ʻofa atu foki
The English phrase "love you too" is translated into Tongan as ʻofa atu foki.
ʻofa atu foki is a response used to tell someone that you also love them.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ʻofa (love), atu (a directional marker meaning towards you) and foki (also or too).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this response, the word foki functions as the particle for "also" or "too".
Did you know?
- Tongan is a Polynesian language, and ʻofa shares a distant linguistic root with the Hawaiian word aloha, which also encompasses love and affection.
- In Tongan culture, love is often expressed through actions and service rather than verbal declarations, making the spoken ʻofa atu foki a very powerful and intentional statement.
- Unlike English where 'love' can be used very casually, the Tongan root ʻofa carries a profound sense of communal and familial duty.
Examples in context
- ʻOfa atu foki.Love you too.
- ʻOfa atu foki e siʻi.Love you too, dear.
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye after a visit.
- ViliamiʻOfa atu, Losa.Love you, Losa.
- LosaʻOfa atu foki, Viliami.Love you too, Viliami.
- ViliamiKa kitekitaki.See you later.
