ʻoku ke kovi
The phrase "you're ugly" is translated into Tongan as ʻoku ke kovi.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are not physically attractive.
Did you know?
- In Tongan culture, direct insults regarding appearance are rare in formal settings due to the strict social hierarchy known as faka'apa'apa.
- While kovi means 'ugly', the opposite word for 'beautiful' is lelei, which also means 'good' or 'well'.
- The word 'kovi' in ʻoku ke kovi is more commonly used to describe things that are 'bad', 'wrong' or 'spoiled' rather than just physical appearance.
Examples in context
- ʻOku ke kovi.You're ugly.
Example conversation
Two friends are teasing each other during a joke fight.
- AkuilaʻOku ke kovi!You're ugly!
- AnaʻOku ʻoku ʻilo, ka ʻoku ke kovi foki.I know, but you're ugly too.
- AkuilaʻOku ʻilo ʻoku!I don't know!
- AnaʻOku moʻoi pē.It's just true.
