fika
The Tongan phrase for "numbers" is fika.
fika refers to symbols or words used to count or measure things. In Tongan, specific numbers are expressed through distinct words such as ua (two), fā (four), nima (five), ono (six), fitu (seven), valu (eight) and hiva (nine).
What does it mean word for word?
For example, hiva fulu taha means ninety-one, which is constructed literally as "nine ten one".
Did you know?
- The Tongan number system is based on tens, but the word for ten, fulu, literally means 'bundle'.
- When counting objects, Tongan speakers often use specific 'classifiers' that change depending on whether they are counting people, animals, or long objects.
- The Tongan word for five, nima, is the same word used for 'hand'. This is because people traditionally used their fingers to count.
Examples in context
- ʻOku faingataʻa e fika ko ʻení.These numbers are difficult.
- ʻOku ʻikai ke nau ʻilo e fika.They do not know the numbers.
Example conversation
Sina and Tevita are studying for a math test.
- SinaʻOku u fakaʻuha ʻi he fika ko ʻeni.I am struggling with these numbers.
- TevitaVai aku, te u tokioi au.Wait, I will help you.
- SinaMālō, ʻoku u loto tatau ki he fika.Thanks, I want to understand the numbers.
- TevitaʻOku faʻa, te tau ako fakatautau.It's okay, we will study together.
