ʻapi
The Tongan word for "home" is ʻapi.
The term ʻapi refers to a house or the structure in which someone lives.
Meaning: house or structure in which someone lives (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the central and southern islands, the term Vale is often used for home.
Did you know?
- Depending on the social rank of the resident, one might use completely different honorific words to describe a 'home' in formal settings.
- Tongan traditional houses known as fale were historically designed without walls to maximize airflow in the tropical heat.
- In Tongan, the word ʻapi can also be used to refer to a 'family' or 'household' in certain contexts, shifting the meaning from a physical building to a social unit.
Examples in context
- ʻApi lahi ʻa e muʻomuʻa.The chief's house is large.
Example conversation
Ana and Sione are talking about where they live.
- AnaKo e hetoe ʻa koe ki he ʻapi?When are you going home?
- SioneʻOku ʻou ʻalu ʻapi ʻapi.I am going home now.
- AnaʻOku fakaʻofoʻofa pē ho ʻapi.Your home is very lovely.
- SioneMālō, Ana.Thank you, Ana.
