Tahitian Language

Language and Phrases in Tahitian

The official Language of Tahiti is French and Tahitian. English is spoken in all the major hotels. On most of the larger islands you will also find English spoken in most shops and restaurants. However, as you get to more of the remote islands, you will find fewer people speaking English. Most Americans will find it easier to pronounce Tahitian words than French. Yes, there are a lot of vowels, but each letter is pronounced and that pronunciation never changes.

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Vowels
A: pronounced ah as papa
E: pronounced ay as bay
I: pronounced ee as see
O: pronounced oh as show
U: pronounced oo as boot

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Consonants
Consonants are pronounced the same as in English.

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Speak Tahitian

Here are a few words and phrases in Tahitian. Please give them a try, the Tahitians will appreciate your effort!