ua lelei mea uma
The English phrase "all good" is translated into Samoan as ua lelei mea uma.
This phrase can be used both to state that a situation is satisfactory and as a response to an apology to indicate that no offense was taken.
Meaning: all good (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ua lelei mea uma is composed of ua (has become/is), lelei (good) and mea uma (everything/all things).
Did you know?
- In many Polynesian cultures, including the ancestors of Samoans, the concept of 'goodness' expressed through lelei often implies harmony and balance rather than just quality.
- The structure of ua lelei mea uma reflects a Proto-Polynesian heritage, tracing back thousands of years to a single ancestral language family.
- Samoan speakers may use ua lelei mea uma to describe the weather or a meal, as lelei covers both 'tasty' and 'pleasant' depending on the 'mea' being discussed.
Examples in context
- E leai se fa'alavelave, ua lelei mea uma.No problem, all is good.
- E te mana'o e fa'alelei le mea uma? Ua lelei mea uma.Do you want to fix everything? Everything is all good.
Example conversation
Manu and Losa are checking on the progress of a community project.
- ManuLosa, o le a le tulaga o le galuega?Losa, how is the work going?
- LosaUa lelei mea uma, Manu.All is good, Manu.
- ManuE te mana'o i se fesoasoani?Do you want some help?
- LosaFa'afetai, ua lelei mea uma.Thank you, everything is all good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lelei, mea, ua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
