Basic Words

1. ʻIo

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. ʻIkai

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Kātaki

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Mālō

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Tulou

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Tulou" is obligatory when passing in front of someone; before an elder Tongans stoop as they say it.

6. Fakamolemole

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   "Fakamolemole" means "forgive me"; it also softens requests, but on its own it reads as an apology.

7. ʻOku sai pē

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. ʻOku ʻikai te u mahino

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. ʻOku ou mahino

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Kuo ʻosi

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Kātaki ʻo tatali

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Tatali siʻi

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Toko taha lahi

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. ʻOku ʻikai te u fakaʻahu

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    "Fakaʻahu" means "to reserve" (the word used for reservations in other cards). "ʻOku ʻikai te u + verb" = "I have not ...". Note: puke means "sick" and is not used for reservations.

15. Kuo u fakaʻahu

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Kātaki ʻo tokoni mai

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Kātaki ʻo toe fai

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Kātaki ʻo lea māmālie

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. ʻOku ou lea siʻi pē

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. ʻOkú ke lea faka-Pilitānia?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Ko ʻeni

    This

    Usage

    Point at something right in front of you

22. Ko ʻena

    That (near you)

    Usage

    Point at something near the listener

23. ʻI heni

    Here

    Usage

    To say "here" while pointing

24. ʻI hena

    There

    Usage

    To point at a spot near the listener

25. Au

    I / me

    Usage

    To indicate yourself

26. Koe

    You

    Usage

    To indicate the person you are talking to

27. Fakataha

    Together

    Usage

    To say you are together with someone

28. Toko taha

    One person

    Usage

    Tongan counts people with the toko- prefix

29. Toko ua

    Two people

    Usage

    Tongan counts people with the toko- prefix

30. Toko tolu

    Three people

    Usage

    Tongan counts people with the toko- prefix

31. Feʻunga

    That is enough

    Usage

    To say you do not need any more

32. Kotoa

    All

    Usage

    To say "all of it"

33. Vaeua

    Half

    Usage

    To ask for half the amount

34. Siʻisiʻi pē

    Just a little

    Usage

    To ask for just a little

Browse all TravelPhrases languages