sai ke tau ilo
The Tongan phrase for "good to know" is sai ke tau ilo.
This phrase is used to acknowledge that a piece of information you have received is useful or helpful.
Did you know?
- The word tau in sai ke tau ilo acts as an inclusive 'we', implying that the information is useful for the speaker and the listener together.
- While 'good' is often translated as lelei, this phrase uses sai, which carries a sense of being 'fitting', 'suitable', or 'proper'.
- While sai ke tau ilo is used for helpful information, using it in a sarcastic tone can subtly signal that the information was actually obvious or unnecessary.
Example conversation
Sina is telling Tevita about a change in a meeting time.
- SinaKuo keihi ʻa e fakafeʻataina.The meeting has been moved earlier.
- TevitaSai ke tau ilo, Sina.Good to know, Sina.
- SinaʻOku kau mai ʻa e kavei kotoa.Everyone is included.
- TevitaʻOku ou poto atu.I understand.
