ʻalu kehe
The English phrase "go away" is translated into Tongan as ʻalu kehe.
ʻalu kehe is a verb used to express the act of departing or leaving a place. Depending on your tone of voice, using this phrase as a direct command can sound blunt or dismissive.
Meaning: to depart or leave a place (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb ʻalu (go) and the particle kehe (other/different/else), literally meaning "go elsewhere".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ʻalu kehe is considered informal. Using it as a direct command may come across as quite blunt.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can add the directional particle atu to the phrase to create ʻalu kehe atu, which emphasizes the movement away from the speaker's current location.
Did you know?
- Because Tongan relies heavily on social hierarchy, saying ʻalu kehe to an elder or a person of high status would be seen as a significant social transgression rather than just a simple request.
- In Tongan culture, expressing a desire for someone to leave can be much more indirect than the blunt ʻalu kehe to avoid causing 'loss of face'. Instead of a direct command, one might suggest it is time for a different activity.
- Because Tongan is a Polynesian language, ʻalu is a cognate with words in other Pacific languages, such as the Samoan word for 'go'.
Example conversation
Two men are talking near a village entrance.
- MeleMele, ʻoku ʻalu kehe ʻa e kau taha.Mele, the guests are leaving.
- ViliamiʻOku ʻalu kehe ʻa Viliami foki.Viliami is going away too.
- MeleʻAlu kehe ʻe ke kimuʻa.You go away first.
- ViliamiʻOku ou ʻalu kehe nai.I am leaving now.
