Linguistic diversity within French Polynesia is remarkable, with several Polynesian languages spoken.
Polynesian languages belong to the Oceanic language family, which is itself part of the large Austronesian language family. Polynesian languages share linguistic similarities, but each island or group of islands has developed distinct variations and dialects over time.
Polynesian languages spoken in French Polynesia include Tahitian, Marquesan, Rapa, Reo Maohi (Ma’ohi, a Tahitian language), Paumotu, Austronesian and others. Tahitian is often considered the main and most influential language of French Polynesia.
Here are the languages of French Polynesia.
Marquisian :
North Marquesan (‘eo ‘enana)
South Marquesan (‘eo enata)
Tahitian :
Leeward Islands dialect (raromatai)
Maupiti dialect
Austral :
Ra’ivavae
Rurutu ‒ Rimatara
Pa’umotu :
Parata (Anaa)
Tapuhoe (Makemo, Amanu)
Vahitu
Fangatau
Napuka
Tatakoto
Reao
Marangai (Tureia)
Here are some of the essential terms and unique expressions in reo tahiti (Tahitian), so you’ll know a thing or two when you meet “locals”.
Māuruuru and nana !
| Français | Tahitien | English |
|---|---|---|
| BONJOUR | Ia ora na | Hello |
| BIENVENUE | Mānava | Welcome |
| AU REVOIR | Nana | Goodbye |
| MERCI | Māuruuru | Thank you |
| HOMME | Tāne | Man |
| FEMME | Vahine | Woman |
| ENFANT | Tamari'i | Child |
| CHIEN | Uri | Dog |
| CHAT | Mimi | Cat |
| COQ | Moa | Rooster |
| OUI | AE / E | Yes |
| NON | Aita | No |
| VIENS | Haere mai | Come |
| BON APPÉTIT | Tāmā'a mata'i | Enjoy your meal |
| SANTÉ | Manuia | Cheers (used when toasting) |
| COMMENT ÇA VA ? | E aha tō ‘oe huru | How are you? |
| ÎLOT | Motu | Islet |
| STATUE DE PIERRE | Tiki | Stone statue |
| LIEU SACRÉ | Marae | Sacred place |
| JOUR | Mahana | Day |
| NUIT | Pō | Night |
| 1 ,2 ,2003 | Hō’ē piti toru | 1, 2, 2003 |
| NOURRITURE | Mā’a | Food |
| BIÈRE | Pia | Beer |
| FRUIT À PAIN | Uru | Breadfruit |
| JE T’AIME | Ua here vau ia 'oe | I love you |
| FATIGUE LOCALE | Fiu | Local tiredness |
| DANSE LOCALE | Tāmūrē | Local dance |
| PAS DE PROBLÈME | Aita pea pea | No problem |
| IMBÉCILE | Ma'au | Fool, idiot |
