mālō
The English phrase "thanks" is translated into Tongan as mālō.
mālō is used to express appreciation or gratitude and can be used as a standalone exclamation to say "thanks".
Meaning: used to express appreciation or gratitude (intj)
Which one should you use?
You can intensify the expression by adding ‘aupito after mālō to change the meaning from a simple "thank you" to "thanks a lot" or "thank you very much".
Did you know?
- In highly formal settings, such as addressing royalty, a simple mālō is insufficient, and speakers use a specialized 'chiefly' register of the language to show proper deference.
- Because the word mālō is connected to the concept of being 'healthy' or 'well', saying it can carry a connotation of acknowledging someone's physical or spiritual state.
- The word mālō is closely related to words in other Polynesian languages, such as the Hawaiian malo, which can refer to a traditional loincloth or a garment of status.
Examples in context
- Mālō ‘aupito!Thanks a lot!This sentence is useful for learning how to say "thanks a lot!" using mālō.Tatoeba #7560381 by Ricardo14, translation #534970 by Snout
- Mālō e tokoni.Thanks for the help.
Example conversation
Ana gives Tevita a gift.
- TevitaMālō, Ana.Thanks, Ana.
- Ana‘E loto ‘atu.You're welcome.
- TevitaKo e meāō mālō ia.It is a lovely gift.
- AnaKo e loto tālō ia.It is from the heart.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
