kaukau
The Tongan word for a shower (the device for bathing) is kaukau.
kaukau is a noun used to refer to a device used for bathing.
Meaning: device for bathing (noun)
Related words
Did you know?
- Tongan culture traditionally values modesty, so kaukau often happens in private spaces or behind screens rather than in open sight.
- The word kaukau is built from the reduplication of the root kau, which means 'to swim'.
- The root kau is part of a large family of words across the Pacific that describe interacting with the ocean or large bodies of water.
Examples in context
- ʻOku ʻi ai e kaukau ʻi he hale.There is a shower in the house.
Example conversation
Sina and Sione are discussing the house layout.
- SinaSione, ‘oku ‘i’ai ha kaukau ‘i he fale ‘eni?Sione, is there a shower in this house?
- Sione‘Io, ‘oku ‘i he lou’u kaukau.Yes, it is in the bathroom.
- Sina‘Oku lelei ange ‘a e kaukau ‘eni.This shower is better.
- Sione‘Io, ‘oku faka‘apa‘apa ia.Yes, it is fancy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kaukau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kaukau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
