alu e moe
In Samoan, "go sleep" is expressed as alu e moe.
A command telling someone to go to bed and start sleeping.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb alu (to go) and the verb moe (to sleep), connected by the particle e which indicates the direction or purpose of the movement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase alu e moe functions as an imperative command.
Did you know?
- Using the direct command alu e moe with a high-ranking person is a major social faux pas. Samoan culture requires a specialized 'chiefly' language for such interactions.
- In Samoan, the word moe is used for both 'to sleep' and 'to dream'. This means a person who is dreaming is described as being in a state of moe.
- Traditional Samoan sleeping arrangements are communal. Family members often share a single large woven mat rather than using separate beds.
Examples in context
- Alu e moe le tama.Go sleep, little boy.
Example conversation
Losa is telling Manu it is late at night.
- LosaManu, ua tuai le Poincaré.Manu, it is late.
- ManuOu te fiafia o lo'u tusi.I enjoy my book.
- LosaAlu e moe ania.Go sleep then.
- ManuOk, ou te alu nei.Ok, I am going now.
