Adjectives

1. Lahi

   Big

   Usage

   For asking for another size; use it with a gesture

2. Siʻi

   Small

   Usage

   For describing clothing or room size

3. Mamafa

   Heavy

   Usage

   For excess baggage, or asking someone to lift something

   Grammar Note

   "Mamafa" is physical weight but is also used for costly; for prices, "mahuʻinga" is unambiguous.

4. Māmā

   Light (weight)

   Usage

   About weight only — in many languages this is a different word from “bright”

   Grammar Note

   "Māmā" is light in weight; the similar-looking "maʻamaʻa" means cheap — do not mix them up.

5. Mahuʻinga

   Expensive

   Usage

   The opening move in a haggle; pair it with a face

6. Maʻamaʻa

   Cheap

   Usage

   For asking whether a cheaper option exists

7. Vela

   Hot (thing)

   Usage

   About food, drink, or water — not the same word as hot weather

   Grammar Note

   "Vela" is a hot object; hot weather is the clause "ʻoku vela ʻa e ʻea" (the air is hot).

8. Momoko

   Cold (thing)

   Usage

   About drinks and food — not the same word as cold weather

9. Foʻou

   New

   Usage

   For checking whether something is unused

10. Motuʻa

    Old (thing)

    Usage

    For objects only; used of people it is rude in many languages

    Grammar Note

    "Motuʻa" is for objects; for people use the respectful "matuʻa."

11. Talavou

    Young

    Usage

    About a person’s age; a small-talk word

    Grammar Note

    "Talavou" is a young man; a young woman is "finemui."

12. Motuʻa

    Old (person)

    Usage

    The dedicated word for people; pick the respectful one

    Grammar Note

    "Matuʻa" carries respect for elders; Tongan observes strict deference to age.

13. Maʻa

    Clean

    Usage

    For a clean room or clean water, and for a beautiful view

14. ʻUli

    Dirty

    Usage

    Useful when asking to change rooms

15. Lelei

    Good

    Usage

    The all-purpose word for agreement and approval

16. Kovi

    Bad

    Usage

    For saying that your health or an item’s quality is poor

17. Ofi

    Near

    Usage

    For checking whether somewhere is within walking distance

18. Mamaʻo

    Far

    Usage

    Tells you whether you need transport

19. Vave

    Early

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “fast”

    Grammar Note

    "Vave" covers both early in time and fast in speed.

20. Tuai

    Late

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “slow”

    Grammar Note

    "Tuai" covers being late and also moving slowly.

21. Tokolahi

    Many

    Usage

    About quantity or how crowded somewhere is

    Grammar Note

    "Tokolahi" expresses quantity, keeping it distinct from "lahi" (big).

22. Siʻisiʻi

    Few

    Usage

    Also useful for asking for a smaller portion

23. ʻOku vela ʻa e ʻea

    Hot (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a hot object

24. ʻOku momoko ʻa e ʻea

    Cold (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a cold object

25. Fakaʻofoʻofa

    Cute

    Usage

    Used for people and things; closer to "beautiful/lovely"

26. Ifo

    Delicious

    Usage

    The word you will reach for most often at the table

27. Mālie

    Amazing

    Usage

    An expression of surprise and admiration; also shouted as praise at dances and sports

28. Fakafiefia

    Fun

    Usage

    For describing an experience itself

    Grammar Note

    The causative prefix "faka-" attached to "fiefia" (happy)

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