Nightlife

10 phrases · Tahitian with romanization, English and audio

  1. Tei hea te fare inu maita'i?

    Where is a good bar?

    Usage

    Ask locals for a good bar in Papeete or Bora Bora

    Grammar Note

    fare inu literally means "drinking house" — used for bar

  2. Manava!

    Cheers! / Welcome!

    Usage

    Tahitian toast and welcome expression — raise your glass!

    Grammar Note

    manava is a versatile welcome expression used for arrivals, meals, and toasts

  3. E hia te hora e 'ōpani ai?

    What time does it close?

    Usage

    Ask the closing time of a bar or nightclub

    Grammar Note

    "To close" is 'ōpani. Hours are asked with the quantity interrogative E hia …?

  4. 'A hōro'a mai i tahi inu hou.

    One more drink, please.

    Usage

    Order another drink at a bar or restaurant

    Grammar Note

    A drink is inu. A request uses hōro'a "to give". hou = "new / another"

  5. Maita'i roa teie pō!

    What a great night!

    Usage

    Exclaim your enjoyment of a wonderful night out

    Grammar Note

    Tahitian "this" is teie. maitai is maita'i without its glottal stop. pō means "night".

  6. E 'ori tāua!

    Let's dance together!

    Usage

    Invite someone to dance at a party or Polynesian dance event

    Grammar Note

    "To dance" is 'ori, the same word as in 'ori Tahiti

  7. Eaha teie hīmene?

    What song is playing?

    Usage

    Ask what song or music is playing at a bar or party

    Grammar Note

    Indefinite article e, definite article te. The interrogative is Eaha / aha "what". "Song" is hīmene

  8. E inu tāua i te 'ava!

    Let's have a drink together!

    Usage

    Propose having a drink together at a bar or evening gathering

    Grammar Note

    "Alcohol" is 'ava. Note: ava without the glottal stop is a reef pass, and reduplicated 'ava'ava is tobacco

  9. Ia ora na i tō tātou ora!

    Cheers to all our health!

    Usage

    A toast to everyone's health — raise your glass and say this

    Grammar Note

    tātou is the inclusive "we all" — includes everyone present

  10. E ho'i tāua i tō tāua fare.

    Let's go home.

    Usage

    Suggest going home after a night out

    Grammar Note

    ho'i means to return or go back; fare means house or home

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