uso
[ˈʊ.so]
The Samoan word for bro is uso.
uso is used to refer to a male comrade, friend or someone who shares one's ideals. While it can describe a literal brother, it is commonly used informally to address a male friend.
Meaning: male comrade or friend, one who shares one’s ideals (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word uso literally means brother.
Which one should you use?
The term uso is gender-specific and refers only to males.
Did you know?
- Samoan has different words for brothers depending on whether they are older or younger, though uso serves as a general term.
- While you might use 'bro' to address any male peer in English, calling a stranger uso in Samoa implies a level of kinship that connects you to their entire extended family network.
- In the context of fa'asamoa, an uso may be expected to perform specific labor or duties for the family that a non-relative friend would not.
Examples in context
- Ia manuia le aso, uso.Have a great day, bro.
- O ia o lo'u uso.He is my bro.
- E pei o se uso o ia.He is like a brother/bro.
- Ua avea o ia ma uso sili ona uiga lelei.He has become a very good bro.
Example conversation
Losa and Tau are catching up at a local gathering.
- LosaO ai o lenei tagata, Tau?Who is this person, Tau?
- TauO lo'u uso lea.This is my bro.
- LosaE uiga lelei lau uso.Your bro seems nice.
- TauFaafetai lava, Losa.Thank you very much, Losa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry uso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
