tupe
The Samoan word for money is tupe.
tupe is a noun used to refer to currency or money in general.
Meaning: currency (noun)
When do people say it?
The official currency of Samoa is the Samoan Tālā (WST).
Did you know?
- While tupe refers to modern currency, traditional Samoan wealth was historically measured in ie tōga, which are finely woven mats.
- Samoan shares a regional linguistic pattern with Tongan and Fijian, where words for 'toys' or 'trinkets' evolved into words for 'money'.
- While tupe refers to money generally, it can also refer to a specific 'contribution' or 'donation' made towards a community or family event.
Examples in context
- Let's go out for dinner, but bring enough tala.Let's go out for dinner, but bring enough money.
- E leai se tupe i totonu o le pu.There is no money inside the purse.
- E tāua le tupe mo le fiafia.Money is important for happiness.
Example conversation
Sina and Manu are talking about buying a snack.
- SinaManu, e te manao i se mea'ai?Manu, do you want a snack?
- ManuIoe, ae leai se tupe ia teineu.Yes, but I have no money.
- SinaE mafai ona ou totagi mo oe.I can pay for you.
- ManuFa'afetai tele, Sina.Thank you very much, Sina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “money” translations and entries tupe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tupe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
