aulelei
The Samoan word for pretty is aulelei.
The term aulelei is an adjective used to describe someone or something as pleasant or attractive. It is applied especially when describing women and children.
Meaning: especially of women and children: pleasant, attractive (adj)
Did you know?
- In Samoa, the concept of beauty is often linked to the gagana, or the way a person speaks. A person may be described as aulelei not just for their looks, but for their grace and eloquence in traditional oratorical speech.
- If you describe a village or a landscape as aulelei, you are not just saying it is pretty, but that it possesses a sense of harmony and proper order.
- While aulelei is a common way to say 'pretty', in formal Samoan oratorical language, different, more respectful terms are used to describe beauty to avoid being overly casual.
Examples in context
- E aulelei tele lenei teine.This girl is very pretty.
Example conversation
Sione and Losa are looking at a photo of a young girl.
- SioneE aulelei tele lenei tamaio'ita'i.This little girl is very pretty.
- LosaIoe, e aulelei tele o ia.Yes, she is very pretty.
- SioneE pei o se lalelei fa'asamoa.She is like a Samoan beauty.
- LosaO le mea moni lea.That is the truth.
