mālō 'aupito
To say "thank you very much" in Tongan, use mālō 'aupito.
Use this phrase when you wish to express a level of gratitude that is greater than a standard "thank you".
Meaning: greater gratitude than "thank you" (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mālō, which can mean thanks, well done or congratulations and aupito, which means very much or extremely.
Which one should you use?
While mālō is the standard way to say thanks, adding aupito elevates the level of gratitude to express that you are thanking someone very much.
Did you know?
- The word mālō is rooted in the concept of health and strength, originally meaning 'healthy' or 'strong' before evolving into a way to express appreciation.
- In Tongan culture, the depth of gratitude expressed through mālō 'aupito is often accompanied by a slight bow or a lowering of the head to show respect.
- Because mālō can mean 'well done', saying mālō 'aupito to someone who just finished a difficult task might sound like you are praising their performance rather than just thanking them.
Example conversation
Viliami gives Sina a gift for her birthday.
- ViliamiKo e me'a fo'i 'eni kiate koe.This is something for you.
- SinaMālō 'aupito, Viliami!Thank you very much, Viliami!
- ViliamiKoe faka'ali'i 'oku 'ofa au ki koe.It's a sign that I love you.
- Sina'Oku ou faka'apa'apa atu.I appreciate it.
