fakavave
The Tongan verb for "hurry" is fakavave.
Meaning: to do things quickly (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the causative prefix faka- (to make/cause) and vave (fast/quick), literally meaning "to make fast/quick".
Did you know?
- In highly formal settings, such as when addressing royalty, a direct command to hurry using fakavave would be considered remarkably rude.
- The root vave shares a semantic space with words used to describe anything that is 'quick-witted' or 'sharp' in a person's intellect.
- In certain contexts, the concept of 'hurrying' is culturally viewed differently, as many Tongan social customs emphasize a calm and deliberate pace to show respect.
Examples in context
- Fakavave ki he feitu'u tauloto.Hurry to the restaurant.
Example conversation
Sina and Tevita are leaving for a party.
- SinaTevita, fakavave ke ke hū!Tevita, hurry up and get in!
- TevitaʻOku ou faka'au pē.I am just getting ready.
- SinaTau fakavave, ʻe tau tu'u!Let's hurry, we're going to be late!
- TevitaʻOku ou hū atu.I am coming now.
