'olunga
The Tongan word for up is 'olunga.
The word 'olunga is used as an adverb to describe something being away from the earth's surface.
Meaning: away from earth’s surface (adv)
Did you know?
- The Tongan language uses a complex system of social registers, meaning the word for 'up' can change depending on whether you are speaking to a commoner or a member of the royal family.
- The glottal stop at the beginning of 'olunga, represented by the apostrophe, is a full consonant sound that can change the meaning of a word if omitted.
- While 'up' in English is often used to mean 'increase' in numbers, Tongan uses different structures to express mathematical increases rather than relying solely on 'olunga.
Example conversation
Akuila and Mele are looking at a tall tree.
- AkuilaMele, vakai 'olunga ki he kau.Mele, look up at the trees.
- Mele‘Oku ‘i ai ha fualu ‘olunga?Is there a fruit up there?
- Akuila‘Io, ‘oku faka-la’u ‘olunga.Yes, it is high up.
- Mele‘Oku mālohi ange ‘olunga.It looks stronger up there.
