matapeapea
The Samoan word for greedy is matapeapea.
The adjective matapeapea is used to describe someone who is having greed or is consumed by selfish desires.
Meaning: having greed, consumed by selfish desires (adj)
Did you know?
- The term matapeapea contrasts sharply with the value of 'tautua' or service, where prestige is gained by giving to others rather than accumulating for oneself.
- Being matapeapea is considered a direct violation of the role of a 'matai' or village chief, whose primary duty is to distribute resources and provide for the collective.
- While English speakers often associate greed with wealth, a person being matapeapea in a Samoan context might be judged for hoarding even small communal resources like food or time.
Examples in context
- O ia e matapeapea tele.He is very greedy.
Example conversation
Tau and Talisa are discussing a relative who wants all the inheritance.
- TauE matapeapea tele o ia.He is very greedy.
- TalisaE moni, e manao o ia i mea fare.True, he wants everything.
- TauE le tatau ona ia faia lea mea.He should not do that.
- TalisaE tatau ona tatou tautala ia te ia.We need to talk to him.
