tuku e loi
To say "stop lying" in Tongan, use tuku e loi.
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to end their act of telling falsehoods.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tuku (stop/leave/let go), the particle e (the) and the noun loi (lie/falsehood).
Did you know?
- In traditional Tongan storytelling, the act of 'loi' can sometimes be viewed as a skill in storytelling or wit rather than just a moral failing.
- In a social context, shouting tuku e loi can be seen as a significant breach of 'faka'apa'apa', the Tongan cultural value of respect, which often prioritizes harmony over blunt truth.
- The word loi is used not only for spoken lies but also to describe something that is counterfeit or a 'fake' object.
Example conversation
Sina discovers that Akuila did not actually finish his chores.
- SinaKuo hola e ngāue kotoa, ʻoku nai?The work is all finished, isn't it?
- AkuilaʻIo, kuo faka'a kotoa.Yes, it is all done.
- SinaTuku e loi, ʻoku ʻuaua lava ʻa e poto.Stop lying, the yard is still messy.
- AkuilaSori Sina, ʻoku ʻuaua lava.Sorry Sina, it is too difficult.
