Language/Samoan/Vocabulary/Drinks
Hi Samoan learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to order drinks in Samoan. Samoan culture has many traditional drinks that you must try on your next trip to Samoa or order at a Samoan restaurant. We will also learn some fun facts about Samoan drinks culture. So, get your pen and paper ready and let's get started! 🍹
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Greetings, Education & How to Say Hello and Greetings.
Types of Drinks[edit | edit source]
Samoan drinks culture is unique and diverse. Traditional Samoan drinks include kava, coconut water, and homemade fruit juices. Samoans also love tea and coffee but with their own twist. The following are some Samoan drinks you must try:
Interesting Facts[edit | edit source]
Samoans use coconuts in many different ways, and coconut water is a big part of Samoan drinks culture. Drinking coconut water is not only refreshing but also healthy; it contains electrolytes and is good for hydration. When ordering coconut water in Samoa, it is often served with a slice of lime or lemon.
When you visit Samoa, make sure to try kava. Kava is a traditional drink made from the roots of the kava plant. The drink is prepared by straining the roots and mixing it with water. Kava has a unique taste and is bitter, but it is famous for its calming effect. Kava is a traditional social drink in Samoa and other Pacific Island countries.
Did you know that Samoans make their own fruit juices at home? Samoans use a masher to extract the juice from fruits such as papaya, pineapple, and mango. Samoan fruit juices are often mixed with water or coconut water and served chilled. Samoan fruit juices are not only delicious but also healthy as they contain many vitamins and antioxidants.
When ordering tea or coffee in Samoa, you will often hear the phrase "ua o'o lou agaga," which means "let your mind relax." This phrase is a reminder to take a break from everyday stresses and to just sit and relax with a cup of tea or coffee.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Let's practice ordering drinks in Samoan! The following is a dialogue you could have in a Samoan restaurant:
- Person 1: Tulou, avea mai ta'avale e tasi suavai fa'amalolosi? (Excuse me, could I have a glass of cold water please?)
- Waiter: O lea, e te fia tilotilo i le fa-Samoan o le tau la'itiiti lea o le suavai? (Sure, would you like to learn Samoan for a small fee?)
- Person 1: Aua, fa'afetai, ou te fia suavai nofovaevae. (No thank you, I just want to sit and drink water.)
- Waiter: O lea lava, e fia sau iai se vaifetu? (Alright, would you like a straw?)
- Person 1: A'ua'una e fia sau iai se vaifetu; fa'afetai tele lava. (No thank you, I don't need a straw; thank you very much.)
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
To practice what we have learned today, visit the Polyglot Club, and find native speakers to practice with. You can also test your knowledge of Samoan vocabulary by visiting the Samoan Vocabulary page on the Polyglot Club website.
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
| Samoan | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| vai | va-ee | Water |
| suavai | soo-ah-va-ee | Cold water |
| vailima | va-ee-lee-ma | Beer |
| pepelo | peh-peh-loh | Pepsi |
| kola | koh-la | Cola |
| lakapi | la-ka-pee | Coffee |
| kapu'a | ka-poo-ah | Cup of tea |
| koko | koh-koh | Hot cocoa |
| moli vai | moh-lee va-ee | Lemonade |