tamā matua
The Samoan word for grandfather is tamā matua.
tamā matua is a generic term used to refer to a grandfather from either your maternal or paternal side.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of tamā (father) and matua (elder/parental/adult), literally meaning 'elder father'.
Which one should you use?
While tamā matua refers to a grandfather, the term tina matua is used for a grandmother.
Did you know?
- Because Samoan culture is deeply communal, a person might refer to a grandfatherly figure in their community as tamā matua even if there is no blood relation.
- In traditional Samoan society, the tamā matua often holds a pivotal role in the fa'amatai system, which is the complex traditional governance of the islands.
- In many Samoan families, calling a grandfather by his name or even just tamā matua might be considered disrespectful if he holds a high status in the village.
Examples in context
- O lo'u tamā matua o lo'o iai i Samoa.My grandfather is in Samoa.
- E fiafia le tamā matua i le tusi.The grandfather likes the book.
Example conversation
Sione and Losa are looking at old family photos.
- SioneO ai lenei tamā matua i le ata?Who is this grandfather in the photo?
- LosaO lo'u tamā matua lenā, Sione.That is my grandfather, Sione.
- SioneE matagofie tele o ia.He is very handsome.
- LosaFa'afetai, e mālō lava o ia.Thank you, he is very strong.
