Lesson 4: Essential Everyday Words

What You’ll Learn

In this lesson, you’ll learn:

• A small group of common Samoan words

• What these words mean and how they are used

• Why understanding everyday words builds confidence before forming sentences

This lesson is about recognition, not memorisation.

Before We Begin

You don’t need to remember every word today.

Language grows through:

• Repetition

• Familiarity

• Hearing words used again and again

Your goal here is simply to notice and recognise.

Why Everyday Words Matter

Every language has words that appear frequently in daily life.

In Samoan, many everyday words are:

• Short

• Repeated often

• Used across many situations

Learning these words helps you:

• Understand conversations more easily

• Feel less lost when listening

• Build confidence before speaking

These words act as anchors — even when you don’t understand everything else, they help you stay oriented.

Common Everyday Words

Here are some simple, commonly heard Samoan words:

• ioe — yes

• leai — no

• fa‘afetai — thank you

• tulou — excuse me / respectful entry

• fa‘amolemole — please

You may already recognise some of these words.
That familiarity matters.

Words and Meaning

Many Samoan words carry meaning beyond direct translation.

Tulou

Tulou is not just “excuse me” — it is a word closely tied to respect and social awareness.

It is commonly used when:

• Walking in front of others

• Passing between people, especially elders

• Entering or moving through a space respectfully

Children are often taught to say tulou when walking past adults.

You may also hear tulou used in formal settings, such as speeches or gatherings.
In these cases, the speaker may say:

• “Tulou, tulou, tulou”

• “Tulouna”

• “Fa‘atulou atu”

This signals acknowledgement of those present, humility, and respect for the established order before speaking.

Fa‘afetai

Fa‘afetai means thank you, but it can be used in different ways.

It can be used directly, for example:
“Fa‘afetai i lou alofa” — thank you for your love or kindness.

It can also be used as a noun:
“Ua sau e momoli mai lona fa‘afetai” — he came to give his thanks.

The verb form fa‘afetaia means to give thanks, such as:
“Ou te fa‘afetaia…” — I give thanks…

Understanding meaning helps you use words appropriately, not just correctly.

Say It Out Loud

Read these words slowly:

• ioe (ee-oo-eh)

• leai (le-ah-ee)

• fa‘afetai (fa-a-feh-tah-ee)

• tulou (too-loh-oo)

• fa‘amolemole (fa-a-moh-le-moh-le)

Say each word clearly.
Pause between words.
There is no need to rush.

Cultural Note

In Samoan culture, words are closely tied to respect and relationship.

Using the right word — even a simple one — can show:

• Awareness

• Politeness

• Cultural understanding

Learning everyday words is also learning how to move respectfully in Samoan spaces.

Mini Review

You should now understand that:

• Everyday words appear often in Samoan speech

• These words help with listening and confidence

• Meaning and context matter, not just translation

Practice (Optional)

If you’d like to practise:

• Listen for these words when Samoan is spoken

• Say one word aloud today when it feels appropriate

• Notice how tone affects meaning

This practice is optional — do what feels right for you.

Next Lesson

In the next lesson, we’ll explore numbers 1–10, continuing to build familiarity with everyday language.

Closing Encouragement

Recognising words is an important step.

Understanding grows quietly, through listening and repetition —
and you’re doing that well.

Back to Gagana Samoa 101

Lesson 5: Coming Soon