lelei
The Samoan word for "good" is lelei.
lelei is an adjective used to describe something that is pleasant or enjoyable.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Did you know?
- In Samoan culture, saying something is lelei can be a way of maintaining 'va', the sacred relational space and harmony between people.
- The ancestral form of this word, Proto-Polynesian *lelei, has remained remarkably stable across thousands of years and many miles of ocean.
- When describing food, lelei can be used, but Samoans often use more specific sensory words to express 'delicious' rather than a general 'good'.
Examples in context
- Lelei le sauniga i aso nei.The party today was good.
- O se aso lelei lenei.This is a good day.
- E lelei le tau o le mea.The price of the item is good.
Example conversation
Losa and Sione are talking about a book Losa is reading.
- LosaE lelei lea tusi.This book is good.
- SioneE fia faitau ai Sione.Sione wants to read it.
- LosaE mafai ona e faitau.You can read it.
- SioneFaafetai, Losa.Thank you, Losa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lelei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
