pepe
The Samoan word for baby is pepe.
pepe refers to a very young human being.
Meaning: very young human being (noun)
Did you know?
- If you are in a market in Samoa and ask for 'pepe', you are much more likely to receive a spicy condiment than a person.
- Unlike English, where 'baby' can be a romantic term of endearment, using pepe in this way in Samoan would be seen as strange or literal.
- Traditional Samoan culture emphasizes collective care, meaning a pepe is often cared for by the entire extended family rather than just the biological parents.
Examples in context
- O le pepe o loʻo moe.The baby is sleeping.
- E malie le pepe.The baby is cute.
- I ai se pepe i le fale.There is a baby in the house.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are looking at a sleeping infant.
- MereVaai i le pepe, e moe lava.Look at the baby, he is sleeping soundly.
- SioneO se pepe malie tele.He is a very cute baby.
- MereE te fiafia i lona mata?Do you like his face?
- SioneIoe, e matua malie lava.Yes, he is truly cute.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pepe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
