taʻahine
The Tongan word for princess is taʻahine.
taʻahine is a noun used to refer to a female member of the royal family.
Meaning: female member of royal family (noun)
Did you know?
- In Tongan culture, the concept of a princess is deeply tied to the 'fahu' system, where the sister of a king holds a higher ceremonial rank than the king himself.
- Tongan has a complex system called lea faka-ʻeiki, a special royal register of the language where different words are used when speaking to or about royalty.
- The word taʻahine is also the standard word for 'maiden' or 'young woman', meaning it can be used for both a royal princess and an ordinary girl in a village.
Example conversation
Tevita and Mele are looking at a royal portrait.
- TevitaKo ai ʻa e taʻahine?Who is the princess?
- MeleKo e taʻahine ʻo e tuʻi.She is the daughter of the king.
- TevitaʻOku ʻao ʻia ia.She looks beautiful.
- MeleʻOku toʻa foki ʻa e taʻahine.The princess is also brave.
