lotu
The English word 'prayer' is lotu in Tongan.
The word lotu refers to the practice of communicating with one's God. You may encounter more specific religious terms such as lotu faka'eiki, which refers specifically to Christian prayer or worship directed to God or lotu faka'apu'u, which is used to describe intercessory prayer, the act of praying for others.
Meaning: practice of communicating with one's God (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun lotu (prayer) also functions as the verb meaning 'to pray'.
Did you know?
- The word eiki in the term lotu faka'eiki is also the root for terms used to address nobility, showing how much religious language and aristocratic titles overlap.
- When using the phrase lotu faka'apu'u, the concept of 'intercession' is built into the term, which refers to the act of 'pressing' or 'pressing down' a prayer for someone else.
- The word lotu is used not only for the act of praying but also to refer to a church building or a religious service.
Example conversation
Ana and Sione are preparing for a meal.
- AnaSione, ʻoku ke lotu nai?Sione, are you praying now?
- SioneʻIo, ʻoku ou lotu ki he kai.Yes, I am praying for the food.
- AnaʻOku ou lotu foki.I am praying too.
- SioneʻOku lelei e lotu ko ʻení.This prayer is good.
