uso
[ˈʊ.so]
The Samoan word for sister is uso.
The term uso is commonly used to refer to a sibling in general, regardless of gender.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
Did you know?
- While uso covers all siblings, the specific term tuafafine is used for a sister when the speaker is male.
- The concept of uso extends so far beyond blood relations that it can be used to create a 'chosen family' bond between people from entirely different villages.
- In Samoan culture, the role of a sister is not just a family tie but can be a formal social position with specific duties to their brothers in traditional ceremonies.
Examples in context
- O lo'u uso lava lea.She is my sister.
Example conversation
Manu is meeting Losa's family for the first time.
- LosaManu, feiloa'i ma lo'u uso.Manu, meet my sister.
- ManuTalofa, e fiafia ou te feiloai atu.Hello, I am happy to meet you.
- LosaO lo'u uso o se tagata lelei.My sister is a good person.
- ManuE foliga mai e mamao lo outou sootaga.It seems you have a close relationship.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry uso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
