lahi
/la.hi/
The Tongan word for "great" is lahi.
While lahi can mean "great" in the sense of being very good, it is most commonly used to denote physical size or quantity, such as "large" or "big".
Meaning: very good (adj)
Which one should you use?
If you want to express that something is "great" in terms of quality or excellence, Tongan speakers often use lelei (good) combined with an intensifier. Use lahi instead when you want to emphasize scale or magnitude.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /la.hi/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Tongan society, the scale of a gift or feast, described as lahi, is a primary way to communicate respect and honor to a chief.
- While lahi means 'big', a person described as lahi in a familial context might refer to their seniority or rank in the birth order.
- The word lahi descends from the Proto-Polynesian root *lasi, making it a linguistic relative of words found in other Pacific languages.
Example conversation
Viliami and Sina are discussing a new plan.
- ViliamiVaea, vakai ki he palaní ni.Sina, look at this plan.
- SinaKo e palani lahi ia, Viliami.That is a great plan, Viliami.
- ViliamiʻOku ke loto pē?Do you really think so?
- SinaʻIo, ko e fakakaukaú lahi.Yes, the idea is great.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lahi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lahi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
