nofo ā
In Tongan, goodbye is expressed as nofo ā. Wiktionary also lists 'alu ā.
Meaning: farewell (intj)
Ways to say it
| Tongan |
|---|
| nofo ā |
| 'alu ā |
Tongan 'goodbyes' are direction-based, depending on whether the person is staying or departing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nofo ā literally means stay then, while 'alu ā literally means go then.
Which one should you use?
Use nofo ā when you are the one leaving and the other person is staying.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'goodbye' is a contraction of 'God be with ye', Tongan farewells focus entirely on the physical movement of the speakers.
- Because these phrases are rooted in physical movement, using the wrong one can inadvertently suggest you are commanding the other person to 'stay' or 'go'.
- In Tongan, the word nofo used in nofo ä can also mean 'to sit' or 'to dwell', reflecting a worldview where staying in a place is tied to the act of sitting.
Examples in context
- Nofo ā, e fakamālō.Goodbye, thank you.
- Nofo ā, 'o e 'ofa atu.Goodbye, sending much love.
- Nofo ā koe, 'e tau feiloaki foki.Goodbye, we will meet again.
Example conversation
Two friends are finishing a walk together.
- TevitaKuou ʻao mai ki he falé.I have arrived at the house.
- LosaʻOku lelei, nofo ā.That is fine, goodbye.
- TevitaNofo ā, Losa.Goodbye, Losa.
- LosaKa kite kitaki.See you later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
