Iakopo
Jacob is translated into Samoan as Iakopo.
Iakopo is the standard male given name for Jacob in Samoan.
Meaning: male given name (the standard form) (name)
Which one should you use?
Iakopo is the standard form of the name, while Sapeti is a formal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Samoan, the stress typically falls on the penultimate syllable.
Did you know?
- In traditional Samoan social hierarchy, calling someone by a given name like Iakopo may be considered too informal if the person holds a high-ranking title.
- The name Iakopo is part of a broader Polynesian pattern where the 'b' sound in 'Jacob' is replaced. Since the Samoan language lacks a 'b' sound in its traditional phonetic inventory, it is substituted with 'p'.
- Samoan names like Iakopo are often paired with a 'suafa' or a traditional name. This creates a dual identity where one name is used for the church and the other for the village.
Examples in context
- E lē o Iakopo lona igoa.His name is not Jacob.
- O ai lou uo, Iakopo?Who is your friend, Jacob?
Example conversation
Talisa and Tau are talking about a new neighbor.
- TalisaO ai le tagata fou?Who is the new man?
- TauO Iakopo lona igoa.His name is Jacob.
- TalisaE te iloa Iakopo?Do you know Jacob?
- TauIo, ou te iloa o ia.Yes, I know him.
