palagi
The Samoan word for white person is palagi.
The term palagi is used broadly to refer to any person of European descent or any non-Pacific Islander/foreigner.
Which one should you use?
The term palā'a is an informal term for a white person.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify 'the' white person, you add the article le before the word to form le palagi.
Did you know?
- The term palagi is often used interchangeably across several Polynesian languages to refer to foreigners, showing a shared historical experience with early explorers.
- In some contexts, the term palagi can be used to describe things that are foreign or non-traditional, such as 'palagi food' or 'palagi ways'.
- Depending on the tone and context, palagi can be used as a term of endearment or a way to integrate a foreigner into a local social circle.
Examples in context
- O se palagi ia.He is a white person.
- Ua sau se palagi i le maketi.A white person came to the market.
- E tele ni palagi i lenei nuu.There are many white people in this village.
Example conversation
Sina and Manu are observing tourists at a beach resort.
- SinaVaai atu, ua sau se palagi.Look, a white person has arrived.
- ManuIoe, o lo'o ia latalata atu i le fale.Yes, he is getting close to the house.
- SinaE lē malamalama le palagi i le gagana.The white person does not understand the language.
- ManuE tatau ona tatou fesoasoani i ai.We should help him.
