uaifi
The Tongan word for wife is uaifi.
The word is used to refer to a female partner in a marriage.
Meaning: female partner in a marriage (noun)
Did you know?
- The word uaifi is a loanword derived from the English word 'wife'.
- In very formal Tongan, there is a specific register of language called lea faka-‘eiki used for royalty, which uses different vocabulary for family members than the common word uaifi.
- In traditional Tongan society, the role of a wife was historically tied to the fahu system, where the rank of a woman's brother is higher than her own.
Example conversation
Sione is introducing Mele to a friend.
- SioneFakafeʻiloaki, ko e uaifi ʻa Mele.Greetings, this is my wife Mele.
- MeleMālō e lava mai, Mele.Hello, Mele.
- SioneKo e uaifi taʻuʻunga ia.She is a wonderful wife.
- MeleʻOkuou ongoʻi fiefia ʻi he fakafoʻou.I am happy for the union.
