ʻOku ou ʻofa atu kiate koe
The English phrase "I miss you" is translated into Tongan as ʻOku ou ʻofa atu kiate koe.
Meaning: I miss you (phrase)
Did you know?
- In Tongan culture, the concept of 'mercy' or 'charity' is expressed using the same root ʻofa as the phrase used to say 'I miss you'.
- The symbol ʻ in ʻOku is not a punctuation mark but a full consonant called a glottal stop.
- If you are speaking to a person of high social rank, the phrase ʻOku ou ʻofa atu kiate koe would be replaced with entirely different pronouns for 'I' and 'you'. Using the standard form with a chief would be considered a social faux pas.
Example conversation
Tevita and Losa are talking on the phone from different islands.
- TevitaMalo e lelei, Losa.Hello, Losa.
- LosaMalo e lelei, Tevita!Hello, Tevita!
- TevitaʻOku ou ʻofa atu kiate koe.I miss you.
- LosaʻOku ou ʻofa atu kiate koe foki.I miss you too.
