In Fijian, the word “yani” can have a couple of different meanings, depending on the context. However, its most common meanings are:
1. “End” or “Finish”:
- Yani is commonly used to refer to the end or completion of something. It’s used to indicate that something is finished or has come to a conclusion.
- Example:
- “Sa yali na ka.”
Translation: “The thing is finished.” (or “It’s the end of the matter.”) - “E yali na cakacaka.”
Translation: “The work is finished.”
- “Sa yali na ka.”
2. “Outside” or “Away”:
- In some contexts, yani can also be used to refer to something that is “outside” or “away from” a place.
- Example:
- “Mo lako yani.”
Translation: “Go away” or “Go outside.”
- “Mo lako yani.”
3. “To Leave” or “Depart”:
- Yani is sometimes used to express the idea of leaving or departing from a location or situation. This can be seen as a variation of the meaning “to go away.”
- Example:
- “O ni lako yani.”
Translation: “You are leaving” or “You go away.”
- “O ni lako yani.”
Other Considerations:
- Yani is part of a larger structure in the Fijian language, where words can change meanings depending on their usage in sentences. The context often helps clarify whether it refers to the concept of “end,” “outside,” or “leaving.”
Summary:
- Yani generally means “end”, “finish”, or “outside” in Fijian.
- It can also be used to describe the act of leaving or going away.
It’s important to understand its meaning through context, as like many words in Fijian, it may shift slightly depending on the sentence structure.