ʻalu
The Tongan verb for "go" is ʻalu.
The verb ʻalu is used to describe moving through space, specifically when moving from one place to another.
Meaning: to move through space (especially from one place to another) (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to emphasize the direction of moving away from the speaker, you can use the phrase ʻalu atu. The addition of the particle atu provides this directional emphasis.
Did you know?
- When using ʻalu in polite speech, the verb may be preceded by honorific particles to show respect to the person moving.
- The phrase ʻalu is part of a larger family of Austronesian languages where the root for 'go' often remains remarkably similar across thousands of miles of ocean.
- The glottal stop, represented by the symbol ʻ at the start of ʻalu, is a full consonant sound that can change the meaning of a word if omitted.
Examples in context
- ʻAlu ki he motuGo to the island
- ʻAlu atu!Go away!
- ʻAlu ki he makete.Go to the market.
Example conversation
Tevita and Sina are deciding when to leave for a party.
- TevitaʻAlu kitau ʻapi.Let's go home.
- SinaʻOku ʻikai kei lava.I cannot yet.
- TevitaʻAlu kitau moʻui.Let's go now.
- SinaʻOku ou vaha ʻapi.I am just getting ready.
