ngafa
The Tongan word for chores is ngafa.
ngafa refers to routine tasks, especially those performed around the house, that require regular completion.
Did you know?
- The way chores are distributed in a Tongan home can be heavily influenced by the 'fahu' system, where certain family members hold higher ritual status.
- Performing chores can be a way to demonstrate one's readiness for higher communal responsibilities or even marriage within certain traditional contexts.
- A person might be praised not just for finishing their ngafa, but for the 'loto taha', or the single-mindedness and spirit with which they performed them.
Example conversation
Viliami and Sina are talking about cleaning the house.
- ViliamiSina, kuo faka’au e ngafa?Sina, are the chores almost done?
- Sina‘Ikai, ‘oku kei nai e ngafa.No, there are still chores left.
- ViliamiAu tokoni atu ki he ngafa.I will help you with the chores.
- SinaMālō, Viliami.Thank you, Viliami.
