When learning a new language, it’s always valuable to know how to express compliments. If you’re interested in expressing admiration towards someone’s appearance in Samoan, it would be useful to know how to say “handsome.” In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing the term along with some valuable tips and examples. While regional variations exist in the Samoan language, we will primarily focus on the widely used forms.
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Formal Ways to Say “Handsome” in Samoan
When looking to offer a formal compliment about someone’s good looks in Samoan, you can use the following terms:
- “Fiafia”: This term translates to “handsome” and is commonly used to describe someone’s physical appearance in a formal context. For example, you can say, “O a’u uo i le taimi nei. O le fiafia lava oe!” which means “You look incredibly handsome today!”
- “Mativa”: This term can also be used to describe someone as “handsome” in a more formal manner. For instance, you can say, “E lelei mai le faitatalatala, ua mativa lava lou fesoasoani” meaning “Thank you for your help, you are really handsome!”
Informal Ways to Say “Handsome” in Samoan
If you want to express admiration towards someone’s appearance more casually, you can use these informal terms:
- “Failagi”: This term is used among friends and peers to describe someone as “handsome” in a friendly, informal manner. For example, you can say, “Ausia! Failagi atu lava!” which means “Hey! You’re looking handsome!”
- “Manaia”: This term is also commonly used in informal situations to compliment someone’s good looks. It can be used interchangeably with “failagi.” For instance, you can say, “Lelei i a koe le suumu. Manaia atu ua ou faia” meaning “You did a great job. You look handsome!”
Tips and Examples
1. Using “Fiafia”:
In formal contexts, “fiafia” is the most widely recognized word to say “handsome” in Samoan. Here are a few examples:
“Ua fiafia lava le alo o le aiga i le faiga palu.” – Literal translation: “The son of the family is exceptionally handsome in his traditional attire.”
Another example:
“E lelei atu sou fiafia mativa i le taimi nei.” – Literal translation: “Your handsome appearance is exceptional right now.”
2. Using “Failagi” or “Manaia”:
When you want to express informally that someone looks “handsome” in Samoan, the following examples using “failagi” and “manaia” demonstrate their usage:
“Failagi! O le mafutaga o le ‘ava ua le mafai ona tatau i le vala’au i tua o lo’u mata.” – Literal translation: “Handsome! The ceremonial ‘ava gathering cannot resist the beauty in my sight.”
Additional example:
“Manaia atu le fesili e i ai i luga o le poka.” – Literal translation: “The question asked on the board looks handsome.”
3. Mixing Formal and Informal Terms:
In some situations, you may want to mix formal and informal expressions while saying “handsome.” Here’s an example:
“Mativa! O le fiaigoa o le potu i luga o le itulagi.” – Literal translation: “Handsome! The name of the chair on the stage.”
Remember, using these phrases depends on the context, your relationship with the person, and the level of formality required.
With this guide, you now have the tools to compliment someone’s appearance in Samoan using the term “handsome.” Whether you opt for a formal or informal approach, your words are sure to make an impact.
