alu e moe
To go to sleep in Samoan is to say alu e moe.
The phrase is used to describe the act of beginning the process of sleeping or the act of going to bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of alu, meaning 'go' and moe, meaning 'sleep'.
Which one should you use?
You can use maliu e moe to convey the same meaning with more respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word moe within the phrase can function as both a verb meaning 'to sleep' and a noun meaning 'sleep'.
Did you know?
- The word moe is used in the phrase moe i le tau, which literally means 'sleep in the fight' but is a euphemism for death.
- In traditional Samoan culture, the physical act of moe often happened on fala, which are finely woven pandanus mats rather than raised beds.
- The word moe is used in the expression moe le loto, meaning 'the heart is asleep', which describes someone who is indifferent or unfeeling.
Examples in context
- Alu e moe le tama.The boy goes to sleep.
- E tatau ona alu e moe.It is time to go to sleep.
Example conversation
Manu and Losa are talking late at night.
- ManuLosa, e lelei le alu e moe.Losa, it is a good time to go to sleep.
- LosaAe ou te le moe lava.But I am not sleepy yet.
- ManuE tatou alu e moe nei.Let us go to sleep now.
- LosaOk, tatou alu.Ok, let's go.
