konā
The Tongan word for drunk is konā.
konā is an adjective used to describe someone who is intoxicated after drinking too much alcohol.
Meaning: intoxicated after drinking too much alcohol (adj)
Did you know?
- While konā refers to alcohol, a person who is too intoxicated by the traditional drink kava is usually described as being 'heavy' or 'lost' rather than using the same word used for spirits.
- There is a strong cultural emphasis on 'mamalu' or dignity, meaning that being described as konā carries a much heavier social stigma than in many Western cultures.
- Tongan speakers may use different markers of politeness (honorifics) when discussing a person who is konā depending on their rank in the hierarchy.
Example conversation
Sina and Tevita are talking about a friend at a party.
- SinaKuo konā lava Ēfasi.That man is too drunk.
- TevitaĒloi Ēfasi Ēkonā?Is he really drunk?
- SinaIo, kuo konā mo'oni.Yes, he is truly drunk.
- TevitaTau tokoni ki ai.Let's help him.
