fōfō mai
The English phrase "goodnight" can be said in Samoan as fōfō mai.
This phrase is used to wish someone a good night's sleep before they go to bed.
Which one should you use?
You may also use Manuia le po to mean "Have a good night."
Did you know?
- The word po in Manuia le po can refer to both a single 'night' and the general 'darkness'. In traditional storytelling, the po is often treated as a mystical space where spirits dwell.
- In formal settings, a 'goodnight' wish might be preceded by a fa'afetai to express gratitude for the hospitality of the host before retiring for the evening.
- The word po is a cognate with the Hawaiian word pō, both deriving from Proto-Polynesian, showing how 'night' terminology remained consistent across thousands of miles of ocean.
Example conversation
Losa and Tasi are finishing their day at home.
- LosaUa ou fia moe nei.I want to sleep now.
- TasiLelei, fōfō mai, Losa.Okay, goodnight, Losa.
- LosaFōfō mai foi, Tasi.Goodnight to you too, Tasi.
- TasiFa'afetai, toe feiloa'i i le taeao.Thanks, see you in the morning.
