lea kovi
The English phrase "swear words" is lea kovi in Tongan.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lea, meaning "word" or "language" and kovi, meaning "bad" or "evil".
How does it change in a sentence?
lea kovi functions as a collective noun and does not typically take a plural marker to indicate multiple swear words.
Did you know?
- While lea kovi covers profanity, Tongan has a complex system of 'royal' language called lea faka-tu'i that forbids the use of common words when speaking to nobility.
- Some Tongan expressions of anger function as lea kovi without using a single 'curse word', relying instead on insulting a person's lineage.
- In Tongan culture, lea kovi is often avoided not just because of the words themselves, but because of the 'shame' or mamahi it brings to the speaker's family.
Examples in context
- ʻOua ʻe fakaʻosi ʻa e lea kovi.Don't overdo the swear words.
Example conversation
Viliami and Losa are talking about a movie they just watched.
- ViliamiNaʻe tele pē ʻa e faka-lea kovi ʻi he filimu.There were too many swear words in the movie.
- LosaʻIo, naʻe kovi pē ia.Yes, it was just bad.
- ViliamiʻOku ʻikai ke u like lea kovi.I do not like using swear words.
- LosaʻOku u lolotai mo koe, Viliami.I agree with you, Viliami.
