Bigfala
Big-fa-la
Big
Usage
For talking about size — asking to change clothes or a room
Smolfala
Smol-fa-la
Small
Usage
The opposite of big; learn the pair together
Hevi
He-vi
Heavy
Usage
For talking about the weight of your bags at check-in
I no hevi
I no he-vi
Light (weight)
Usage
Light in weight — a different word from "bright" in most languages
Grammar Note
Light in weight is expressed as "not heavy"; laet means bright
Sas
Expensive
Usage
Say a price is high; it is the usual opening for haggling
Jip
Cheap
Usage
Cheap in price; also used to confirm the result of haggling
Hot
Hot (to the touch)
Usage
For hot food, drinks, or water — not for hot weather
Grammar Note
For hot food or water. Hot weather is Weta i hot
Kol
Cold (to the touch)
Usage
For cold drinks or water — not for cold weather
Grammar Note
For cold drinks and objects. Cold weather is Weta i kol
Niufala
Niu-fa-la
New
Usage
For checking whether an item is new
Olfala
Ol-fa-la
Old (thing)
Usage
Old as in an object; do not use it about a person
Grammar Note
Old, of an object. For an elderly person say olfala man
Yangfala
Yang-fa-la
Young
Usage
For talking about a person's age
Olfala man
Ol-fa-la man
Old (person)
Usage
Elderly, said of a person — a different word from old (thing)
Grammar Note
The phrase for an elderly person, distinct from olfala used of objects
Klin
Clean
Usage
Praises both cleanliness and beauty
Doti
Do-ti
Dirty
Usage
To point out that a room or dish is dirty; say it gently
Gud
Good
Usage
The basic word to praise quality or condition
Nogud
No-gud
Bad
Usage
To say quality or condition is not good
Klosap
Klo-sap
Near
Usage
Near in distance — you will hear it in answers to directions
Longwe
Long-we
Far
Usage
Far in distance; helps you decide whether to walk or ride
Eli
E-li
Early
Usage
Early in time — in many languages a different word from fast in speed
Grammar Note
Early in time. Fast in speed is kwik
Let
Late
Usage
Late in time — in many languages a different word from slow in speed
Grammar Note
Late for a time. Slow in speed is slo
Plante
Plan-te
Many
Usage
Many or much; useful for adjusting portions
Smol nomo
Smol no-mo
Few
Usage
Few or little; use it to ask for a smaller amount
Weta i hot
We-ta i hot
Hot (weather)
Usage
For hot weather or a hot room — not for hot objects
Grammar Note
The weather is hot. For a hot object just say hot
Weta i kol
We-ta i kol
Cold (weather)
Usage
For cold weather or a cold room — not for cold objects
Grammar Note
The weather is cold. For a cold object just say kol
Naesfala
Naes-fa-la
Cool
Usage
Mainly about looks; from English "nice"
Swit
Delicious
Usage
The word you will reach for most often at the table; from English "sweet"
Nambawan
Nam-ba-wan
Amazing
Usage
An expression of surprise and admiration; from English "number one"
Hapi
Ha-pi
Fun
Usage
For describing an experience itself; from English "happy"
Moa
More
Usage
Ask for more of something
Haf
Half
Usage
Ask for half the amount
Olgeta
All
Usage
Say you want all of it
I naf
That is enough
Usage
Say stop when someone is serving you
More Bislama phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Diving & Water Sports
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences