tulou
The Tongan phrase for "excuse me" is tulou.
tulou is used to politely excuse oneself when interrupting, passing through a space or apologizing for a minor social transgression.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To address multiple people or show higher levels of respect, you can use the form tulou fakatolu.
When do people say it?
In Tongan culture, saying tulou is an essential way to show respect (faka'apa'apa) when moving through a group of people or entering a conversation.
Did you know?
- The Tongan language has distinct registers for royalty, meaning the way one says tulou or its equivalents changes based on who is being addressed.
- When using tulou to pass between two people talking, it is common practice to lower your head or crouch slightly as you move to show physical humility.
- The concept of faka'apa'apa, which drives the use of tulou, is so central to Tongan society that it governs the physical layout of homes and the seating order in meetings.
Examples in context
- Tulou koe.Excuse me.
- Tulou, 'oku ou 'alu.Excuse me, I am leaving.
- Tulou, 'oku ou faka'eke.Excuse me, I am passing through.
Example conversation
Mele accidentally bumps into Sione in a store.
- MeleTulou, Sione, kuo ou faka-mālohi.Excuse me, Sione, I bumped into you.
- Sione‘Oku faka’a mau, Mele.It is okay, Mele.
- MeleTulou, kuo ou lalo’i ho va’e.Excuse me, I stepped on your foot.
- Sione‘Oku lelei pē, ‘oua na’a pole.It is fine, do not worry.
