lo'u
The English word "my" is translated into Samoan as lo'u.
lo'u is a determiner used to indicate that something belongs to me.
Meaning: belonging to me (det)
Did you know?
- The glottal stop in lo'u, represented by the apostrophe, is a full consonant. If a speaker omits this sound, the meaning of the word can change entirely or become unrecognizable to a native speaker.
- In Samoan, the word for 'my' changes depending on whether the object being possessed is 'common' or 'special'. While lo'u is used for many things, a different word la'u is used for others based on a complex system of noun classification.
- In traditional Samoan oratorical speech, the way one expresses 'my' can signal one's social rank and respect for the listener. Using the wrong possessive form can inadvertently change the tone of politeness in a formal setting.
Examples in context
- o'u telefoniMy phone
- o'u faleMy house
- O lo'u tusi lenei.This is my book.
- O lo'u fiafia tele lenei.This is my great joy.
Example conversation
Sione and Sina are talking about a bag.
- SioneSina, o lo'u atigi lea?Sina, is that my bag?
- SinaLeai, e le'i lele lo'u atigi.No, my bag is not here.
- SioneO fea lo'u atigi?Where is my bag?
- SinaO lo'i lea i le lava.It is right there.
