sipi
The English word "slap" is translated into Tongan as sipi.
sipi refers to a blow dealt with an open hand.
Meaning: A blow dealt with the open hand (noun)
Did you know?
- The way one reacts to a physical affront like a sipi is often governed by the concept of 'faka'apa'apa', or deep respect, which dictates how one responds to others.
- Tongan is a Polynesian language, meaning sipi exists in a linguistic family that prioritizes a small number of consonants and a high number of vowels.
Example conversation
Tevita and Sina are talking about a fight they saw.
- TevitaNa'e hoko e sipi ki ai?Did he get a slap?
- Sina'Io, na'e ma'u e sipi lahi.Yes, he got a big slap.
- TevitaKo e hā e kumi 'o e sipi ko iá?What was the reason for that slap?
- SinaNa'e faka'u'u e taha ki he taha.One was chasing the other.
