aulelei
The Samoan word for beautiful is aulelei.
aulelei is used to describe someone or something that is aesthetically pleasing, specifically in a way that carries a sense of grace or elegance.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While aulelei emphasizes elegance and grace, the term matagofie is a more common, general word for 'beautiful' or 'lovely' used for people, objects or the weather.
Did you know?
- While aulelei focuses on grace, the word matagofie shares a root with the word for 'eye', suggesting that beauty is defined by how something appears to the observer's sight.
- The word aulelei can be applied to a person's voice or speech. In traditional oratorical settings, a 'beautiful' speech is one that mirrors the grace and structure of an aulelei person.
- The taupou, or village maiden, is the living embodiment of aulelei. Her role in traditional dances is to represent the collective beauty and grace of her entire community.
Examples in context
- O le tagata e leleiThe person is beautiful
- E aulelei le fafine.The woman is beautiful.
- O se teine aulelei lona foliga.The girl has a beautiful face.
- E aulelei lau tusitusiga.Your writing is beautiful.
Example conversation
Tasi and Sina are looking at a painting.
- TasiE aulelei tele lea ata.That picture is very beautiful.
- SinaFa'afetai, na ou aoaoina lea.Thank you, I painted that.
- TasiE sili atu lou talē.Your talent is great.
- SinaFa'afetai lava, Tasi.Thank you very much, Tasi.
