moʻui
The Tongan word for life is moʻui.
moʻui is a noun used to describe the state of being alive.
Meaning: the state of being alive (noun)
Did you know?
- The glottal stop in moʻui, represented by the inverted comma, is a distinct consonant. If a speaker omits it, the word changes meaning entirely and may no longer be recognized as 'life'.
- A person's 'life' or 'vitality' is often linked to their 'mana', a spiritual power or prestige that is felt by others.
- Tongan uses moʻui in the phrase mālō e moʻui, which is used to express gratitude for the gift of life or for being alive after a dangerous event.
Examples in context
- Ko e moʻui ʻoku mahuʻinga.Life is important.
- ʻOku fakaʻofoʻofa e moʻui.Life is beautiful.
Example conversation
Sione and Losa are talking about their grandparents' health.
- SioneʻOku moʻui pē ʻa ho tūpú?Is your grandparent still in good life?
- LosaʻIo, ʻoku moʻui moʻoni pē.Yes, they are very much alive.
- SioneʻOku tau fakamālō ki he moʻui.We give thanks for life.
- LosaʻOku true moʻoni ʻa e meʻa ko iá.That is very true.
