Language/Samoan/Grammar/Pronouns
Hi Samoan learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about pronouns in Samoan, an essential part of the language. Pronouns are words used in place of nouns. They make the language more efficient and allow for smoother communication. In Samoan, there are three types of pronouns: personal, possessive, and demonstrative. Let's dive in and explore each category.
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Conditional Mood, How to Use Be & Negation.
Personal Pronouns[edit | edit source]
Samoan personal pronouns are divided into singular and plural forms. They also have inclusive and exclusive forms for the first person plural (we). The inclusive form includes the person being addressed and is used to show solidarity, while the exclusive form does not include the person being addressed.
Here is a table of Samoan personal pronouns:
Samoan | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
au | a-oo | I, me |
oe | o-eh | you (singular) |
ia | ee-ah | he, she, it |
tatou (inclusive) | ta-toh-oo | we (including you) |
mātou (exclusive) | ma-toh-oo | we (not including you) |
laupepa (plural) | la-oo-peh-pah | they |
Here's an example dialogue:
- Person 1: O fea oe? (Where are you from?)
- Person 2: E tu'u mai falealili. Ou te fa'aoga le fale. (I'm from Falealili. I use the house.)
Possessive Pronouns[edit | edit source]
Samoan possessive pronouns indicate ownership or possession. They are similar to English possessive pronouns, such as my, your, his, her, and their. However, in Samoan, the possessive pronoun must agree with the noun in gender, number, and case.
Here is a table of Samoan possessive pronouns:
Samoan | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
o'u | oh-oo | my |
lou | low | your (singular) |
lana | lah-nah | his, hers, its |
o ta'u | oh ta-oo | our (inclusive) |
o matou | oh mah-toh-oo | our (exclusive) |
la'upega | lah-oo-peh-ngah | their |
Here's an example dialogue:
- Person 1: O fea le tatou lalaga fa'ipisinisi? (Where is our business plant?)
- Person 2: E tele i Sogi. O le lā ua fai le fa'ama'ima'i. (It's big in Sogi. Today, the doctor is there.)
Demonstrative Pronouns[edit | edit source]
Samoan demonstrative pronouns point to specific nouns or persons. There are two categories: proximal (near) and distal (far).
Here is a table of Samoan demonstrative pronouns:
Samoan | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
nei | neh-ee | this (near) |
lea | leh-ah | that (far) |
Here's an example dialogue:
- Person 1: E te fia fa'atau pisupo i luga o le laufa'i? (Do you want to buy pork on the table?)
- Person 2: E leai, fa'atau lea o se isi laufa'i. (No, I want to buy that one over there.)
To improve your Samoan Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Questions
- How to Use Be
- Negation
- Conditional Mood
- Adjectives
- Future Tense
- How to Use Have
- Plurals
- Give your Opinion