Sapate
The Tongan word for Sunday is Sapate.
Sapate is the noun used to refer to the day of the week, Sunday.
Meaning: day of the week (noun)
Did you know?
- In Tonga, Sapate is not just a day but a strictly observed day of rest where almost all businesses and government offices close. This reflects the deep influence of Christianity on the Tongan legal system and social structure.
- Tongan culture places such a high value on Sapate that performing manual labor or loud activities can be seen as a social taboo. Even traditional sports or loud gatherings are typically avoided until Monday.
- In Tonga, the concept of the 'Sabbath' is so central that the word Sapate is often used in contexts referring to holiness or divine rest, rather than just the 24-hour period.
Examples in context
- Ko e Sapate ko e ʻaho fakaofo.Sunday is a holy day.
Example conversation
Sina and Viliami are planning their weekly schedule.
- SinaKo e hā ho kau lalo he Sapate?What are your plans for Sunday?
- ViliamiTe u faka'amu ki he lotu he Sapate.I will attend church on Sunday.
- SinaʻOku lelei ia, Viliami.That is good, Viliami.
- ViliamiMālō, Sina.Thanks, Sina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Sunday” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
