mafu
The Tongan word for heart is mafu.
mafu refers to the heart as a biological organ.
Meaning: an organ (noun)
Did you know?
- The word loto also means 'inside' or 'interior', linking a person's emotional state to their inner being.
- In many Polynesian languages, including Tongan, the concept of the 'center' or 'core' is more often linked to the physical location of the stomach or gut rather than the chest.
- The word mafu is strictly anatomical, meaning using it in a romantic poem might sound uncomfortably clinical to a Tongan listener.
Examples in context
- Ko e mafu ko e kaveinga 'o e mo'ui.The heart is the source of life.
Example conversation
Viliami and Ana are talking about a health check-up.
- ViliamiKuō ke fakamahino ʻa e tōtala ʻaki ʻa e mafu?Did the doctor explain about the heart?
- AnaʻIo, naʻe pehe ʻoku malie ʻa e mafu.Yes, he said the heart is healthy.
- ViliamiKo e hā ʻa e meʻa ʻoku ke fai?What are you doing for that?
- AnaʻOku ou kai faka-kena ʻaki ʻa e mafu.I am eating healthily for the heart.
