faiako
/fa.i.a.ko/
The Tongan word for teacher is faiako.
faiako is a noun used to describe a person who teaches.
Meaning: person who teaches (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb fai (to do or make) and the suffix -ako (to learn or study), essentially meaning 'one who makes learning happen'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /fa.i.a.ko/ and consists of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- Tongan society uses a complex system of social hierarchy where a faiako may be addressed with specific honorifics that change depending on the teacher's rank or family lineage.
- The word ako is used for both the act of 'learning' and 'teaching', meaning the same word can describe what both the student and teacher are doing.
- The word fai is a fundamental building block in Tongan, appearing in many terms related to the act of creation or craftsmanship.
Examples in context
- Ko e faiako lelei ia.He is a good teacher.
Example conversation
Ana and Sione are talking about their school day.
- AnaNaʻe faka-lelei e faiako?Was the teacher kind?
- SioneʻIo, naʻe lelei ia.Yes, he was kind.
- AnaKo e faiako faka-Tongan ia?Is he the Tongan teacher?
- SioneʻIo, ko ia pē.Yes, that's him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teacher” translations and entries faiako, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
