mālō
The Samoan word for hi is mālō.
The word mālō is a friendly, informal greeting used to say hi. Beyond its use as a greeting, it can also be used to say 'well done' or 'congratulations' when responding to someone's achievement.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
When do people say it?
When using formal greetings, Manuia le aso (have a good day) is particularly appropriate during the morning or during daylight hours.
Did you know?
- Samoan has a distinct 'honorific' register, meaning there are entirely different sets of words for greetings depending on whether you are speaking to a chief.
- The greeting mālō is actually a hidden compliment. It originates from a word meaning 'victorious', meaning when you say hi, you are subtly acknowledging someone's success.
Examples in context
- Mālō lava!Hi there!
Example conversation
Tasi and Talisa meet on the street.
- TasiMālō, Talisa!Hi, Talisa!
- TalisaMālō, Tasi!Hi, Tasi!
- TasiO ai oe?Who are you?
- TalisaO lo'u igoa o Talisa.My name is Talisa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mālō, CC BY-SA 4.0.
