'oku ke sai pē?
The English phrase "are you okay?" is translated into Tongan as 'oku ke sai pē?
'oku ke sai pē? is a question used to inquire about someone's well-being or their current state of health.
Which one should you use?
While 'oku ke sai pē? is a general way to ask if someone is okay, you can also use ʻOku ke moʻui lelei? if you are specifically asking if someone is living well or is in good health.
When do people say it?
When responding to this question, a standard way to answer is to use the first-person pronoun ou (I) instead of the second-person pronoun ke (you), as seen in the phrase ʻIo, ʻoku ou sai pē. (Yes, I am okay.).
Did you know?
- Tongan has distinct levels of formality, and while 'oku ke sai pē? is used with peers, different pronouns are required when asking a royal or high-ranking chief if they are okay.
- The word sai in 'oku ke sai pē? relates to a state of being 'sufficient'. To be 'okay' in Tongan is linguistically closer to saying one is 'enough' or 'adequate' rather than 'good'.
- When asking this to an elder, it is common to adjust your posture or lower your gaze to show respect, as the phrase itself is part of a wider system of social hierarchy.
Example conversation
Sina looks tired while talking to Akuila.
- AkuilaSina, 'oku ke sai pē?Sina, are you okay?
- Sina'Oku ou sai pē, mālo.I am okay, thanks.
- AkuilaKe mālo, 'oku ke sai pē?Thanks, but are you okay?
- Sina'Io, 'oku ou sai pē.Yes, I am okay.
