Language Lesson

Greetings & Introductions

Learn the essential Samoan greetings — the first words that open every conversation and every door.

By admin

Level: beginner

Vocabulary

English: Hello / Greetings Samoan: Talofa Pronunciation: tah-LOH-fah Example: Talofa lava! — A formal hello.
English: Hello / Well done Samoan: Malo Pronunciation: MAH-loh Example: Malo le soifua! — Greetings to the living!
English: Goodbye (to one person) Samoan: Tōfā Pronunciation: toh-FAH Example: Tōfā, ou te alu aku. — Goodbye, I'm going.
English: Goodbye (formal/plural) Samoan: Tōfāsoifua Pronunciation: toh-fah-soh-ee-FOO-ah Example: Tōfāsoifua lava. — A respectful farewell.
English: Thank you Samoan: Fa'afetai Pronunciation: fah-ah-FEH-tie Example: Fa'afetai tele lava. — Thank you very much.
English: What is your name? Samoan: O ai lou igoa? Pronunciation: oh-EYE loh-oo-ee-NGOH-ah Example: O ai lou igoa? O lo'u igoa o Sina.
English: My name is... Samoan: O lo'u igoa o... Pronunciation: oh-LOH-oo-ee-NGOH-ah-oh Example: O lo'u igoa o Tui.
English: Greetings (formal) Samoan: Tālofa lava Pronunciation: tah-LOH-fah-LAH-vah Example: Tālofa lava, susū mai.