faha
The Tongan word for mad is faha.
faha is used as an adjective to describe the state of being angry.
Meaning: angry (adj)
Did you know?
- Tongan uses a system of 'honorifics' where the word for 'angry' changes completely if you are describing a king or a high chief.
- Tongan communication relies heavily on 'heliaki', a way of speaking through metaphor or indirectness. This means a person who is 'faha' might not use the word 'faha' at all, but instead use a metaphor to show their displeasure.
- Tongan linguistic nuances often mean that a single English word like 'mad' might be split into different Tongan words depending on whether the anger is directed at oneself or another person.
Example conversation
Akuila and Mele are talking about their boss.
- Akuila‘Oku faha e pule?Is the boss mad?
- Mele‘Io, ‘oku faha ia.Yes, he is mad.
- AkuilaKo e hā e causes?What is the cause?
- MeleNa‘e leva ‘a e ngāue.The work was late.
