Koe kia
The English phrase 'goodbye' is translated into Niuean as Koe kia.
For a more formal expression, you can use Alofa atu, which translates to "love to you".
Meaning: farewell (intj)
Did you know?
- The word koe is a linguistic relative of the word 'clothing' or 'wrap' in other Austronesian languages.
- In Niuean culture, expressions of affection like Alofa atu are common in farewells even between people who are not closely related.
- While Koe kia is the standard farewell, the word kia is also used in Niuean as a marker to indicate that an action is about to happen.
Examples in context
- Koe kia, e fano atu.Goodbye, I am going now.
Example conversation
Tevita and Lani are parting ways after a visit.
- TevitaKoe kia, Lani.Goodbye, Lani.
- LaniKoe kia, Tevita.Goodbye, Tevita.
- TevitaE fano atu au.I am leaving now.
- LaniKoe kia.Goodbye.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries koe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
