e te fia 'ai?
The Samoan phrase for "are you hungry?" is e te fia 'ai?
e te fia 'ai? is the standard way to ask if someone is hungry in Samoan. It is used to inquire whether someone has a desire to eat food.
What does it mean word for word?
The component fia 'ai literally translates to "want to eat".
How does it change in a sentence?
e te fia 'ai? is the singular form, used specifically when you are addressing one person.
Did you know?
- In Samoa, asking e te fia 'ai? is often a social ritual rather than a literal question. It is common to offer food multiple times to a guest even if they have already declined.
- The word 'ai (eat) is part of a wider family of Polynesian words. It is a cognate of the Māori word kai, which also means 'food' or 'to eat'.
- The glottal stop represented by the mark in 'ai is a distinct sound that requires a momentary closure of the vocal cords, which can change the meaning of similar words.
Examples in context
- E te fia 'ai?Are you hungry?
Example conversation
Sina and Sione are relaxing at home.
- SinaSione, e te fia 'ai?Sione, are you hungry?
- SioneIoe, ou te fia 'ai.Yes, I am hungry.
- SinaOu te alu atu i le kitchen.I will go to the kitchen.
- SioneFaafetai, Sina.Thank you, Sina.
