'oku ke namukū
The English phrase "you stink" is translated into Tongan as 'oku ke namukū.
This phrase is used to inform someone that their body or their breath has an unpleasant smell.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the continuous aspect marker 'oku, the second person singular pronoun ke and the adjective namukū which means smelly or stinking.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the continuous aspect marker 'oku to indicate a current state or an ongoing condition.
Did you know?
- Because namukū is frequently used to describe decaying or spoiled organic matter, telling a person 'oku ke namukū can subtly imply they are in a state of physical decomposition.
- While an English speaker might use 'you stink' casually, saying 'oku ke namukū in Tonga is a heavy social statement that can severely damage one's standing by violating the principle of faka'apa'apa, or respect.
- If you want to avoid the bluntness of namukū, Tongan social etiquette often requires you to ignore the smell entirely or use much more indirect descriptions to save face for the other person.
Example conversation
Mele notices Viliami's smell after a long day of work.
- MeleViliami, 'oku ke namukū.Viliami, you stink.
- ViliamiMo'oni, na'e mahi 'au 'i he lā.True, I was working in the sun.
- MeleFai ha tōtōlo.Take a shower.
- ViliamiʻOku ou ʻalu atu.I am going now.
