Language/Samoan/Vocabulary/Express-Surprise
Hi Samoan learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will expand our Samoan vocabulary by focusing on expressions that denote surprise. You will learn how to express amazement and astonishment in Samoan effectively. Surprise is a universal expression that manifests similarly across all cultures. However, each Samoan expression of surprise carries a unique cultural significance that makes it fascinating to learn. Let's dive in and add these expressions to your list of Samoan vocabulary words.
Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Drinks & Clothes.
Basic expressions[edit | edit source]
Here are some simple Samoan words and phrases that display a general sense of surprise.
| Samoan | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| E! | EH! | Wow! |
| E lele lava! | EH LEH-LEH LAH-VAH! | It's unbelievable! |
| O le mea lelei lea! | OH-LEH MEH-AH LEH-LEH-EYE LEH-AH! | That's great! |
| Fiafia tele! | FEE-AH-FEE-AH TEH-LEH! | Very happy! |
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: E! (Wow!)
- Person 2: E lele lava! (It's unbelievable!)
More complex expressions[edit | edit source]
Here are some more complex expressions that demonstrate a higher level of surprise:
| Samoan | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Fui mai! | FU-I MAI! | Oh my goodness! |
| Na o le mea lelei lava ia te a'u e faai mai pea? | NAH-O-LEH MEH-AH-LEH-EYE LAH-VAH EE-AH TEH AH'OO EH FA-A-EYE MAH-EE PAY-AH? | Can you believe what just happened to me? |
| Faasoa le Atua! | FAH-AH-SO-AH LEH AH-TOO-AH! | Oh my God! |
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: Fui mai! (Oh my goodness!)
- Person 2: Na o le mea lelei lava ia te a'u e faai mai pea? (Can you believe what just happened to me?)
- Person 1: Faasoa le Atua! (Oh my God!)
Idioms[edit | edit source]
Idioms are expressions that are unique to a specific language and may not make sense when translated directly into another language. Here are some Samoan idioms that express surprise:
| Samoan | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ua faasolo le nu'u i le taua! | OO-AH FA-AH-SO-LOH LEH NOO-WOO EE-LEH TAH-WAH! | The village has been struck by war! |
| Ua tulai le tagata faapitoa i lea o le mea lelei! | OO-AH TOO-LAI LEH TAH-AH-TAH FA-AH-PAH-TOH-AH EE-LEH-AH-OH MEH-AH-LEH-EYE! | People are stunned by this good news! |
| Ua pei le fefe i lela tagata! | OO-AH PEY LEH FEH-FEH EE-LEH-LA TAH-GA-TAH! | That person was as scared as a chicken! |
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: Ua faasolo le nu'u i le taua! (The village has been struck by war!)
- Person 2: Ua tulai le tagata faapitoa i lea o le mea lelei! (People are stunned by this good news!)
- Person 1: Ua pei le fefe i lela tagata! (That person was as scared as a chicken!)
Remember to practice these expressions in context in order to commit them to memory. Preparation is crucial when learning a new language. You can practice with native speakers and other Samoan learners on Polyglot Club. To improve your Samoan vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations, your Samoan vocabulary has grown to include expressions of amazement and astonishment! Remember, learning a language is not just about the language itself but also its culture. Understanding the cultural relevance of each expression is just as important as picking up the words themselves. Keep practicing and enjoy immersing yourself in Samoan culture!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Sources[edit | edit source]
Congratulations on finishing this lesson! Explore these related pages to keep learning: How to say Good Bye? & Colors.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Education
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Count to 10
- Days of the Week
- Animals
- Drinks
- Colors
- Food
- How to say Good Bye?
- Family