tina
The English word "mom" is translated into Samoan as tina.
The word tina is used to refer to a person's female parent.
Which one should you use?
You may also see Mama used as an informal way to say mom.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'mom' as a name, in Samoa, calling a stranger tina is a way to show deep respect and recognize their maturity.
- In many traditional contexts, the concept of the 'mother' is tied to the 'tina o le nu'u', which refers to the 'mother of the village', a symbolic figure of communal care.
- The use of Mama is a more recent linguistic layer influenced by Western contact, whereas tina remains the deeply rooted indigenous term.
Examples in context
- Fa'amolemole, Mama, e te mafai ona e fesoasoani ia te a'u?Please, mom, can you help me?
- Mama, fa'afetai mo si'o alofa tele!Mom, thank you for your love!
- O lo'u tina o lo'o i le fale.My mom is at home.
- E fiafia lo'u tina i le pese.My mom likes the song.
- Na a'oa'oina a'u e lo'u tina.I was taught by my mom.
Example conversation
Manu and Losa are talking about their families at school.
- ManuO fea lo tina, Losa?Where is your mom, Losa?
- LosaO lo tina o lo'o i le fale.My mom is at home.
- ManuE manaia tele lo tina.Your mom is very nice.
- LosaFa'afetai, Manu!Thank you, Manu!
