Language/Samoan/Vocabulary/Directions-and-Locations
| ◀️ Modes of Transportation — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Traditional Celebrations ▶️ |
In this lesson, you will learn essential Samoan vocabulary for getting around, asking for directions, and locating places of interest. Whether you are visiting Samoa for the first time or need to communicate with Samoan speakers in your daily life, this lesson will equip you with the necessary phrases and vocabulary to navigate the island with ease.
Common Modes of Transportation
Before you can ask for directions, it's helpful to know the different modes of transportation available in Samoa.
Here are common modes of transportation in Samoan:
| Samoan | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| fa'apouliuli | fa-a-poh-oo-lee-oo-lee | bicycle |
| fa'avaomalo | fa-a-va-o-ma-lo | car |
| saiga | sa-ee-ga | bus |
| mae'a | ma-eh-a | train |
| vapaaiga | va-pa-a-ee-ga | airplane |
Asking for Directions
It's essential to know how to ask for directions when you're in a new place. Below are some phrases that you can use to ask for help.
- Excuse me? - fa'amolemole? (fa-a-mo-le-mo-le)
- Can you help me? - o le a le fa'amalie atu ia te a'u? (o leh ah leh fa-a-ma-lie ah-too ee-ah teh ah-oo)
- Where is ...? - o fea ...? (oh feh-ah)
- What is the direction to ...? - o le a le talafeagai i le ...? (oh leh ah leh tah-la-feh-ah-gah-ee ee leh)
- How far is it to ...? - o e le a ua tele i le ...? (oh eh leh ah ooh-ah teh-leh ee leh)
Giving Directions
When giving directions, it's always best to use the landmark method. Samoan people often use churches and fales (traditional Samoan homes) as landmarks.
Here are some phrases that you can use when giving directions:
- Straight ahead - talimalo lava (tah-lee-mah-low la-vah)
- Turn left - su'e tua (soo-eh too-ah)
- Turn right - su'e lima (soo-eh lee-ma)
- Stop - tae se'i (tie seh-ee)
- Go back - to'atolu foi (toh-a-toh-loo foh-ee)
Here is an example dialogue of asking for directions:
A: Fa'amolemole, o fea le fale Samoa? (Excuse me, where is the Samoan fale?) B: Apa'au lava i le moana, toe igoa oe i luga. Ta'ele maia i tua. (It's by the ocean, look up. Don't turn left.)
Common Locations
It's also essential to know the names of common locations in Samoan. Below are some useful words that you might come across when getting around in Samoa:
| Samoan | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| fale tele | fah-leh teh-leh | hotel |
| fale pisinisi | fah-leh pee-see-nee-see | store |
| kuka | koo-kah | restaurant |
| fale ali'i | fah-leh ah-lee-ee | palace |
| fale taumafa | fah-leh ta-oo-ma-fa | traditional meeting house |
| matafaga | ma-ta-fa-ga | tourist attraction |
Knowing these words will come in handy when asking for directions or describing where you want to go.
Conclusion
In this lesson, you have learned essential vocabulary for asking and giving directions, modes of transportation, and common locations in Samoan. Keep practicing and using these phrases to get around Samoa with confidence. With a little effort and patience, you'll be able to communicate with Samoan speakers and immerse yourself in the vibrant Samoan culture.
Videos
Learn Samoan words for DIRECTIONS using a map! - YouTube
Other Lessons
- Days of the Week
- Geography
- Eating Out
- Greetings
- Drinks
- Modes of Transportation
- Express Surprise
- Clothes
- How to say Good Bye?
Sources
- Barnes and Noble My First 100 Samoan Animal Words - Book 3 ...
- MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE SAMOAN DANCE ...
| ◀️ Modes of Transportation — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Traditional Celebrations ▶️ |