Ke ke mālohi ai pē
The Tongan phrase for 'stay strong' is Ke ke mālohi ai pē.
This expression is used as a supportive sentiment to encourage someone to remain brave or resilient during a difficult time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'May you be strong only' or 'May you just be strong'. The root word mālohi is an adjective meaning 'strong' or 'powerful'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The core of the expression is the adjective mālohi, which means 'strong' or 'powerful'.
Did you know?
- The word mālohi shares an ancient linguistic root with words for 'power' and 'authority' across various Polynesian languages, such as Maori.
- Saying Ke ke mālohi ai pē is an act of 'faka'apa'apa', or showing respect, by acknowledging the difficulty of the listener's situation.
- The particle pē at the end of the phrase can act like a linguistic cushion, softening the command to make it sound like a gentle wish rather than an order.
Examples in context
- Ke ke mālohi ai pē 'i he taimi faingata'a.Stay strong during the difficult time.
Example conversation
Sina is comforting Sione after he lost his job.
- SinaKuou ʻilo ʻoku mamahi koe, Sione.I know you are hurting, Sione.
- SioneʻOku ou ongo'i loto mālohiʻá ʻoku faka'u.I feel like my strength is fading.
- SinaKe ke mālohi ai pē, ʻe maʻu pē e ngāue foʻou.Stay strong, you will find a new job.
- SioneMālō, Sina, ke u feinga ai.Thanks, Sina, I will try.
