kelesi
The Tongan word for grace (in the sense of elegant movement, poise or balance) is kelesi.
kelesi refers to the quality of moving with elegance, poise or balance.
Meaning: elegant movement, poise or balance (noun)
When do people say it?
When saying grace in Tonga, it is common to close your eyes, bow your head slightly or hold hands.
Did you know?
- The word kelesi is a phonetic loan from the English word 'grace', showing how English vocabulary has been integrated into the Tongan language.
- A person exhibiting kelesi in a social setting is often praised for their faka'apa'apa, which translates to 'showing respect'.
- While 'grace' in English can refer to a prayer before meals, a Tongan person would likely use a different, more religious term for that specific act.
Example conversation
Viliami and Losa are watching a traditional Tongan dance performance.
- ViliamiVaea moʻoni ʻa e fakaʻata ko ʻení.This dancer is truly wonderful.
- LosaʻIo, ʻoku ʻi ai kelesi lahi ʻi heʻene laka.Yes, there is great grace in her dancing.
- ViliamiʻOku hā ʻene kelesi ʻi heʻene nima.Her grace shows in her hands.
- LosaʻOku moʻoni ia, Viliami.That is true, Viliami.
