upu
The English phrase "words" is translated into Samoan as upu.
The term upu refers to words. Other useful words include Fa'amolemole (please), Leai (no), Toe tasi (one more), Tama (father), Tina (mother) and Tama ma tina (parents).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word upu is used for both the singular "word" and the plural "words" because Samoan nouns do not change form for plurality.
Did you know?
- Some 'upu' are considered 'tapu', or sacred, and cannot be spoken aloud in certain contexts or in the presence of certain people.
- While upu means 'words', in Samoan culture, one's 'words' are often viewed as a physical extension of one's soul and character.
- Samoan culture places such high value on the spoken word that a traditional orator, or tulafale, is a high-ranking position requiring years of training in rhetoric.
Examples in context
- O upu neiThese words
- E tele upu i lenei tusi.There are many words in this book.
- E lelei au upu.Your words are good.
- Fa'amolemole, fa'amatala mai upu ia.Please, explain those words to me.
Example conversation
Tasi and Losa are discussing a letter.
- TasiLosa, e mana'ia au upu i lenei tusi.Losa, your words in this letter are beautiful.
- LosaFa'afetai, Tasi. Na ou mafaufau tele ai.Thank you, Tasi. I thought about it a lot.
- TasiE manino tele au upu.Your words are very clear.
- LosaOu te fiafia ua e lauiloa.I am glad you noticed.
