A Cheat Sheet to Vanuatu’s Local Phrases (a.k.a. Your Shortcut to Instant Local Coolness)
So, you’ve touched down in Vanuatu, ready to live your best island life. The sun’s shining, the ocean’s calling, and… hold up—what did that guy just say?! Bislama, the national language of Vanuatu, is like English and French had a baby, raised it on a tropical island, and told it to chill. It’s simple, fun, and full of surprises.
If you wanna avoid looking like a confused tourist who just washed up on shore, here’s your Bislama survival guide.Let’s get you speaking like a local (or at least faking it really, really well).
Bislama 101: The "Oh, This Is Easy" Basics
ENGLISH | BISLAMA | WHEN TO USE IT |
Hello | Halo! | Said exactly like in English. Congrats, you’re already bilingual. |
How are you? | Olsem wanem? | Throw this out casually and watch people smile at you. |
Good | I gud | No need for "am" or "is"—just say "I gud" and keep it moving. |
Thank you | Tankyu tumas | The Vanuatu way of saying “big thanks” without sounding like a try-hard. |
No worries | I stret | Basically “it’s all good.” Use it daily. Hourly, even. |
Yes | Yes | Bislama ain’t got time for unnecessary changes. |
No | No | Same as above. Keep it simple. |
Let’s go! | Yumitu go! | Adventure awaits! Or at least the next beach bar. |
Goodbye | Bai bai! | Yep, just like “bye-bye.” Too cute, right? |
Speak Like You’ve Lived Here Forever (Or At Least a Week)
If you wanna impress the locals (or at least make them chuckle), drop these into convo:
Mi wantem bia wan! – I want a beer! (Probably the first phrase you’ll need. Priorities, people.)
Wanem nem blong yu? – What’s your name? (Perfect icebreaker. Use before the beer one.)
Mi stap long hotel long Vila. – I’m staying at a hotel in Port Vila. (Swap “hotel” for “beach bungalow” to sound extra fancy.)
Yu save toktok slow? – Can you speak slowly? (Handy when your brain lags from too much kava.)
Mi harem no gud. – I don’t feel well. (Also useful after too much kava. Just sayin’.)
Yu save halpem mi? – Can you help me? (A polite way to say, “I’m lost, send coconuts.”)
Mi wantem lukluk ol market. – I wanna check out the markets! (Get ready for fresh fruit, handmade crafts, and instant friendships.)
Bislama Words That Are Just… Better
Bislama doesn’t overcomplicate things. Sometimes, the words just make way more sense than in English:
🚣♂️ Smol boat – Canoe. (No need for fancy words. It’s small. It’s a boat. Done.)
🏠 Bigfala haus – Mansion. (Literally "big house." Why make it complicated?)
🚗 Tumas trak – Traffic jam. (Thankfully, not something you’ll experience much here.)
📞 Ringring long mi – Call me. (So nice, they said it twice.)
💃 Dance i gud tumas! – "That dance is amazing!" (Use this at a party and watch locals invite you to the dance floor.)
Want Instant Island Cred? Drop These Slang Words
Wanna sound less touristy and more like a local legend? These are your golden tickets:
Nomo! – “No worries” or “it’s cool.” Basically the Vanuatu version of chill, bro.
Yu stap? – “What’s up?” (Said with island confidence.)
Mi laekem tumas! – “I LOVE this!” (Say this about food, beaches, or your new tan.)
I nogat sam problem. – “No problem at all.” Because stress doesn’t exist here.
Bae yumi go long beach? – “Shall we go to the beach?” (The answer is YES. Always.)
Final Words: You Got This, Future Bislama Pro
The best thing about Bislama? It’s super forgiving. Mess up? No biggie. Locals appreciate the effort, and worst case—you’ll get a friendly laugh and a kava invite.
So go ahead, throw some Bislama into your trip, charm the locals, and remember: if all else fails, just smile and say "Tankyu tumas!" 😊
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