kotoa
The English word 'everyone' is translated to Tongan as kotoa.
Meaning: every person (pron)
Did you know?
- Using kotoa in a royal context requires the use of 'honorific' language, meaning the words surrounding it must change to reflect the rank of the people being addressed.
- While kotoa means 'everyone', it is often placed at the end of a list of people rather than the beginning of a sentence. This structure acts like a closing bracket to encompass the entire group.
- The concept of 'everyone' in Tongan culture is deeply tied to the collective, where the group's identity often takes precedence over the individual.
Example conversation
Losa and Sione are preparing a meal for their guests.
- LosaKotoa 'oku ha'u nai?Is everyone coming?
- Sione'Io, 'oku ha'u kotoa.Yes, everyone is coming.
- LosaKe tau teuteu he kai.Let us prepare the food.
- SioneTau fai kotoa he ngaahi mea.Let's do everything.
