tatau
The English phrase "tattoo" is translated into Samoan as tatau.
The word refers to an image made in the skin with ink and a needle.
Meaning: an image made in the skin with ink and a needle (noun)
Did you know?
- The English word 'tattoo' is actually a loanword derived from the Samoan word tatau.
- The word tatau is believed to be etymologically linked to the word for a 'flying fox wingbone' in ancient Proto-Polynesian.
- A traditional tatau is not applied with a machine but with handmade tools made from bone or wood and a mallet.
Examples in context
- E uiga i lau tatau.It is about your tattoo.
- E matagofie lau tatau.Your tattoo is beautiful.
- E te fia faia se tatau?Do you want to get a tattoo?
Example conversation
Sione and Mere are talking about traditional art.
- SioneMere, e sili lava lou tatau.Mere, your tattoo is the best.
- MereFaafetai, Sione. E pelele le tatau.Thank you, Sione. The tattoo is delicate.
- SioneO fea lou tatau na faia?Where was your tattoo done?
- MereNa faia i le nuu.It was done in the village.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tattoo” translations and entries tatau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tatau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
