ita
The Samoan word for 'mad' is ita.
ita is an adjective used to describe the state of being angry.
Meaning: angry (adj)
Did you know?
- Because Samoan culture values 'va fealoai' or 'relational space', being ita is often treated as a physical disturbance in the invisible space between two people.
- There is a distinction between the 'madness' of anger ita and the 'madness' of mental instability, which uses a completely different set of terms.
- In Samoan culture, expressing ita openly in front of elders or high chiefs is often seen as a significant breach of etiquette and social harmony.
Examples in context
- Aua ne'i ita lau uo.Don't be angry, my friend.
- Ua ita tele le tina.The mother is very angry.
Example conversation
Talisa and Tau are arguing about a broken toy.
- TalisaAisea, ua ita Tau!Aisea, Tau is mad!
- TauE leʰi ita o aʰu.I am not that angry.
- TalisaE foliga mai e ita tele oe.You look very mad.
- TauAe ua lelei nei.But it is okay now.
