tī
tī is the Samoan word for tea.
tī refers to the drink made from the leaves of the tea plant.
Meaning: drink made from leaves of tea plant (noun)
Did you know?
- While tī refers to the imported beverage, Samoans traditionally use infusions of local leaves, such as those from the tī plant (Cordyline fruticosa), for medicinal and ritual purposes.
- The Samoan word tī is a loanword from the English word 'tea', which was introduced to the islands by European traders and missionaries.
- Despite the word tī, the most culturally significant hot beverage in Samoa is kava, which is made from the root of a pepper plant rather than leaves.
Example conversation
Sione and Sina are chatting in the kitchen.
- SioneSina, e te mana'o i se tī?Sina, do you want some tea?
- SinaIoe, fa'amolemole.Yes, please.
- SioneOu te oloa le tī nei.I am preparing the tea now.
- SinaFa'afetai, Sione.Thank you, Sione.
