fakamolu
The Tongan verb for 'shush' is fakamolu.
Fakamolu is used as a verb meaning to be quiet.
Meaning: To be quiet (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed using the prefix faka-, which means 'to make' or 'to cause to be', combined with the adjective molu (soft/quiet). Together, they create the causative verb meaning 'to make quiet/to shush'.
Did you know?
- In Tongan culture, the concept of molu extends to social behavior, where being 'soft' refers to a person who is humble and avoids confrontation.
- Unlike the English 'shush', which mimics the sound of silence, fakamolu is a conceptual word based on the quality of 'softness'.
- The root word molu describes not only sound but also texture and temperament. A person can be molu if they have a gentle personality or if a fabric feels soft to the touch.
Example conversation
Ana and Tevita are in a library.
- AnaTevita, fakamolu mai.Tevita, please be quiet.
- TevitaSio, 'oku ou talanoa pē.Look, I am just talking.
- AnaFakamolu, 'oku nai 'a e tokoni.Shush, the help is here.
- TevitaʻOku lelei, te u fakamolu.Fine, I will be quiet.
