fakamā
The Tongan word for shame is fakamā.
fakamā is used as a noun to describe an uncomfortable or painful feeling.
Meaning: uncomfortable or painful feeling (noun)
Did you know?
- The word mā is the root of fakamā and can also mean 'clean' or 'pure'. In certain contexts, the feeling of shame is linguistically linked to the idea of being exposed or stripped of one's purity.
- Expressing fakamā can be a way of showing respect or acknowledging one's position within the strict Tongan social hierarchy.
- In many Polynesian contexts, including Tonga, the avoidance of fakamā is often a more powerful motivator for behavior than the pursuit of reward.
Example conversation
Sione tells Mele he made a mistake in public.
- SioneNaʻa u fai e meʻa ʻoku hala, Mele.I did something wrong, Mele.
- MeleKo e hā ʻa e meʻa naʻa ke fai?What is it that you did?
- SioneʻOku ou ongoʻi fakamā efiafi.I feel a lot of shame.
- MeleʻOku leva pē, Sione.It is okay, Sione.
