taokete
The Niuean word for brother is taokete.
taokete is a noun used to refer to a male sibling.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Did you know?
- The term taokete is a loanword from the English word 'brother' via a phonetic adaptation that mirrors how early settlers and missionaries interacted with the islanders.
- In some Niuean dialects or older forms of speech, kinship terms were used to define land rights and inheritance between 'brothers'.
- While taokete refers to a brother, Niuean kinship terms are often much more specific about whether the brother is older or younger than the speaker.
Example conversation
Lani is meeting Tevita's family.
- TevitaLani, ko tēne hoku taokete.Lani, this is my brother.
- LaniFakaalofa atu ki a koe.Greetings to you.
- TevitaKo tēne hoku taokete mada.This is my older brother.
- LaniE lelei tēnei taokete.This brother is kind.
