luko
The Samoan word for wolf is luko.
The word luko refers to the animal known as a wolf.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Did you know?
- The Samoan word luko is not a native word but a borrowing from the Ancient Greek word λύκος.
- The word luko entered the language via missionaries and educators who brought Western biological classifications to Samoa.
- Because wolves are not native to the islands of Samoa, the word luko is almost exclusively encountered in books, stories, or educational contexts rather than daily conversation.
Examples in context
- O le luko o se manu tele.The wolf is a large animal.
Example conversation
Manu and Sina are looking at a picture book about animals.
- ManuSina, e silia mai le luko i le agalu.Sina, the wolf is bigger than the deer.
- SinaAe ua ou vaai, e mata sili le luko.But I see, the wolf looks stronger.
- ManuE mautinoa, e malosi tele le luko.Certainly, the wolf is very strong.
- SinaE foliga umi lona fulu.Its fur looks long.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries luko, CC BY-SA 4.0.
