Tulou.
Excuse me / Sorry
Pronunciation
Full phrase pronunciation: too-LOH
Word breakdown:
tulou: too-LOH — “excuse me”, “pardon me”, “sorry”; respectful courtesy word
Notes: Say it as two smooth parts: tu-lou. Keep the first part light and let the second part land clearly: too-LOH.
Common mistake: Beginners may treat tulou as only meaning “sorry” after doing something wrong. In real use, it often works more like a respectful “excuse me” or “pardon me.”
Meaning & Use
A respectful Fijian courtesy word meaning “excuse me,” “pardon me,” or “sorry” in the sense of politely acknowledging someone’s space or presence. Tulou is useful in spoken Fijian when passing in front of someone, interrupting gently, entering a space, or showing respect in a small social moment.
Usage tip: Use tulou more like a respectful “excuse me” than a dramatic apology. It is short, polite, and culturally useful.
Good to know: Tulou carries a sense of respect and awareness. It is the kind of small word that can make your Fijian sound more considerate and socially appropriate.
Audio