Greetings

1. 'Ia ora na

   Hello / Greetings

   Usage

   The most common Tahitian greeting, used in any situation

   Grammar Note

   The spelling is 'Ia ora na, in three words. It is a blessing: "may you live".

2. Māuruuru

   Thank you

   Usage

   The most common Tahitian expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   "Māuruuru roa" means "thank you very much" — a more emphatic form

3. Nana

   Goodbye

   Usage

   The casual Tahitian farewell, easy to use in any parting situation

   Grammar Note

   For a more formal farewell, "E hope māite" (take care) is also used

4. 'Ē / 'Aita

   Yes / No

   Usage

   The basic Tahitian words for yes and no

   Grammar Note

   ʔAe / 'ee is "oui", both with an initial glottal stop.

5. Maeva

   Welcome

   Usage

   The Tahitian word for welcome, commonly seen on signs and at tourist sites

   Grammar Note

   "Maeva" symbolizes Tahitian hospitality and appears on welcome signs throughout the islands

6. 'Ia ora na i te po'ipo'i

   Good morning

   Usage

   Morning greeting in Tahitian; poipoi means morning

   Grammar Note

   "Po'ipo'i : levée du jour ; matin", with two glottal stops.

7. 'Ia ora na i te ahiahi

   Good evening

   Usage

   Evening greeting; ahiahi means evening in Tahitian

   Grammar Note

   "Ahiahi : soir ; soirée".

8. Māuruuru roa

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   More formal gratitude; roa means very, adding emphasis

   Grammar Note

   roa is a Polynesian intensifier meaning very or much

9. 'Aita pe'ape'a

   No problem / It's okay

   Usage

   One of the most commonly heard Tahitian phrases; very casual and reassuring

   Grammar Note

   "Pe'ape'a : problème ; difficulté". The negator 'Aita begins with a glottal stop.

10. 'O vai tō 'oe i'oa? 'O ... vau.

    What is your name? I am...

    Usage

    Basic exchange for introductions — asking and giving a name

    Grammar Note

    i'oa carries a glottal stop.

11. Tei hea te fare iti?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Practical phrase for asking where the toilet is. Essential when traveling.

    Grammar Note

    "Tei hea" asks for location. "Fare iti" (small house) is the Tahitian expression for toilet/bathroom.

12. 'Aita vau e parau i te reo Tahiti.

    I can't speak reo Tahiti

    Usage

    Used to explain you cannot speak Tahitian. Helpful when someone addresses you in the language.

    Grammar Note

    Negation is 'Aita + subject + e + verb.

13. E ho'i fa'ahou mai vau.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop or restaurant

    Grammar Note

    fa'ahou ("again") carries a glottal stop; ho'i mai is "to come back".

14. 'Ua 'oa'oa roa vau.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said as you part ways

    Grammar Note

    'Ua marks the perfective/resultant state and begins with a glottal stop.

15. Māuruuru, nana!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell

16. Ta'oto maita'i

    Good night

    Usage

    Bedtime greeting in Tahitian. "Ta'oto" (sleep) + "maita'i" (good)

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