tuʻi
The Tongan word for king is tuʻi.
The term tuʻi refers to a male member of a royal family who is the supreme ruler of his nation. In Tongan society, it is used as a title for a king or a high-ranking chief.
Meaning: a male of a royal family who is the supreme ruler of his nation (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, tuʻi can also function as a title that precedes a person's name.
Did you know?
- Tongan royalty uses a specialized 'royal language' called lea faka-tuʻi, which involves unique vocabulary and grammar that differs from everyday speech.
- In traditional Tongan culture, the status of a tuʻi is often balanced by the power of the 'sister', as the female line provides the highest rank.
- In Tongan, certain levels of 'tuʻi' or high chiefs are so sacred that specific rules of contact and even sight are traditionally restricted.
Examples in context
- ʻOku fakaʻapaʻapa kitautolu ki he tuʻi.We respect the king.
- Ko e tuʻi fakaʻapaʻapa ia.He is a respected king.
Example conversation
Tevita and Sina are discussing a history book.
- TevitaNaʻe fakaʻaliʻi ʻa e tuʻi ʻi he potutala ʻeni.The king was mentioned in this chapter.
- SinaKo e tuʻi faka-Tonga ia?Is he a Tongan king?
- TevitaʻIo, ko e tuʻi ʻo e māmā ʻo e tupuʻanga.Yes, he is the king of the early ancestors.
- SinaʻOku mahino moʻoni e ngaahi talanoa ʻeni.These stories are very clear.
