Samoan Dictionary
Essential Samoan words and phrases for travelers
How to Use This Dictionary
This dictionary contains essential Samoan words and phrases that will help you communicate during your visit to Samoa. Samoan (Gagana Samoa) is a beautiful Polynesian language with rich cultural meaning.
Pronunciation Tips
- Vowels: a (ah), e (eh), i (ee), o (oh), u (oo)
- Glottal stop ('): Brief pause in speech
- Stress: Usually on the second-to-last syllable
- G: Pronounced like "ng" in "sing"
Cultural Notes
- Samoan is spoken with respect and courtesy
- Formal language is used with elders and chiefs
- Many words have deeper cultural meanings
- English is widely understood
Essential Phrases
Greetings & Politeness
Talofa
Hello / Goodbye
Talofa lava
Hello (formal)
Manuia le aso
Good day / Have a good day
Manuia le po
Good evening / Good night
Fa'afetai
Thank you
Fa'afetai tele lava
Thank you very much
Tulou
Excuse me / Sorry
Tofa
Goodbye (formal)
Basic Communication
'O a'u o...
My name is...
'O ai lou igoa?
What is your name?
E te iloa le Igilisi?
Do you speak English?
Ou te le iloa
I don't understand
Ioe
Yes
Leai
No
Fesoasoani mai
Please help me
'O fea...?
Where is...?
Travel & Directions
Places
Fale
House
Nu'u
Village
Aai
Town / City
Matafaga
Beach
Mauga
Mountain
Vai
Water / River
Malae
Village green / Field
Transportation
Pasi
Bus
Ta'avale
Car
Va'a
Boat
Vaalele
Airplane
Ala
Road / Path
Uafu
Wharf / Port
Directions
Taumatau
Right
Tauagavale
Left
Sa'o
Straight
Latalata
Near
Mamao
Far
Iinei
Here
Iina
There
Food & Dining
Food & Meals
Mea'ai
Food
Taumafataga
Meal / Dining
Taeao
Breakfast
Aoauli
Lunch
Afiafi
Dinner
I'a
Fish
Pua'a
Pig / Pork
Moa
Chicken
Talo
Taro
Niu
Coconut
Drinks & Dining
Vai
Water
Susu niu
Coconut milk
Koko
Cocoa / Hot chocolate
'Ava
Kava (traditional drink)
Manogi
Delicious
Ou te fia inu
I want to drink
Ou te fia 'ai
I want to eat
Ua ou ma'ona
I am full
Numbers & Time
Numbers 1-10
Tasi
One
Lua
Two
Tolu
Three
Fa
Four
Lima
Five
Ono
Six
Fitu
Seven
Valu
Eight
Iva
Nine
Sefulu
Ten
Time & Days
Taimi
Time
Aso
Day
Po
Night
Vaiaso
Week
Masina
Month
Tausaga
Year
Aso Sa
Sunday
Aso Gafua
Monday
Aso Lua
Tuesday
Aso Lulu
Wednesday
Cultural Terms
Important Cultural Concepts
Fa'a Samoa
Matai
Fale
Traditional house
Malae
Village ceremonial ground
Talanoa
Conversation / Story
Traditional Items
Lavalava
Traditional wraparound garment
Ie toga
Fine mat (ceremonial)
Siapo
Bark cloth
Tatau
Umu
Fue
Fly whisk (symbol of authority)