Language

If you're wondering what language is spoken in French Polynesia, you'll be glad to know that French is spoken throughout all the islands. In popular tourist areas, many locals also speak English, making it easier for visitors to communicate.
What makes French Polynesia unique is its rich linguistic heritage. Each archipelago has its own indigenous language, with Tahitian (reo mā'ohi) being the most widely spoken. These languages are not only a vital part of the islands' cultural identity but are still actively used in everyday life, particularly outside urban centers. To help you prepare for your trip, here are a few useful words and phrases in Tahitian:

• Ia Ora Na : Hello
• Maeva : Welcome
• Mauru’uru : Thank you
• Nana, Parahi : Goodbye
• E aha to oe huru ? : How are you?
• E (é) : Yes
• Aita : No

• Faraoa : Bread
• Faraoa monamona : Cake
• Pape (papé) : Water
• Pape monamona : Juice
• Pia : Beer
• Hotu: Fruit
• Po’e : Traditional Polynesian dessert made of fruit and starch

• Motu : Small island (small islet inside the lagoon)
• Moana : Sea
• Pū : Shell (used as a horn)
• Mou'a : Mountain

• Matete (Matété) : Market
• Tiare Tahiti : Flower, emblem of the French Polynesia
• Tiki : Polynesian handcrafted statue
• ‘Ōfai : Stone (often used in art or as a souvenir)
• Rau'ere : Leaf (used in crafts or food wrapping)

• Pahi : Boat
• Fare : House (often referring to traditional Polynesian homes)
• Ava’e : Month (useful for planning stays)
• Tere : Journey or trip

• Maita’i roa : Very good
• Haere mai : Come here
• Tāroa : Please
• Haere rā : Bon voyage / Safe journey

• Hapaina : Glass
• Parau : Word, speech
• Pahī : Bag
• Puta : Book

• Tapu : Sacred, taboo
• Marae : Traditional Polynesian temple
• Heiva : Festival (particularly the traditional dance festival)

• ’Aroha : Love, affection
• Manuia : Happiness, good luck
• Tupuna : Ancestor, heritage

• Va'a : Canoe (traditional Polynesian sport)
• Hīmene : Song
• Ori : Dance