husepāniti
The Tongan word for husband is husepāniti.
The term refers to a male partner in a marriage.
Meaning: male partner in marriage (noun)
Which one should you use?
There are two ways to refer to a husband. You can use the loanword husepāniti or the word tāne.
Did you know?
- The word husepāniti is a phonetic adaptation of the English word 'husband'.
- In formal Tongan speech, particularly when addressing royalty or high chiefs, one might avoid using a person's name or title directly, even a husband's. Instead, relational terms are used to show respect within the social hierarchy.
- The shift toward using husepāniti reflects the heavy influence of English missionaries and administration on the Tongan language over the last two centuries.
Example conversation
Sina is introducing her husband to Sione.
- SinaSione, ə ə ko e husepāniti ə ə.Sione, this is my husband.
- SioneMəlo ə ə ə ə.Nice to meet you.
- SinaKo ə ə husepāniti ə ə ə.He is a good husband.
- Sioneə ə ə ə ə.That is wonderful.
