taimi
The Tongan word for "time" is taimi.
taimi is a noun used to refer to the measurement of a quantity of time.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Did you know?
- The word taimi is a loanword derived from the English word 'time'.
- When discussing taimi in a formal setting, such as with royalty, the language shifts to a specialized honorific register called lea faka-tu'a.
- In Tongan, the way time is perceived in social interactions often prioritizes the 'event' over the clock, a concept sometimes called 'Pacific time' in broader regional contexts.
Example conversation
Akuila and Sina are discussing when to meet.
- AkuilaSina, ‘oku ‘i ai ha taimi ke tau talanoa?Sina, is there time for us to talk?
- Sina‘Io, ‘oku ‘i ai ha taimi si‘i.Yes, there is a little time.
- AkuilaMālō, ‘oku ou fie faka’ali’i ‘i he taimi ‘oku ‘ao.Thanks, I want to show you in a short time.
- Sina‘Oku lelei, tau fai ‘o ‘ao.That's fine, let's do it soon.
