upu masoā
The English phrase 'swear words' is translated into Samoan as upu masoā.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of upu meaning 'word' and masoā meaning 'to swear' or 'to vow'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase upu masoā is used for both the singular 'swear word' and the plural 'swear words' because upu (word) can function as both in this context.
Did you know?
- In Samoan social structures, a 'swear word' is often judged not by its anatomical or sexual content, but by whether it violates 'va', the sacred space or relational connection between people.
- In Samoan, the word masoā is more commonly associated with making a sacred vow or a solemn oath rather than using vulgar language. This gives the phrase a more formal or 'heavy' connotation than the English 'swear words'.
- In traditional Samoan society, using 'heavy' words is believed to have actual spiritual or social consequences rather than just being socially rude.
Examples in context
- E lē tatau ona faaaogā upu masoā.You should not use swear words.
- E lē manaia le faalogologo o upu masoā.Listening to swear words is not pleasant.
Example conversation
Tau and Mere are talking about a movie they watched.
- TauE tele upu masoā i lea movie.There are many swear words in that movie.
- MerePoā e tele ma le le lelei?Were there a lot of bad ones?
- TauIoe, e tele nau upu masoā.Yes, there were far too many swear words.
- MereE le tatau ona tatou va'ai i lea.We should not watch that.
