poto
The Tongan word for smart (exhibiting intellectual knowledge) is poto.
poto is used to describe someone or something that exhibits intellectual knowledge, such as the kind of knowledge found in books.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Did you know?
- Calling a child poto can sometimes carry a subtle undertone of being 'too clever for one's own good', implying a level of cunning.
- Because poto can mean 'skilled', it is frequently used as a compliment for a master artisan in a way that 'smart' is rarely used in English.
- The concept of being 'clever' or 'smart' in Tongan is deeply tied to how well one navigates social hierarchies and protocols.
Examples in context
- ʻOku poto e ʻOfa.Ofa is smart.
Example conversation
Mele and Sione are talking about their school grades.
- MeleNa'a ke lau 'a e tohi ko 'ení?Did you read this book?
- SioneIo, ko e tohi poto ia.Yes, it is a smart book.
- MeleKo koe poto ia, Sione.You are smart, Sione.
- SioneMālō, Mele.Thank you, Mele.
