Qori qai vakatau ga.
That is the optional one.
Pronunciation
Full phrase pronunciation: ng-GOH-ree ng-guy vah-kah-TAU ngah
Word breakdown:
qori: ng-GOH-ree — “that”, “that one”
qai: ng-guy — “then”, “so”, adding the sense here
vakatau: vah-kah-TAU — “depend”, “be conditional”, “be optional depending on the situation”
ga: ngah — emphatic particle; often gives the sense of “just” or added certainty here
Notes: This phrase is easiest to say in clear parts: qori | qai vakatau ga. In Fijian, q is pronounced ngg, so both qori and qai begin with that fuller sound, not a plain English-style k. In ga, the g is pronounced ng, so it sounds like ngah, not a hard g.
Common mistake: You may be tempted to pronounce qori and qai with a plain English k sound. Remember that in Fijian q is pronounced ngg, so they should begin with that fuller sound.
Meaning & Use
This spoken Fijian phrase can be used to say “that is the optional one.” It is useful when you want to point out that one option is not required, fixed, or essential, but depends on preference, choice, or circumstance. This works well in everyday conversation, explanations, and practical situations where you are clarifying that something is optional rather than mandatory.
Usage tip: Use this when you want to explain that something is flexible, optional, or left to choice, especially when comparing options or clarifying that a decision depends on the person or situation.
Good to know: Vakatau carries the sense of something depending on circumstances, so this phrase can feel a little broader than a rigid English label like “optional.”
Audio