kui
The Tongan word for grandpa is kui.
The word is used to refer to a grandfather.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
Papa is also used as an informal term for grandpa.
Did you know?
- In Tongan, many kinship terms are gender-neutral or change based on the social status of the person being addressed rather than just biological sex.
- While kui can mean grandfather, it is also used in Tongan to refer to any ancestor or great-grandparent from a previous generation.
- When speaking to or about an elder, you might use kui alongside specific honorific pronouns. Tongan has a complex system of 'lea faka'apa'apa' or respectful language that changes how you address people based on their status.
Examples in context
- Ko e kui ko e'enei.This is grandpa.
- 'Ofa atu ki ho kui.Give my love to your grandpa.
Example conversation
Losa and Tevita are talking about their family visit.
- LosaNa’e ha’u mai a kui?Did grandpa come?
- Tevita‘Io, na’e ha’u mai ia.Yes, he came.
- Losa‘Oku faka’ofo’ofa ‘a kui.Grandpa is lovely.
- Tevita‘Io, ‘oku tau ‘ofa ki ai.Yes, we love him.
