Manuia fa'afetai
The Samoan phrase for "good thank you" is Manuia fa'afetai.
This phrase is used as a polite response to indicate that you are doing well after someone asks how you are.
What does it mean word for word?
The word fa'afetai means "thank you".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can intensify the phrase by adding the particle lava after Manuia to create Manuia lava, fa'afetai, which means "very good, thank you".
Did you know?
- In formal village settings, the way you respond with Manuia fa'afetai may change depending on your rank relative to the speaker. High-ranking chiefs use a different register of language called Gagana Fa'aloalo for these polite exchanges.
- While fa'afetai means 'thank you', the prefix fa'a- is a versatile tool in Samoan used to indicate that something is being done 'in the manner of'. It literally transforms the root word into an action of giving thanks.
- The word Manuia can also be used as a standalone greeting or a wish for good luck, similar to how 'cheers' is used in some English contexts.
Examples in context
- O lo'o manuia fa'afetai lava.I am very well, thank you.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- ManuTalofa Sina, o ai oe?Hello Sina, how are you?
- SinaManuia fa'afetai, Manu.Good thank you, Manu.
- ManuO le mea lea e sili.That is great.
- SinaFa'afetai i lou fesili.Thank you for asking.
