tofa
tofa is the Samoan way to say bye.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
Did you know?
- Samoan has a concept of 'social distance' reflected in its greetings and farewells. The choice of whether to use tofa or a more extended phrase depends on the relationship between the speakers and the 'va', or the sacred space between people.
- While tofa is the common way to say 'bye', you might hear tofa soifua in more formal settings. The second word soifua literally means 'to live' or 'be well', turning a simple goodbye into a wish for the other person's long life.
- In certain Polynesian linguistic families, words similar to tofa are used to denote an end or a conclusion of a process, not just a person leaving a room.
Examples in context
- Tofa.Bye.
- Tofa atu.Bye (to someone leaving).
- Tofa ai.Bye (to someone staying).
Example conversation
Mere and Tasi are finishing a chat on the street.
- MereSauatala le taimi, Tasi.Time is up, Tasi.
- TasiIoe, e tatau ona ou alu.Yes, I have to go.
- MereTofa!Bye!
- TasiTofa, Mere!Bye, Mere!
