ua lelei
ua lelei is the Samoan way to say ok.
ua lelei is used to express agreement, acceptance or to signal that something is satisfactory.
Meaning: acknowledgement or acceptance (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'it has become good' or 'it is good'. The word ua is a particle indicating a completed state or a change in state, and lelei means good.
Did you know?
- In high-chiefly speech, known as 'gagana fa'aloalo', a speaker might avoid simple terms like lelei in favor of more elaborate metaphors for agreement.
- While ua lelei indicates a state of being 'good', Samoan culture often emphasizes 'va', the relational space between people, meaning agreement is often about harmony rather than just the facts.
- Samoan communication often relies on 'high-context' cues, meaning ua lelei might be used to politely end a conversation even if the speaker is not fully satisfied.
Examples in context
- Ua lelei lena mea.That is okay.
- Ua lelei, e mafa ona faia.Okay, it can be done.
- Ua lelei le fuafuaga.The plan is okay.
Example conversation
Sione and Mere are agreeing on a time to meet.
- SioneE mafai ona tatou feiloai i le itula e se.Can we meet at two o'clock?
- MereUa lelei, ou te tulai atu nei.Ok, I will leave now.
- SioneFaafetai, Mere.Thank you, Mere.
- MereSeia vagai, Sione.See you later, Sione.
