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39 Fijian Quotes, Sayings & Proverbs + Meanings

Fijian people use a lot of sayings and expressions in daily life which offer advice and even sometimes have hidden meanings.

I spent ages putting together this list of proverbs and quotes to gain some insight into Fijian beliefs and ways of thinking. 

Below I’ve listed famous Fijian quotes, inspiring Fijian sayings and Fijian proverbs followed by some fun Fijian idioms.

(I think my favourite is number 28 😂)

Famous Fijian Quotes & Fijian Proverbs

Here’s some of the most famous Fijian quotes as well as some common Fijian proverbs. These are used often in day to day life.

  1. Lutu na niu, lutu ki vuna – A coconut falls close to its roots.

This Fijian saying is similar to the English saying ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’. It means that children tend to behave similar to their parents.

  1. ​​Dui seva ga na bua ka tea – You will reap the flowers that you plant.

This Fijian quote is similar to the English version of ‘you reap what you sow’. It means that you eventually have to face up to the consequences of your actions.

Famous Fijian quote which reads 'you will reap the flowers that you plant'.
  1. Sivi mada na veikau qai kalu – It is best to first go past the forest before you start whistling.

This Fijian saying means that you should complete a task first before boasting about it.

  1. Toro cake na ua, toro cake na  kolokolo – The waves rise high and the swimmer tries to go higher.

This Fijian quote means that you should know your limits and not try to exceed them. This phrase is also sometimes used to describe a young person who acts like an arrogant, know-it-all.

  1. E sega ni vuka na kaka me biu toka na buina – The parrot will not fly leaving its tail in its nest.

This Fijian proverb is about remembering things that are essential. 

  1. Vosa mada o iko, e rovu e liu na batimu – Please go ahead and talk because your teeth sprouted first.

This funny Fijian saying is often used when two people begin to talk at the same time. One person will usually use this phrase to get the other person to continue.

  1. E lauta na bici na kena ikolo – The bici bird gets hit with the arrow meant for it.

This Fijian quote means that someone will get a just punishment if they have done something wrong.

  1. Dromu na vula, dromu vata kei na kena kalokalo – The moon sets and its star sets with it.

This Fijian quote is used when someone passes away. The death of a loved one can sometimes lead to the death of someone close to them e.g. a spouse.

Famous Fijian quote which reads 'the moon sets and its star sets with it'.
  1. Daru qai laki sota ki na gasau leka – We will meet next at the place where the short reed grows.

This Fijian quote references the place where Fijians go after death (similar to the afterlife). You say this to someone you’re not likely to meet again.

  1. Ki Namuka vata ga nikua – We will all reach Namuka today.

This saying means that it makes no difference if you travel one way or another, the result is the same and we will all get there.

  1. Vakavuti sara ga na rewai, qai vuku na kai Viti – As soon as the eel develops fur, then the Fijian will become wise.

This saying is used when something will take a very long time to happen.

  1. Sega ni ura me sa tei damu – No prawn just turns red (unless someone has cooked it).

This Fijian quote is similar to the English saying ‘there’s no smoke without fire’.

Beautiful Fijian Quotes & Fijian Sayings In English

Below I’ve listed a range of famous and inspirational Fijian quotes and Fijian sayings in English.

  1. Life is like this: sometimes sun, sometimes rain.
Famous Fijian quote which reads 'life is like this: sometimes sun, sometimes rain'.
  1. Love is like an ocean, you never truly know the depth of it until you’re really in it.
  1. Each bay has its own wind.
  1. We don’t inherit the Earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children.
  1. Listen to the wisdom of the toothless ones.
  1. Idleness is to be dead in the limbs but alive within.
  1. Don’t do today what you probably can leave undone tomorrow as well.

Best Fijian Idioms & Fijian Expressions

Below I’ve listed the most well-known Fijian idioms and expressions. Many of these have hidden meanings. 

  1. Cokacoka na vula – Trying to strike the moon with a spear.

This Fijian saying is used to describe someone who is too ambitious and often strives for the impossible. 

  1. ​​Lauti koya na sui ni kena – The fish-bone from his own food pierced him.

This saying means that someone got caught in their own trap. 

Famous Fijian saying which reads 'the fish-bone from his own food pierced him'.
  1. Qalova uaua na moka – Swimming towards the fish trap at high tide.

This Fijian idiom is used to describe doing something at an inappropriate time that may lead to risks.

  1. E vaka e kana uvi kataka – It’s like he/she is eating a hot piece of yam.

This Fijian saying is used to say that someone is speaking so fast that you cannot understand them.

  1. Vaka e cavu na dalo matua – It’s like pulling matured taro from the farm.

This Fijian idiom is used to refer to someone who responds quickly to a request without complaining.

  1. E dua ga na siga ni cola qele – It is only one day of carrying soil.

This saying is often used to say ‘let’s work hard and get this done’. 

  1. Voci vaka vudi – It’s like peeling a ripe plantain.

This idiom is used to describe something that is very easy to do without effort. 

  1. Vakabula ika levu – The big fish got away.

This Fijian expression is used to describe when you have missed a big opportunity.

Famous Fijian saying which reads 'the big fish got away'.
  1. E sega ni dua na nomu baigani eke – It’s none of your eggplant.

This idiom simply means ‘it’s none of your business’.

  1. Gunu wai ni bele – To drink the boiled juice of the hibiscus spinach.

This funny Fijian saying is used to mean that someone has been humiliated or is being reprimanded.

  1. Sa suru na belo – The heron has sneezed.

The meaning of this Fijian idiom is that the allocated work for the day has been completed.

  1. Bilo cicila – Like a leaky cup.

This idiom is used to describe a person who cannot be relied upon.

  1. Tamata vakaicaqe – Someone capable of kicking.

This idiom implies that someone is an influential, rich and powerful person.

  1. Kena na isamu ni dawa – He/she has been struck by the arrow used to bring down lychee fruits from the tree.

This Fijian saying means that someone has suffered from someone else’s actions.

  1. Na nomu dodomo sa vaka e dua na tiaina dreu – Your love is like a ripe banana.

This saying is often used to describe a love that will not last long.

Famous Fijian idiom which reads 'your love is like a ripe banana'.
  1. Vakaseuta na bure ni kadi – To scratch into an ant’s nest.

This Fijian saying means ‘to stir up trouble’.

  1. Vakania na qio – To feed the sharks.

This idiom means that someone has vomited whilst out at sea.

  1. Tabu rogoca na kere ni cakau – He/she does not listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the reef.

This saying is usually said about someone who does not listen to good advice.

  1. ​​Lesu tale na koli i na nona lua – The dog returns to its vomit.

This Fijian saying means that someone wants something that they have previously rejected.

  1. Niu ga kei madrai – It’s just a matter of coconuts and bread.

This Fijian saying means that there is no difference between two things and they have equal value.

Check out the video below which features a range of famous Fijian quotes and well-known Fijian sayings & proverbs.

Thanks for reading this post on the best Fijian quotes about life, famous Fijian sayings and fascinating Fijian proverbs.

Which of the quotes did you find most motivational?

These Fijian quotes & sayings give an interesting insight into the Fijian beliefs and language.

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