fakasia
The Tongan word for "asian" is fakasia.
fakasia is an adjective used to describe something that is of, relating to or from Asia.
Meaning: of, relating to or from Asia (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by attaching the prefix faka- to the noun asia. The prefix faka- is used to turn a noun into an adjective meaning "-like", "-ish" or "relating to".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective fakasia is constructed by attaching the prefix faka- to the noun asia.
Did you know?
- In Tongan culture, the concept of 'Asian' as a single identity is a modern import. Historically, Tongans distinguished people by specific island groups or mainland nations rather than a continental label.
- In Tongan, adjectives like fakasia generally follow the noun they describe, which is the opposite of the English word order.
- The prefix faka- is so versatile that it can turn almost any noun into an adjective, meaning 'in the manner of'. For example, it can describe everything from a 'Chinese-style' meal to a 'person-like' behavior.
Examples in context
- Ko e fonotunga fakasia.It is an Asian restaurant.
- Ko e talahi fakasia ia.That is an Asian market.
Example conversation
Sina and Tevita are discussing their favorite cuisines.
- SinaTevita, oku ou manamanu ki he kai fakasia.Tevita, I am craving Asian food.
- TevitaOku ou manamanu foki ki ai, Sina.I am craving it too, Sina.
- SinaKe tau lau ki he tohi fakasia 'eni.Let's look at this Asian menu.
- TevitaOku lelei, ke tau fai 'a e faka'ala.That is good, let's make an order.
