lahi
/la.hi/
The Tongan word for big is lahi.
The word lahi is used to describe something of a great size.
Meaning: of a great size (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of two syllables: /la.hi/.
Did you know?
- Tongan employs a system of asymmetrical respect where certain words change based on the status of the person being spoken to. While lahi is used generally, different terms for 'big' or 'great' are used when addressing royalty.
- Tongan uses 'reduplication', where a word is repeated, to intensify meaning. Repeating lahi can turn 'big' into 'huge' or 'massive', creating a new scale of size through rhythm.
- Tongan has a specialized vocabulary for 'big' that changes depending on whether the object is tall, wide, or thick. While lahi is general, using the wrong specific term for 'big' can change the perceived shape of the object.
Examples in context
- 'Oku lahi e kolo ko 'ení.This village is big.
Example conversation
Ana and Viliami are looking at a fruit in the market.
- AnaViliami, vaʻai ʻa e fēni lahi ko ʻení!Viliami, look at this big pineapple!
- ViliamiʻOku moʻoni, ʻoku lahi ia.It is true, it is big.
- AnaʻOku tau hoko ia?Are we buying it?
- ViliamiʻIo, hoko mai ia.Yes, buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “big” translations and entries lahi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
