lea kovi
The English phrase "bad words" is translated into Tongan as lea kovi.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lea, meaning "word" or "language" and kovi, meaning "bad" or "evil".
Did you know?
- In many Pacific island contexts, including Tonga, words possess 'mana', or spiritual power. Therefore, lea kovi are feared because they are believed to have the actual power to cause harm or misfortune.
- In Tongan, the word kovi for 'bad' is also used to describe something that is 'crooked' or 'bent', suggesting that 'bad words' are viewed as a deviation from a straight path.
- Because Tongan is a highly hierarchical language, 'bad words' are often judged not just by their content, but by whether they violate the appropriate level of social rank. Using the wrong level of formality can sometimes be treated with the same weight as an insult.
Examples in context
- ‘Oku ‘ikai ke fakamālohia e lea kovi.Bad words are not acceptable.
- ‘Oua ‘e faka‘aonga‘i ha lea kovi.Do not use bad words.
Example conversation
A parent correcting a child's language.
- TevitaAna, ko e hā e lea kovi ko iá?Ana, what are those bad words?
- AnaNaʻe lea kovi mai ʻa e tamasiʻi ko iá.That boy spoke bad words to me.
- TevitaʻOua naʻa lea kovi hoki koe.Do not use bad words too.
- AnaʻOkú ou vaivai, Tevita.I am sorry, Tevita.
