fakaalofa lahi atu kia koe
The English phrase "I love you" is expressed in Niuean as fakaalofa lahi atu kia koe.
This phrase is used as an affirmation of romantic feeling.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, fakaalofa lahi atu kia koe translates to "to cause much love towards you".
Did you know?
- The word alofa in fakaalofa lahi atu kia koe is also the root for 'compassion' and 'mercy', meaning the phrase implies a deep, caring devotion rather than just a fleeting crush.
- The word koe used in this phrase can be traced back to the Proto-Austronesian *(i-)kaSu, meaning it shares a deep ancestral link with languages spoken as far away as Taiwan.
- The phrase fakaalofa lahi atu kia koe is closely related to traditional greetings, as the root word for love is also used when welcoming guests to a home.
Examples in context
- E fakaalofa lahi atu kia koe, e fetu.I love you, my dear.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fakaalofa, koe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
