urosa
The English word bear is translated into Samoan as urosa.
The term urosa refers to the large mammal of the family Ursidae.
Meaning: large mammal of family Ursidae (noun)
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'bear' for both the animal and the verb 'to carry', Samoan keeps these concepts entirely separate with different words.
- If you use the word urosa in a local village, people may not recognize it unless they are familiar with Western scientific terms or English.
- The word urosa is rarely found in ancient Samoan oral traditions or chants because the animal was unknown to early settlers.
Example conversation
Sione and Sina are looking at a book about animals.
- SioneSina, va'ai i lenei urosa!Sina, look at this bear!
- SinaE tele lava le urosa lea.That bear is very large.
- SioneE foliga mai e malosi.It looks strong.
- SinaAe e foliga mai e malie fo'i.But it looks cute too.
