vaivai
The Samoan word for "tired" is vaivai.
vaivai is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is in need of rest or sleep.
Meaning: in need of rest or sleep (adj)
Did you know?
- In many Pacific cultures, including Samoa, expressing being 'tired' is often a cue for communal support rather than just a personal complaint.
- The term vaivai shares a conceptual root with the way a plant might look when it is 'wilting' from a lack of water.
- While 'tired' in English is often a temporary state, using vaivai in a certain tone can imply a person's character is 'weak-willed'.
Examples in context
- E vaivai le tagata.The person is tired.
Example conversation
Mere and Tasi are talking after a long day of work.
- MereTasi, o oe vaivai ea?Tasi, are you tired?
- TasiIe, ou te vaivai tele.Yes, I am very tired.
- MereE lelei lou malolo nei.It is good for you to rest now.
- TasiFa'afetai, Mere.Thank you, Mere.
