" and is not an apology.

7. 'Ua maita'i

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. 'Aita vau i ta'a

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. 'Ua ta'a ia'u

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. 'Ua oti

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. 'A tīa'i na

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. 'A tīa'i iti na

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Hō'ē ta'ata pa'ari

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. 'Aita tā'u vāhi tāpe'a

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    The a-class possessive "my" is tā'u, with both the macron and the glottal stop.

15. Tē vai ra tā'u vāhi tāpe'a

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

    Grammar Note

    The existential Tē vai ra matches "Tē vai ra anei?". The possessive is tā'u.

16. 'A tauturu mai ia'u

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. 'A parau fa'ahou na

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don't understand”

18. 'A parau mārie na

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

    Grammar Note

    Tahitian has no letter l; mālie is the Samoan form. It is spelled with r: "Marie : lentement ; doucement ; délibérément".

19. E parau iti noa vau i te reo Tahiti

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

    Grammar Note

    'Ua marks the perfective and does not fit a general ability; the habitual/general frame is E + verb.

20. Tē parau nei 'oe i te reo Peretāne?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. tāne

    Man / male

    Usage

    For indicating male, e.g. at a toilet or counter

22. vahine

    Woman / female

    Usage

    For indicating female, e.g. at a toilet or counter

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