Language/Samoan/Vocabulary/Basic-Greetings

Next Lesson — Introducing Yourself ▶️

Samoan → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Basic Greetings

Welcome to our lesson on Basic Greetings in Samoan! In this segment of the Complete 0 to A1 Samoan Course, you'll discover how to express friendliness and respect through common greetings. Greetings are an essential part of any language, as they set the tone for interactions and reflect cultural values. By learning these phrases, you will not only enhance your language skills but also show appreciation for Samoan culture and traditions.

In Samoan culture, greetings are vital. They convey warmth, respect, and a sense of community. When you greet someone in Samoan, you're not just saying "hello"—you're acknowledging their presence and showing that you care. This lesson will equip you with the vocabulary you need to make a positive impression, whether you're meeting a new friend, greeting family, or connecting with someone in the community.

We will start with some common Samoan greetings, followed by their pronunciations and meanings. Then, we will dive into practical exercises to help you apply what you've learned. Let's get started!

Common Samoan Greetings

Let's explore some of the most frequent greetings used in Samoan. Below is a table featuring 20 essential phrases, along with their pronunciations and English translations.

Samoan	Pronunciation	English
Talofa	tah-loh-fah	Hello
Talofa lava	tah-loh-fah lah-vah	Hello (emphatic, very warm)
Malo	mah-loh	Well done / Good
O ai oe?	oh ai oh-eh?	Who are you?
Fa'amolemole	fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh	Please
Fa'afetai	fah-ah-feh-tah-ee	Thank you
Fa'amalulu	fah-ah-mah-loo-loo	You're welcome
Tofa soifu	toh-fah so-ee-foo	Goodbye
Tofa	toh-fah	Farewell
O le a mai?	oh leh ah mai?	How are you?
Ua lelei	oo-ah leh-lay	I'm good / It's good
E lelei	eh leh-lay	It's fine
O ai?	oh ai?	Who?
Soifu	soy-foo	Goodbye (less formal)
O le a?	oh leh ah?	What is it?
Ua lelei le fa'atalitali	oo-ah leh-lay leh fah-ah-tah-lee-tah-lee	The waiting is good (used when you arrive somewhere)
Fa'amalulu le fa'asalalau	fah-ah-mah-loo-loo leh fah-ah-sah-lah-lau	Understanding is good (used when you understand someone's feelings)
O se isi fa'ata'ita'iga?	oh seh ee-see fah-ah-tah-ee-tah-ee-ngah?	Is there another example?
Tautua	tah-oo-twah	Service
Fa'avae i lalo	fah-ah-vah-eh ee lah-loh	Sit down
Fa'asa	fah-ah-sah	Be careful

Importance of Greetings

Understanding the significance of greetings in Samoan society goes beyond mere words. Here are a few reasons why greetings are important:

• Cultural Respect: Using proper greetings shows respect for Samoan culture and people.

• Building Connections: A warm greeting can foster relationships and create a sense of belonging.

• Social Norms: Greetings are often expected in social interactions; it’s polite to acknowledge someone when you meet them.

• Cultural Nuances: Different greetings can imply different levels of formality or familiarity.

Practical Exercises

Now that you are familiar with basic Samoan greetings, let’s practice using them in various scenarios. Below are ten exercises designed to help you apply what you’ve learned. Each exercise includes detailed solutions and explanations.

1. Exercise 1: Matching Greetings

Match the Samoan greeting to its English translation.

Samoan	English
Talofa	a) Goodbye
Fa'afetai	b) Please
Tofa	c) Hello
Malo	d) Thank you

Solution:

• Talofa - c) Hello

• Fa'afetai - d) Thank you

• Tofa - a) Goodbye

• Malo - b) Please

2. Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct Samoan greeting.

a) _____, how are you? (O le a mai?)

b) _____ for your help! (Fa'afetai)

c) I will see you later, _____! (Tofa)

Solution:

a) O le a mai?

b) Fa'afetai

c) Tofa

3. Exercise 3: Role Play

In pairs, practice greeting each other using Samoan phrases. One person should act as a tourist, and the other as a local.

Solution:

• Tourist: Talofa! O ai oe?

• Local: Talofa lava! O le a mai?

• Tourist: Ua lelei, fa'afetai!

4. Exercise 4: True or False

Determine if the following statements are true or false.

a) "Talofa lava" is more formal than "Talofa." (True)

b) "Tofa" means hello. (False)

c) "Fa'afetai" translates to please. (False)

Solution:

• a) True

• b) False

• c) False

5. Exercise 5: Create Your Own Dialogue

Write a short dialogue using at least three Samoan greetings.

Solution:

Person A: Talofa! O ai oe?

Person B: Talofa lava! Ua lelei, fa'afetai.

Person A: Tofa soifu!

6. Exercise 6: Listening Practice

Listen to a recording of a native Samoan speaker greeting someone. Identify the greetings used.

Solution:

• Talofa

• Fa'afetai

• Tofa

7. Exercise 7: Translation

Translate the following sentences into Samoan.

a) Hello, how are you?

b) Thank you for your help.

Solution:

a) Talofa, o le a mai?

b) Fa'afetai mo lau fesoasoani.

8. Exercise 8: Group Activity

In small groups, discuss the importance of greetings in Samoan culture. Share your thoughts with the class.

Solution:

• Groups may highlight points about connection, respect, and social norms.

9. Exercise 9: Visual Practice

Create flashcards with a Samoan greeting on one side and its English translation on the other. Practice with a partner.

Solution:

• Use flashcards for repetition and memory retention.

10. Exercise 10: Greeting Scenarios

Imagine you are meeting a Samoan family for the first time. Write down how you would greet them.

Solution:

• Talofa! Ua lelei? Fa'afetai mo le fa'atalitali.

Congratulations on completing this lesson on basic Samoan greetings! Through practice and application, you'll be able to enhance your conversational skills and make meaningful connections with Samoan speakers. Keep practicing, and soon you'll feel more comfortable greeting people in Samoan!

Table of Contents - Samoan Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Pronouns and Possessives

• Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Status

  ---

Verb Conjugation and Tense

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Asking Questions
• Negative Statements

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Directions and Locations

  ---

Samoan Traditions and Customs

• Traditional Celebrations
• Customs and Etiquette

Sources

• Speak Samoan | Visit American Samoa
• Greetings and Polite Conversation - Samoan Language Resources
• Useful phrases in Samoan

Other Lessons

• Count to 10
• Colors
• Health
• Feelings and Emotions
• Education
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Modes of Transportation
• Express Surprise
• Family Members
• Drinks

Next Lesson — Introducing Yourself ▶️