tuofefine
The Tongan word for sister is tuofefine.
tuofefine is used to refer to a woman or girl who has the same parents as another person.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word tuofefine is a compound of tuou, meaning sibling and feine, meaning female or girl.
Which one should you use?
While tuofefine refers to a sister, the term tuofetama is used to refer to a brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tuofefine does not change its form to indicate plurality. If you are referring to more than one sister, the number is typically indicated by context or by using a number.
When do people say it?
When speaking of an elder sister, the honorific Fahu may be used.
Did you know?
- The role of the Fahu is so significant that she may be treated with more deference than her own parents in certain traditional contexts.
- While tuofefine is the general term for sister, the Tongan language uses different registers of speech depending on whether the sister is of a higher or lower royal rank.
- In a traditional Tongan household, the 'Fahu' status of an elder sister gives her a ceremonial role that transcends her role as a sibling. She may have specific rights to certain rituals or goods during family events.
Example conversation
Akuila is introducing his sibling to Ana.
- AkuilaKo e tuofefine ko iá ko hoku tuofefine.That girl is my sister.
- AnaKo e hā hono hingoa?What is her name?
- AkuilaKo e hingoa ‘o hoku tuofefine ko Mele.My sister's name is Mele.
- AnaMalo, Mele!Hello, Mele!
