How to Say “Dad” in Samoan

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tamā
The Samoan word for dad is tamā.
The word is used to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)

Which one should you use?

The term papa is also a commonly used informal way to say dad.

Did you know?

  • In many Samoan households, children may avoid calling their father directly by his name or even by the word tamā out of respect, instead using a slightly modified or more formal title.
  • The word papa, often used as an informal term for dad, can also mean 'flat' or 'level' in different contexts, illustrating how Samoan uses simple sounds for diverse meanings.
  • Samoan culture places a high value on the collective family, so a child might refer to an uncle as a father figure using terms similar to tamā.

Example conversation

Tau and Mere are talking about their families at home.

  1. Tau

    O fea lau tamā, Mere?
    Where is your dad, Mere?
  2. Mere

    O lo'u tamā o lo'o galue.
    My dad is working.
  3. Tau

    E folau lava lau tamā.
    Your dad is very hardworking.
  4. Mere

    Fa'afetai, Tau.
    Thank you, Tau.

Sources

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Kelsey Madison
Kelsey MadisonHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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