alofa tele
The English phrase "much love" is translated into Samoan as alofa tele.
alofa tele is an expression used to convey deep affection or as a warm closing in written or digital messages, such as letters and cards.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of alofa, meaning love or affection and tele, meaning much, many or big.
How does it change in a sentence?
To increase the strength of the expression to mean "so much love" or "very much love", you can add the intensifier lava after tele to form alofa tele lava.
Did you know?
- The word alofa is a direct linguistic relative of the famous Hawaiian greeting aloha. Both words share the same ancient roots in the Polynesian language family.
- In Samoan culture, alofa does not only describe a romantic feeling but also encompasses a deep sense of duty, compassion and communal responsibility.
- The root word alofa is used to describe the act of showing mercy or pity toward another person.
Examples in context
- Fa'afetai ma alofa tele.Thank you and much love.
Example conversation
Talisa is sending a text message to Tasi to wish him well.
- TalisaE fia manuia lou aso, Tasi.Have a good day, Tasi.
- TasiFa'afetai tele lava, Talisa.Thank you very much, Talisa.
- TalisaAlofa tele iā te oe.Much love to you.
- TasiIa manuia fo'i iā te oe.Best wishes to you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alofa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
