Useful Phrases

1. Naʻaku ngaohi ʻa e app ko ʻeni

   I made this app

   Usage

   Used when introducing an app you created

   Grammar Note

   Tongan uses VSO order. "Na" marks past tense

2. ʻOku taʻetotongi ʻa e app ko ʻeni

   This app is free

   Usage

   Used to inform someone the app is free of charge

   Grammar Note

   "Ta'e-" is a negative prefix. "Totongi" means payment/fee

3. Sio ʻo download ʻo vakai

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Used to encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Vakai" means to see/check/try in Tongan

4. Ko e Siapani au

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Basic phrase for introducing your nationality

   Grammar Note

   Tongan uses the predicate marker "ko" to introduce predications

5. Ko e tangata folau au

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Used to identify yourself as a tourist/traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Tangata folau" = "tangata" (person) + "folau" (to travel): a person who travels. "Folau" is also used for "travel" in misc-006 and the Sightseeing category.

6. ʻOku ou folau ʻo au pē

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Used to say you are traveling by yourself

   Grammar Note

   "Folau" means to travel/voyage in Tongan. "ʻO au pē" means "by myself" (alone).

7. Ko e ʻuluaki taimi ʻeku haʻu ki heni

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Common phrase when visiting a place for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "'Uluaki" means first/foremost in Tongan

8. Te u lava ʻo toʻo ʻata?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Used when asking permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Lava" means able/can in Tongan

9. Te tau lava ʻo toʻo ʻata fakataha?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Used to suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Fakataha" means together in Tongan

10. Kātaki scan ʻa e QR code

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Used when asking someone to scan a QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Kataki" is the polite request word in Tongan

11. ʻOua ke kākaa mai au

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Used when being cheated or overcharged; a strong protest

    Grammar Note

    "Oua" is the Tongan prohibitive auxiliary meaning "don't"

12. ʻOua ke manatuʻi ko e vaivai au

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when someone disrespects or underestimates you

    Grammar Note

    "Vaivai" means weak; here used to express "don't see me as insignificant"

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