ako
The Tongan word for school is ako.
ako refers to an institution dedicated to teaching and learning.
Meaning: an institution dedicated to teaching and learning (noun)
Did you know?
- Tongan uses a complex system of social registers, meaning the way you speak about ako can change depending on whether you are talking to a royal or a peer.
- The root of ako is used in many compound words to describe the transmission of traditional skills, such as weaving or navigation, long before formal Western schools arrived.
- The word ako functions as both a noun for 'school' and a verb meaning 'to learn' or 'to teach'.
Example conversation
Viliami and Sina are talking about their morning routine.
- ViliamiʻOku ʻau atu ʻa Sina ki he ako?Is Sina going to school?
- SinaʻIo, ʻoku ʻau atu ʻaʻu.Yes, I am going.
- ViliamiʻOku laveʻa fēfē ʻa e ako?How is the school?
- SinaʻOku lelei pē ʻa e ako.The school is just fine.
