ʻamanaki
The Tongan verb for "hope" is ʻamanaki.
ʻamanaki is used to express the desire for something to happen with the expectation that it might occur. If you wish to say "hope that [something happens]", place the particle ke immediately after ʻamanaki.
Meaning: to want something to happen, with expectation that it might (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ʻamanaki is the base verb, adding the prefix faka- creates the form fakaʻamanaki, which functions as an adjective (hopeful) or a noun (a hope).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are expressing hope directed toward another person or a situation involving others, you can add the particle atu after the verb to form ʻamanaki atu.
Did you know?
- In traditional Tongan social hierarchy, expressing a strong 'hope' (ʻamanaki) when speaking to a high-ranking noble may require specific honorific language that differs from common speech.
- Adding atu to form ʻamanaki atu changes the direction of the hope, effectively 'sending' the hope toward someone else like a gift or a greeting.
- The word ʻamanaki is used as a common given name for people in Tonga, representing the hope the parents have for the child's future.
Examples in context
- ʻAmanaki ke ʻalu koe ʻi he ʻaho ni.I hope you go today.
- ʻAmanaki ke ʻo mai e ʻuha.I hope it rains.
Example conversation
Viliami and Mele are talking about the weather for a trip.
- ViliamiʻAmanaki au ʻe langa lāngi ʻelu.I hope it is sunny tomorrow.
- MeleʻOku ʻamanaki foki au ki ai.I hope for that too.
- ViliamiʻE lelei ia ki he kavei.That would be good for the boat.
- MeleʻIo, ʻe fakaʻamanaki kitautolu.Yes, we three shall hope.
