'ua e 'aulelei
To say "you're beautiful" in Samoan, use 'ua e 'aulelei.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically attractive.
Did you know?
- Traditional Samoan beauty standards historically valued the tatau or traditional tattoo. A person's beauty was often measured by the precision and bravery required to complete their ink.
- In Samoan culture, beauty is often linked to fa'aloalo, which means 'respect'. A person is considered truly beautiful not just for their features, but for how they treat their elders and community.
- The word 'ua at the start of the phrase functions as a marker of a completed change in state, suggesting the person has 'become' beautiful or is currently in a state of being beautiful.
Example conversation
Losa and Tasi are getting ready for a party.
- LosaTasi, 'ua e 'aulelei i lea 'ofumu.Tasi, you're beautiful in that outfit.
- TasiFaafetai, Losa. E foliga lelei foi oe.Thank you, Losa. You look good too.
- LosaFaafetai. 'Ua e 'aulelei tele i le aso nei.Thank you. You're very beautiful today.
- TasiFaafetai i lou tautala leo.Thank you for your kind words.
