va'ai
In Samoan, the phrase "look" is translated as va'ai.
The verb va'ai is used to express the act of trying to see something.
Meaning: to try to see (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use va'ai atu to look toward an object or person, and use va'ai mai when the direction of the looking is towards the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle atu to va'ai indicates the direction of the gaze toward an object or person.
Did you know?
- The word va'ai is central to the concept of va, which refers to the relational space between people and things.
- In Samoan, va'ai does not just mean 'look' but can also be used to mean 'to understand' or 'to realize' in certain contexts.
- In traditional Samoan culture, direct eye contact while va'ai (looking) at a high-ranking chief can be seen as disrespectful.
Examples in context
- Va'ai i le mea o lo'o i ai.Look at what is there.
- E te mafai ona va'ai i le taimi?Can you look at the time?
- Va'ai i le manu i luga o le lau.Look at the bird on the leaf.
Example conversation
Mere and Sione are looking for a lost key.
- MereSione, va'ai i lalo i le nofoa.Sione, look under the chair.
- SioneOu te le va'ai i se mea.I don't see anything.
- MereVa'ai i luga o le lava.Look on top of the table.
- SioneO lo'o iinei le ki!The key is here!
