ʻio
The Tongan word for the English phrase "ok" is ʻio.
The term is used to express acknowledgement or acceptance.
Meaning: acknowledgement or acceptance (intj)
Which one should you use?
The phrase ʻUa lelei can also be used to mean "it's good" or "it's fine" to express agreement.
Did you know?
- When communicating with Tongan royalty or high-ranking chiefs, the simple 'ok' expressed as ʻio would be replaced by much more elaborate and specialized honorific language.
- In many Pacific cultures, including Tonga, prolonged eye contact while giving a short acknowledgement can sometimes be seen as aggressive rather than attentive.
- The word lelei inside the phrase ʻUa lelei is one of the most versatile words in Tongan, used to describe everything from a well-behaved child to a tasty meal and a good mood.
Examples in context
- ʻIo, te u fofola atu.Ok, I will spread it out.
Example conversation
Mele asks Sione to help her with a task.
- MeleSione, tokoni mai ki he ngāue ʻeni.Sione, help me with this work.
- SioneʻIo, te u tokoni.Ok, I will help.
- MeleMalo, faka'apa'apa atu.Thanks, I appreciate it.
- SioneʻIo, ʻokúna pē.Ok, no problem.
