Basic Phrases in Samoan

The Gagana Samoa is a beautiful and melodic language that reflects the rich culture and traditions of the Samoan people. Whether you're planning to visit Samoa or simply want to connect with Samoan friends, knowing some basic phrases can be incredibly helpful. Here are some essential Samoan phrases that everyone should know:

Greetings

• Talofa! - Hello!

• Talofa lava! - Hello!

• Malo - Hi (casual)

• Malo lava.- Hello,

• Malo le soifua. - Hello (formal, well-being to you!)

• Manuia le aso. - Have a great day!

• Manuia le taeao. - Good morning

• Manuia le aoauli. - Good afternoon

• Manuia le afiafi. - Good evening

• Manuia le po. - Good night

Basic Questions

• O a mai oe? - How are you?

• O a au mea o fai? What are you doing?

• Ua ta se fia? - What time is it?

• E te alu i fea? -  Where are you going?

• E te fia alu? - Do you want to go?

• E te fia ai? - You hungry?

• E te fia inu? - You thirsty?

• E te fia moe? - You sleepy?

• E te fia sau?- You want to come?

• Ua e sauni? - You ready?

• O lelei atu? - Is this good?

• O ai? - Who

• O fea? - Where?

• Afea? - When (future)

• Anafea? - When (past)

• Fa'afefea/Fa'apefea? - How?

• Aisea? - Why?

• E fia le tau? - How much is it?

• O fea lea? - Where is this?

• O le a le mea lea? - What is this?

• O le a le fa'aSamoa o le mea lea? - What is the Samoan word for this?

• Fa'amolemole, e mafai ona e fesoasoani mai? - Can you please help me?

Everyday phrases

• Manuia, fa'afetai. - Very well, thank you.

• Fa'afetai. - Thank you.

• Fa'afetai tele lava. - Thank you very much.

• Tulou. - Excuse me/ Pardon me (used when walking in front of someone or entering a space).

• Tulou lava. - Deep respect/extra polite form of "excuse me."

• Fa'amalie atu. - Excuse me (sorry to disturb).

• Lelei. - Good.

• Lelei tele. - Very good.

• Leai. - No.

• Ioe. - Yes.

• Aua. - Don't.

• Ua lelei. - okay.(It's good).

• Sau i totonu. - Come inside.

• Fa'amolemole, alofa mai. - Please, I need help

• E le afaina. - No problem.

• E leai se mea o i ai. - There's nothing to it.

Farewells

• Tofa! - Goodbye!

• Tofa soifua! - Goodbye (stay healthy)!

• Fa. - Goodbye (casual)

• Toe fetaui atili. - Hope to meet you again.

• Toe feiloa'i. - See you again.

Learning these basic phrases can enhance your experience in Samoan and foster deeper connections with the Samoan community. Whether you use them in conversation or as a way to show respect for the culture, these phrases are a great starting point for anyone interested in the Samoan language