How to Say “Rugby” in Tongan

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lakapī
The Tongan word for rugby is lakapī.
lakapī refers to the form of football in which players can hold or kick an ovoid ball.
Meaning: form of football in which players can hold or kick an ovoid ball (noun)

Did you know?

  • The word lakapī is a phonetic loanword from the English 'rugby' adapted to fit Tongan phonology, which lacks certain consonant sounds found in English.
  • Tongan rugby culture is so deeply embedded that lakapī is often discussed in news and media with the same seriousness as national politics.
  • In Tonga, the term lakapī is often used as a generic label for many contact sports involving an oval ball, not just rugby union.

Examples in context

  • ʻOku ʻilo ʻa e Tonga ʻi he lakapī.
    Tonga is known for rugby.

Example conversation

Sina and Viliami are talking about sports at school.

  1. Sina

    Viliami, ʻoku keu kaukau lakapī?
    Viliami, do you play rugby?
  2. Viliami

    ʻIo, ʻoku ʻau kaukau lakapī.
    Yes, I play rugby.
  3. Sina

    Ko e lakapī ko e kaukau fakaʻili.
    Rugby is a great sport.
  4. Viliami

    ʻOku true, ʻoku ou ʻofa ki ai.
    That's true, I love it.
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Alisha Tara
Alisha TaraHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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