hoku tokoua
The Tongan phrase for "my brother" is hoku tokoua.
This phrase is used to refer to a male sibling of the speaker.
Did you know?
- In Tongan culture, the term tokoua is gender-neutral and can also be used to refer to a sister. The specific gender of a sibling is often understood through context rather than a change in the word itself.
- The word hoku identifies the possessor, but Tongan has several different words for 'my' depending on whether the object is a prized possession, a part of the body or a relative.
- While hoku tokoua literally means 'my brother', Tongan kinship systems are highly complex. A person might use different titles for a brother depending on whether they are the older or younger sibling.
Example conversation
Viliami and Ana are talking about family at school.
- ViliamiʻOku ʻinoʻino hoku tokoua.My brother is stubborn.
- AnaʻOku fakaʻofoʻo ia?Is he kind?
- ViliamiʻIo, ʻoku fakaʻofoʻo ia.Yes, he is kind.
- AnaʻOku lelei ia.He is good.
