fakaʻapaʻapa atu
In Tongan, the English phrase "kind regards" is expressed as fakaʻapaʻapa atu.
fakaʻapaʻapa atu is used as a respectful closing in formal correspondence, such as letters or emails.
Meaning: polite closing of a letter (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of fakaʻapaʻapa (respect/honor) and atu (towards/to you).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase functions as a closing formula rather than a complete sentence.
Did you know?
- While fakaʻapaʻapa atu is the standard for formal letters, Tongans often use different levels of respect depending on the royal status of the recipient, as the language has a specialized 'royal' register.
- Because the word atu indicates direction away from the speaker, fakaʻapaʻapa atu literally sends the respect outward to the recipient.
- The structure of fakaʻapaʻapa uses the prefix faka- to turn a noun into a verb or adjective, effectively changing 'respect' into 'to act with respect'.
Examples in context
- ʻOfa atu mo e fakaʻapaʻapa atu.With love and kind regards.
Example conversation
Mele is showing Viliami how to write a formal email.
- MeleViliami, fakaʻaongaʻi ʻa e fakaʻapaʻapa atu.Viliami, use 'kind regards'.
- ViliamiʻOku ʻi he ngaahi tohi kotoa?Is it in all letters?
- MeleʻIo, ki he tohi faka-ofisiale.Yes, for official letters.
- ViliamiʻOku ou mahuʻu atu ʻaupito.I understand completely.
