lele
The Tongan verb for "run" is lele.
lele is used to describe the action of moving quickly on two feet. If you want to specify that someone is running at a high pace, you can use the word lava to mean "fast".
Meaning: to move quickly on two feet (verb)
Did you know?
- The word lele is also used to describe the way a bird flies or a fish swims through the water. In Tongan, the concept of 'running' extends to many types of rapid, fluid movement across different elements.
- In Tongan, the verb lele never changes its form to match the subject. The word remains exactly the same whether the subject is one person or a thousand people.
- When describing a person who is 'running' away from a problem or a situation, Tongan may use lele to imply both the physical act and the social evasion. The verb captures the essence of escaping a state of being.
Examples in context
- ʻOku lele ʻa e tamasiʻi.The boy is running.
Example conversation
Ana and Sione are playing a game outdoors.
- AnaLele, Sione!Run, Sione!
- SioneʻOku ou lele!I am running!
- AnaLele vave ange.Run faster.
- SioneʻOku ou vave.I am fast.
