Tongan Proverbs in Translations by Twinnies Publishing

TONGAN PROVERBS IN TRANSLATIONS

Second Edition

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

FOREWORDS Proverbs are a short, well-known pithy saying, stating a general truth or piece of advice from one generation to another. Each of our Pacific Islands are rich with wise Proverbs saying. Twinnies is proud to bring to all Tongan our Second Edition of the “Tongan Proverbs in Translation to encourage our people to preserve, prolong and use our own wise sayings in this day. The Second Edition focuses on Proverbs related to food and plants.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

TALATEU Ko e ngaahi tohi palovepi, ko e ngaahi lea ‘iloa, ‘oku ne fakamatala’i atu ha ngaahi tefito’i mo’oni pe fokotu’u atu ha akonaki fale’i mei he to’utangata ‘e taha ki he to’utangata ‘e taha. ‘Oku mahu ‘a e ngaahi ‘otu motu ‘o e Pasifiki ‘i he ngaahi lea palovepi poto kehekehe. ‘Oku fiefia ‘aupito ‘a e Twinnies ke tuku atu ki hotau kainga Tonga ‘a e Tohi Palovepi Liliu lea faka-palangi Fika 2, ke tokoni ki hono faka’ai’ai ‘a hotau kakai ke tauhi ma’u, tauhi tukufaka-holo pea mo ngaue’aki ‘a e ngaahi lea poto ko ‘eni ‘i hotau lolotonga. Koe Tohi Palovepi Fika 2 ko ‘eni, ‘oku tokanga taafataha pe ia ki he ngaahi palovepi fekau’aki pea moe me’akai pe koe ngaahi ‘akau.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

1. 'A faka'amu mei: 'Oku taku koe fakahua tokua ki he kakai 'o Ha'apai he pehe 'oku 'ikai kenau anga maheni ki hono ma'u 'o e 'ufi 'o hange koe kakai 'o Tongatapu. 'Oku nau ma'u ngofua ange 'a e mei pea moe ngaahi 'akau kehe. 'Oku pehe tokua na'e 'i ai 'a e Hou'eiki na'e nofo 'i Lifuka pea na'e uakai ma'u pe ke kai mei 'o makatu'unga ai 'a e palovepi ko 'eni.

Waking wanting breadfruit: Apparently mildly abusive of the people of Ha'api who are supposed to be not so well supplied with yams as are the people of Tongatapu, and accordingly are more dependent on the on the breadfruit and other plants. It is said that there was a chief in the Island of Lifuka in Ha'apai who in some way became famous for wanting breadfruit, hence the derivative of the Proverb.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

2. Api fa'a toe tu'u ai 'a e teve: Koe teve koe 'akau na'e tupu noa'ia he vao pea na'e fifisi hono sino ka na'e 'aonga ki he kai 'i he taimi honge. Na'e hange 'oku faka'ohovale ki he fakakaukau ha vakai atu ki he 'api 'oe fa'a, na'a ne too mo tokanga'i 'ae teve 'i he ve'eve'e ma'ala moe feitu'u kehekehe 'i hono 'api, ka koe 'uhinga foki 'e ne fai pehe koe tali honge. Ne mahino pe ki he fa'a neongo e mahu 'ae fonua na'e 'ikai mata'ofi ai 'ae ngaahi ha'aha'a kehekehe 'i natula moe anga 'oe nofo ne lava ke hoko ai 'ae honge. Koe fakalea ki ha taha 'oku maau mo mateuteu ma'u pe.

In the well-stocked farm still stands the teve: The teve grows wild in the bush. Its roots has an acrid taste, but is nevertheless sometimes eaten in periods of scarcity. The true farmer, however well stocked he is with other food plants, will not neglect this unpalatable shrub which will be a stand by in case of the failure of his crops. Used in reference to someone who is always steady prepared.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

3. Fakamotu'a ke ta'o ha tua: Koe tua koe fa'ahinga 'ufi na'e faingata'a hono too mo hono tauhi. Koe fa'a mo'oni pe na'e too tua. Ka 'i ai ha tangata 'e nima vaivai 'e 'ikai kai ia ha tua, tukukehe kapau ko ha tangata'eiki kuo motu'a pea ta'o atu 'e ha fa'a ha'a ne tua ke ne kai. Koe fale'i ki he kau fakapikopiko, pe koe nofo noa'ia (hange tokua kuo nau fu'u matu'otu'a ki he ngaue) he kohai te ne tauhi atu kinautolu, pea oo fai ha ngaue ke ma'u ai ha mo'ui.

Playing the old man to bake a tu'a: The tua in addition to being particularly a good source of yam, is also one of the hardest variety to cultivate and the man who can grow them well is obviously a good farmer. The proverb is a rebuke for a lazy man. Do you expect that sitting down with folded hands is a way to gather food for eating?

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

4. Halahala 'a ma'ala keli: Ka utu ha ma'ala ne huo mo keli lelei 'e lava pe ke hala atu ha tu'unga 'ufi 'e ni'ihi, ka 'e kei lahi pe 'ae foha pea foha lalahi foki. 'I hono fakakatoa 'e kei laka ange pe 'ae foha lelei 'oe ma'ala keli 'i ha ma'ala ne 'ikai tokanga'i lelei. Koe poupou moe fakalotolahi ki ha ngaue pe feinga kuo fakahoko lelei kae hange 'oku 'i ai ha taimi 'oku ngali veiveiua ai hono nunu'a. Koe ngaue pe feinga ne fakahoko lelei mo fai mateaki, 'e lahi ange pe ha'ane iku lelei 'i ha ngaue pe feinga ne fakahoko noa'ia.

Misses of well cultivated yam garden: In such a yam plantation there may be holes missed, but those that do grow well will have such large roots as to compensate for the failures. In the end a plantation with misses yet cultivated will still bear better fruit compared to a plantation not carefully cultivated at all. Used to encourage work or efforts conducted properly and whilst there is doubt on the outcome assurance resides that efforts conducted sincerely will still yield better outcome than work done carelessly.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

5. Holi ke utuutu 'i he ma'ala utu: Koe utuutu koe kumikumi toetoenga foha 'i ha ma'ala 'a ha taha kuo lava lelei hono utu. Na'e fa'a fai ia 'i he taimi honge pe taimi ne fa'a fakangofua ai 'e he taha ha'ana e ngoue ki ha fa'ahinga tu'utamaki ange 'i he hili hono utu e ma'ala. Kae kapau leva 'e 'alu ha taha ia tokua ko 'ene utuutu 'i ha ma'ala 'oku te'eki ai kamata pe lolotonga kei utu, 'e 'ikai ui ia koe utuutu, 'e ui ia koe kaiha'a.

To desire to glean in a yam plantation that is being harvested: Utuutu is to look for yam in the bush growing wild on the sites of a disused garden. What one finds this way he is welcomed to but such gleaning must not trespass to a garden that is yet to be harvested by the owners. If one is caught doing so then such act is trespassing and theft.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

6. Huo hoko hoka Huo: Ka huo ha kautaha neongo 'enau tokolahi 'e lava lelei pe 'enau huo 'a kinautolu, ta'e fepakipaki 'enau huo, he kuo nau taukei mo feangai 'i he kaunga huo. Ka 'i ai ha fepaki ia matamata koe 'ai pe ia 'e he taha ko ia ke pehe. Ko ha taha 'oku fakatupu maveuveu.

Digging together spades clashing: If men are working close together in most stances this group is well experienced in working together and chances of one's spades clashing to another's is very minimal. However, if one strikes his spades against his companion's, the action is likely to prove to be with intent and will lead to quarrelling. Refers to someone causing trouble.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

7. Kaka tu'u ofi: Koe kakaa koe kelekele kovi. Neongo ka kakaa ha konga kelekele kae tu'u ofi, 'e faingofua ange pe 'ae a'u ki ai mo hono tauhi faka'aho 'i ha konga kelekele lelei kae tu'u mama'o. Ko hono tauhi lelei pe 'ofeina 'o ha me'a matamata 'oku 'i ai hano anga ka 'oku ofi ange ia kia kita 'i ha me'a 'oku faka'ofo'ofa kae mama'o ange.

Barren soil near at hand: An inferior piece of ground conveniently close is more likely to be cultivated than better soil at a distance. The thing of fair quality that is near is better than superior quality that is distant.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

8. Matenga 'i vao kaka: Koe maatenga koe a'u ia ki he meimei mate he hela'ia. Ka 'osi hoto ivi ki ha konga kelekele kakaa, 'e kei ta'epau pe ia pe 'e ola lelei he koe kelekele kovi. 'I he taimi pehe 'oku te faka'anaua pehe ange mai na ko ha konga kelekele lelei ange he 'e pau ange ha'ane ola lelei. Koe 'osi'osi ivi ki ha ngaue kuo iku maumautaimi pe hangehangee 'e iku pehe.

Fatigue in barron soil: The word vao signifies a piece of scrub land. The farmer in preparing for his garden selects a site and clears the bush. This expression is applicable to one who undergoes the labour and fatigue of clearing and planting a piece of land that proves infertile. It is labour in vein.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

9. Pala 'a kahokaho: Koe kahokaho koe 'ufi 'eiki he na'e faka'ofo'ofa pea ifo hono kakano. Ka fai ange kuo pala ha fo'i kahokaho 'e tu'usi pe 'ae konga ia 'oku pala pea kei fiema'ua ange pe ia 'i ha toe 'ufi. Ko ha me'a kuo mele ka 'e kei fiema'ua ange pe 'i ha me'a haohaoa. Na'e ngaue 'aki 'i he taimi mu'a ki he hou'eiki, koe pehe 'e kei faka'apa'apa'i mo fiema'ua ange pe ha 'eiki ia mo hano mele 'i ha tu'a haohaoa. Tokua koe kamata'anga 'oe lea ni koe 'ofefine 'oe Tu'ikanokupolu ko Mumui moe tuofefine 'oe Tu'ikanokupolu ko Tuku'aho, ko Halaevalu Fonongava'inga, 'i he'ene ma'uhoa moe Tauhi Fonua ko Helu, koe pehe neongo kuo ma'uhoa moe tu'a 'oku kei 'eiki toho pe ia.

Rottenness of the kahokaho: The kahokaho is a species of yam which grows to a great size and is highly valued. It is a chiefly yam, that is one suitable to be presented to a Chief. Even if the prime vegetable has commenced to decay and yet it is a kahokaho it will still be deemed better than any other kinds of yam.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

Often referred to something that has lost it's some virtue yet it is still the preferred than any other that is new but less prestige. It is said the beginning of this proverb is the daughter of the Tu'i Kanokupolu named Muimui and the sister of the Tu'i Kanokupolu named Tuku'aho named Halaevalu Fonongava'inga whom both married commoners and it was said that despite them marrying commoners they are still of great chiefly origin.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

10. Taka 'i fonua mahu: Koe fonua 'oku mahu koe fonua 'oku ma'u ai 'ae me'a kotoa pea tupu ai 'ae fiemalie, fiefia moe fe'ofo'ofa ni 'a hono kakai. Koe fakalea ki ha famili pe kakai 'oku nau fotu fiefia mo fiemalie ma'u pe, pea 'ikai fai ai ha ofo koe 'uhii koe tupu pe mei he lelei 'oe anga 'enau nofo.

Living in a fruitful land: This indicates the general prosperity and comfort of a people when crops are good and none suffers want. Used in the context to refer to a family or people they always appear happy and at peace, and it is no wonder such joy is displayed as it stems from the goodness of how they live.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

11. Tatau pe tua moe palai: 'Oku manakoa ange 'ae 'ufi koe tua 'i he 'ufi koe palai. Ka 'i ai ha taha tu'ukimu'a kae fai kovi 'e holo hono ngeia pea laka ange ha tahanoa ia 'oku fai lelei. Na'e ngaue 'aki 'i he taimi mu'a ki ha 'eiki kuo feifeiavale.

The tua is like the palai: The tua and palai are two sorts of yam of which the tua is much the finer. If someone of excellence leaves his/her stance and does things of no account then he/she is no better than a commoner. Often used in the old days to refer to a chief whose actions are more befitting with that of a fool.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

12. 'Ufi lei fie 'ufi: Koe 'ufilei koe fa'ahinga 'ufi iiki ka na'e fa'a vakai ange pe kuo foha lalahi. Kae neongo foki ha'ane foha lalahi na'e kei 'ufilei pe. Koe fakalea ki he fielahi 'ae fanau.

An 'ufi lei wanting to be a yam: 'Ufi is the general name for all kinds of yams. The 'ufi lei is the small sweet yam. It may bear bigger harvest but still is a small yam. Used in the context for young people wanting and acting to be bigger.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

13. Hange ha kaini kavea: Koe 'uhinga 'oe kainikavea koe 'akau pe manu 'oku ma'u mo'ui 'i ha me'a 'e taha, hange koe ngaahi 'akau totolo pe koe kutu. Ko ha taha 'oku ma'u mo'ui he kakava 'oe taha kehe, pe ko ha taha 'oku siokita.

Like a parasite: Kainikavea refers to a tree that has taken root in the living or branches of another tree finally growing big so as to envelop and conceal its host. Often used in the context to refer to someone starts to live off someone then eventually usurps the rights and privileges of that other selfishly.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

14. Hange ha lou milemila: Koe milemila koe efuefu tangilengila mo manifi 'oku ma'u 'i he tu'a 'oe louniu pe loupiu. Na'e fa'a pani teuteu 'aki e lou'ulu 'i he taimi katoanga. Ngaue'aki ki ha fa'ahinga me'a 'oku ma'ama'a pe ko ha taha sino si'isi'i.

Like a strip of milemila: The milemila is the strip of the outer cuticle of the leave of the plant such as the coconut and fan palm. These strips turn white when dried and bunches of them used as head ornaments by warriors and dancers. The expression is used on things which are light and often of thin people.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

15. Hange ha lou vahivahi: Koe vahivahi koe fanga ki'i 'aku 'oku tupu 'i 'Eua, 'oku maa'ali'ali ngofua honau lau 'i he pa ki ai 'ae havili. Ko ha taha 'oku ngaungaue pe 'ikai lava ta'utu ma'u. Fa'a ngaue'aki ki ha taha talangofua 'oku lele holo 'o fai e ngaahi pu'i 'a e kakai.

Like a vahivahi leaf: The vahivahi is a little plant found in considerable quantity int he Island of 'Eua whose leaves is in constant in motion even when the breeze is hardly perceptible. Used to refer to someone obedient who is never still yet running around doing chores for others.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

16. Hange ha mahele'i to: Koe mahele'i to koe kili manifi ia ki tu'a 'oe to hili hono tele pe ko hono 'esi. Ko ha me'a manifi pe ko ha taha pakau.

Like a strip of sugar cane: Applied to a thin person, and generally to meagre scanty objects, the comparison being to a thin piece of the outer bark of the sugar cane.

17. Hange ha niu 'au'ulu: Koe niu 'au 'ulu koe fu'u niu kuo 'osi hono lau he ngangana. 'Oku 'ilonga makehe pe ia 'i he'ene tu'u mai he 'ulu'ulu niu. Ko ha taha loloa makehe atu pe ia ha toe taha.

Like a nut tree with the leaves cut off: This is a Tongan batter of a tall person. Refers to a tall coconut tree with all of its leaves cut or fallen off and certainly a very odd-looking object. Refers to someone of very tall height that he/she stands out from the rest.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

18. Hange ha vao masalu ngaue: Koe masalu koe 'akau 'oku tupu 'i 'Eua. 'Oku nau tupu pupupupu pea ka havilivili 'oku faka'ofo'ofa 'enau ngaungaue fakataha. Ko ha fu'u kakai tokolahi 'oku ngaholo mo faka'ofo'ofa 'enau ngaue pe faiva.

Like a field of waving masalu: The masalu is a plant found in small quantities on the Island of 'Eua. The plants stand close together and when the wind blows, they move together gracefully. Used to refer to a group of people working closely and gracefully together.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

19. Malakia 'a mo'osipo: Koe mo'osipo koe ki'i vao 'oku malona (hoholo) hono lau ka lave ai ha me'a, kae fuoloa si'i pe kuo toe mafolofola hake. Ko ha taha ta'ofi ngata'a pe taha matengata'a.

The mo'osipo trodden down: This small plant is found mostly on the road way but lives on despite it being walked upon. Refers to him/her that bears up stoutly against ill treatment and adversity.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

20. Malumalu 'a mohuku: Ka tupu ha mohuku 'o fu'u lahi 'o a'u ki he tu'unga kuo lava ha fakamalumalu ai, neongo 'e ne fu'u lahi pehee 'e kei faingofua ange pe hono ta'aki 'ona 'i ha fa'ahinga 'akau kehe he koe vao pea 'oku 'ikai loloto hono aka. Ko ha ngaue 'oku ngali faingata'a ka 'oku 'ikai.

Overshadowing of grass: If the grass grows big to the extent that one can find shelter under it, despite its height it will still be easier for one to pull out its roots than any other bigger tree. This is because the grass roots are not deeply rooted. Often used to refer to a task that may seem difficult from a far but when undertaken proves to be easy.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

21. 'Aho kai fonu: Koe fonu koe me'akai ifo mo ma'u ngata'a pea na'e 'ikai 'inasi noa'ia ai ha taha koe hou'eiki pe. Koe taimi eni 'oe mana'ia ko Lepuha, 'oku pehe na'e ongoongoa hono talavou he 'otu Tonga pea takanga mo hou'eiki ko 'enau faka'ofo'ofa'ia hono talavou. 'I he taimi ko ia na'e 'i ai ha fefine Leimatu'a na'e fanongo he talavou o Lepuha pea ne fakakaukau ke ne lamasi a Lepuha. Koe fefine ni na'e 'i ai hono mahaki mahalo koe kilia. Na'e 'ave atu leva 'ae fakaafe 'ae fefine ni kia Lepuha ke 'eva ki hono fale efiafi po'uli ko ia. Na'e tau kakala 'e he fefine hono fale pea takai lolo kakala pea ne tali leva e a'u ange 'a Lepuha. Koe me'a maheni pe eni kia Lepuha he na'e lahi hono fakaafea pehe ni. Na'e mohe 'a Lepuha moe fefine. Ka 'i he maama hake 'ae 'aho e taha kuo toki fakatokanga'i 'e Lepuha 'ae mahaki 'oe fefine. Na'a ne puna fakato'oto'o ki tu'a mei he fale 'oe fefine mo 'ene fakatumutumu 'ta he toki mavae lua eni'. Ko 'ene fakatumutumu he me'a na'a ne pehe koe me'a lelei kae ta koaa koe pango atu. Na'e 'ehe'ehee mai e fefine mei fale mo ne ui atu "'aho kai fonu ee". Ko 'ene 'uhinga ko 'ene a'usia 'e ia e me'a lelei 'oku 'ikai a'usia noa 'e ha taha hange ko ia.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

Ka na’e kaila atu ‘a Lepuha ia “ ta mavae lua” ko ‘ene tala ‘e alu ‘o lua koe ‘uhi ko e me’a kuo ne ‘aa hake ‘o ‘ilo kuo hoko.

Day on which turtle is eaten: The turtle is a luxury, hence day of treat. It is said that this proverb originated from a love adventure of the handsome Lepuha, who lived at Leimatu'a, Vava'u. At this time there was a woman who heard of Lepuha's tale of good looks and decided so to capture Lepuha's attention. This woman lived at the back part of the village as her face was disfigured by ulceration. She sent an invite to Lepuha to attend a house. This was not uncommon for Lepuha as often he would be invited in the same manner by women. The disfigured women prepared the place with scents and oiled necklaces and awaited his arrival. Lepuha had intercourse with the unfortunate woman but when day broke Lepuha saw the condition of the disfigured woman. He jumped up quickly to flee the house of the woman. The woman laughed out loud and said" this is a day on which turtle has been eaten", meaning that she has gotten a share of something good often not avail to just any person.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

However, Lepuha replied " ta mavae lua" meaning he is leaving away vomiting denoting his disgust in what he had just discovered.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

22. Fakahali 'a vale: Ko ha taha kuo 'oho kai 'o 'ikai ha'a ne faka'atu'i ki he kakai na'a nau teuteu'i pe koe kakai 'oku nau kai fakataha, pe ki he kaha'u ke fakatoe ha me'a. Ko ha taha 'oho'oho pea tupu ai e 'ikai ke ne lava fakahoko fakalelei ha me'a.

Making slip of foolish: Fakahali meaning making slide moderate eating but the moderation of a foolish person is to eat to depletion without a thought for the others who prepared the food or the rest of the people that needs to eat nor of the future. Refers to a person with an attitude to quickly do things without thought and in doing so is unable to do any task properly.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

23. Fie uo, kae kai po: Ko ha 'eiki kuo loto ke tokolahi hono kakai ka e 'ikai loto ke vahevahe 'e ne me'a kai lelei kiate kinautolu. Ko ha taha 'oku ne uki ha kakai ke fakahoko ha ngaue ka e 'ikai loto ke vahevahe lelei 'a e fua 'o e ngaue ko ia.

Wanting friends but selfish: Primarily referred to a Chief who wants his people to big in numbers but does not want to share his food and his wealth with them. Also used in the context to refer to someone who wants to gather people in numbers to carry out a task yet does not want to fairly distribute the good yield of that work.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

24. Si'i 'a ma'anga ngako: Ki he kau masiva ka ma'u ha ki'i ma'anga ngako ke kiki 'aki ha me'i me'akai neongo 'e ne si'i koe ifo he ifo. Ko ha me'a si'i ka 'oku 'aonga mo fakafiefia lahi.

Small mouth but fat: A small quantity of food but yet tasty and luscious. Used generally to refer to something small yet of excelled quality and excellent yield.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

25. Nifo tu'u he vale: Koe naunau mahu'inga 'o e sino ki he kai 'ae nifo. 'Oku maumau 'ae nifo ia 'oku tu'u he vale fakapikopiko he 'oku 'ikai ke ne teuteu'i 'e ia ha me'akai ke faka'aonga'i 'aki. Ko ha faingamalie kuo maumau'i 'i ha taha vale.

Teeth in a foolish man: Good instrument thrown away on one who cannot use them. The wise man procures food for him to chew but the lazy man is unable to make this provision. Used in the context to refer to a wasted opportunity on someone who does not make good use of it.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

26. Toki kovi a niu lelei: Na'e 'i ai ha tangata ko Kaifaka'au na'a ne fakapoongi ha fefine pea ne lolo'i ke kai. Na'e ifo e mao hake 'ae lolo'i ka 'i he'ene kai hake na'e 'ikai ifo 'ae kakano 'o hange ko 'ene 'amanaki. Na'a ne pehe kuo mole 'e ne niu lelei. Ko ha me'a lelei kuo mole 'i hano ngaue hala'i 'aki.

Good nut is just bad: Once there was a cannibal named Kaifaka'au who killed a woman and prepared to cook her in coconut milk to cook for him to eat. The scent of the coconut oil from the cooking put was appealing to taste but when he started to eat the cooked flesh it did not taste nice as he had anticipated. He then said that he has wasted his good coconut milk. Used in the context to refer to something good that has lost its value due to the misuse of it.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

27. Fiifii ika maka: Koe ika maka koe ika kano lelei pea ifo, ka ko hono teuteu'i na'e pau ke kofu fakalelei 'aki ha louniu pea fii pea toki ta'o. 'Oku taau mo ha me'a mahu'inga ke tokanga'i lelei.

Wrapping rock fish in leaves: Rock fish is a type of fish of fine quality. In cooking fish are frequently wrapped up in a sheath of plaited coconut leaves to keep intact prior to cooking. A rock fish is worth the trouble of plaiting. Taking pains over a thing that is worth the care.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

28. Fiifii ika vale: Kapau 'e teuteu'i tatau ha fa'ahinga ika kehe hange ko hono teuteu'i 'oe ika maka he 'ikai hoko ia ai ko ha ika maka. 'Oua e fakamoleki noa e ivi 'i ha me'a maumautaimi he 'oku takitaha pe me'a mo hono founga.

Wrapping up a fish of no account: This is the reverse of wrapping rock fish in leaves. Warning not to take pains over something that is not worth the trouble.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

29. Hiki Lepo: Na'e 'i ai 'a e fu'u talafu 'i he loto kalia 'ae Tu'itonga pea 'i ai 'a e ngaahi ngoto 'umu 'i he loto talafu. Na'e takitaha pe 'ae ngoto 'umu mo hono lepo. Na'e 'i ai 'ae to'a ko Lasikau na'e fa'a folau he kalia pea na'a ne fa'a feto'oaki 'e ia 'ae lepo 'o fepulingaki, ka na'e 'ikai teitei lea atu ha taha kae 'oleva kuo pulia 'a Lasikau pea nau toki fakatonutonu. Koe tali ke mama'o ha taha mei ha feitu'u kae toki fakatonutonu ha'ane ngaue.

Moving the lepo: It is used in the temporary absence of someone to change and/or correct a deed in his/her absence. It is said that the saying originated from one of the voyages of great canoe of the Tu'itonga called the Lomipeau. The Lomipeau had an immense talafu fitting for her own huge size that a number of ovens can be dug in it at one time. It is the practice that when the food is taken out of the oven to put aside the leaves with which it was covered, and not mix the leaves belonging to various ovens.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

On board the Lomipeau, was a man named Lasukau who disregarded this rule and moves things round at his pleasure; but no one dared to remonstrate with him because of his strength. So they would wait till Lasukau would not be on site and then they would correct the placement of the leaves. Used with reference to a situation where one awaits the departure of one from that place before they can correct that person's wrong doings.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

30. Kina 'umu tali ki tahi: Ko ha 'umu 'oku tali hono kiki ki ha fangota mei tahi. Koe me'a 'e ma'u mai 'e fai pe ki he lelei pe kovi 'oe tahi 'oe 'aho ko ia, pea taimi e ni'ihi 'oku 'ikai ma'u ha me'a kae kina (talinoa) e 'umu he tali. Koe 'amanaki ki ha me'a 'oku ta'epau.

Depending on the sea for the meat for the meal: A traditional baked 'umu looking for the meat part of the meal to the sea. Looking to an uncertain source of supply. So many are the hazards of the sea that there is a very good chance a late dinner if the meat cannot be found ashore. Used with reference to hope based on something uncertain.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

31. Namu ma ka na'e 'ilo 'ahoa: Na'e 'i ai e mana'ia ko Va'enuku, koe tehina 'o Nuku mei Kolonga, na'e nofo 'Eua. Na'e ha'ele 'ae Tu'itongafefine 'oe 'aho ko ia ki 'Eua ke 'afiotonu ki he talavou 'o Va'enuku. 'I he'enau tu'uta atu ki 'Eua na'e 'alu ha taha 'o 'ene kau kaunanga koe 'esi afi pea ne 'ilo atu 'a Va'enuku 'oku fai 'e ne ngaohi ma Tonga. Koe ma Tonga koe me'akai nanamu malohi. 'I he efiafi hifo 'ae 'aho ko ia kuo fakaofoofo 'ae kolonga (kau nofo fakafe'ao takatakai) 'oe Tu'itongafefine pe koe ha e me'a kuo nanamu pehe. Na'e longolongo pe 'ae fefine na'e 'esi afi ka na'a ne 'ilo pe ko Va'enuku kuo 'a'ahi mai ki he Tu'itongafefine. Ko ha taha 'oku ne 'ilo ki ha me'a fakapulipuli.

Smelling of bread but known by daylight: Tongan bread was most commonly made from fermented paste of the breadfruit and other plants. It was often buried in pits and kept for long periods of time and consequently sustained a strong unpleasant smell.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

The expression originates from a story of the man (Mana'ia), Vainuku of 'Eua. A certain female Tui Tonga went to 'Eua to see Vainuku, and on landing on the Island sent one of her women to procure fire. In spite of his attractiveness liked making bread and the woman found him in the cook house preparing the food for the recently arrived visitors. The woman pulled off Vainuku's turban, and seeing him with head uncovered knew who he was, for it was his hair that was his chief beauty. When night came, Vainuku went to court the lady visitors, but they all cried out in disgust at the man smelling of bread until he came to the woman who had seen him at the cookhouse; she having seeing him in daylight knew who he was. Used in reference to someone who is privy to something secret.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

32. Nofo e fononga kae ui moa: Kapau 'e a'u mai ha fononga ki hoto 'api 'oua te te ui 'e te fanga moa na'a pehe 'e he fononga koe 'ai ke fafanga 'aki kinautolu. Ko ha taha kuo ne taki hala'i e 'amanaki 'a ha taha kehe.

The visitors having no share, but calling fowls: This indicated a man who calls the fowls, not to entertain his guests as he should but for some other purpose. Refers to someone who misleads another's expectations.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

33. Inu ti, inu kota: 'I he taimi ko ia 'oe fuofua omi 'ae kau Pilitania ki Tonga na'a nau ha'u moe ngaahi to'onga mo'ui na'e fo'ou pea fa'a manakoa ki he vakai 'ae Tonga. Koe taha 'oe ngaahi to'onga ko ia koe inu ti, 'a ia koe inu manakoa 'ae kau Pilitania na'e ngaahi mei he lau'i ti, pea fakasuka, pea hu'i 'aki e hu'akau pulu, pea na'e 'i ai mo hono taimi inu, moe anga 'o hono to'o 'oe ipu, moe anga 'o hono inu. Na'e kamata leva ke ma'u 'e he Tonga 'ae ifo 'oe inu ti, pea neongo na'e 'ikai fa'a ma'u ma'u pe ha lau'i ti, pe suka, pe hu'akau, na'e fa'a lava lelei pe ia 'aki e lau'i moli, pe ka ma'u ha ti kae hala he hu'akau, na'e hu'i 'aki pe ia e huhua'i niu. Pea koe tatau foki 'oe huhua'i niu pea toe penu'i niu pea ko ia ne manuki 'aki 'e he lea ni koe kota'i niu, tokua koe inu ti, inu ti pe 'ae kau fa'ifa'itaki ki he Palangi pea hala hu'akau ka nau tatau penu'i niu. Koe manuki ki ha taha 'oku feinga ke fa'ifa'itaki ki ha to'onga 'oku 'ikai maheni ai pea 'ai ange pe kuo 'ikai kakato e naunau ke ne fakahoko 'aki e to'onga ko ia kae 'alu kehe ia.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

Drink tea, drink kota: The kota is an infusion of fermented coconut which has been grounded and strained. The phrase, which of course modern, indicates one who at one time is anxious to adopt European standards and modes of life and at other times clings to the old Tongan ways. More commonly used in the tease someone who attempts to adopt a novel way of doing things and/or living that he/she is not used to and finds he/she does not have the right ingredients to complete the task and consequently ends up with something else.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

34. Kai 'asi fakatuha 'umu: Ko ha taha 'oku ne fakafe'unga pe 'e ne 'asi atu ki ha 'api ki he taimi 'oku hiko atu ai 'enau me'akai. Ko ha taha 'oku 'i ai ha'ane ta'umu'a fakafufuu.

Dinner out correspondent with food: A man who keeps his eyes open and regulates his visits to other people's homes to correspond well with the times when a meal is to be got.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

35. Kai malo taa foa: Ko ha taha kuo ne ma'u ha me'akai hili hano ngaahi'i pe valoki'i 'e he taha na'a ne 'oange 'ae me'akai. Ko hono tali 'o ha 'ofa 'i he funga 'oe loto lavea.

Eating kindness that wounds: Indicated a kindness that is spoiled by the way in which it is done as of one who makes a present of food to another but accompanies his gift with unkind remarks. The recipient may eat the food by the is wounded by what is said to him. Apparent gratification with that which hurts.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

36. Kai 'umu pe fo'i he ngaue 'a e malohi: Ka fakafiefia'i ha ikuna 'i ha va'inga pe fe'auhi 'e toe kai ai pe moe kau fo'i 'i he 'umu 'ae malohi. Ko ha ngaue lelei kuo 'inasi ai ha kakai kehekehe.

Coward ever eating food through the work of the strong: Feasting to celebrate victory in a competition and the losing side will also eat from the feast despite losing. Used with reference to a good deed by one and enjoyed by others as well.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

37. Kaikai 'afua: Ko hono ui ‘eni 'o e to'onga kai 'ae kau fefine feitama, 'enau kai filifili. Ko ha taha kai filifili.

Eating delicately, with special likes and dislikes: Refers to the habit and desire of eating of a pregnant woman for particular foods and used proverbially of conduct like that of a pregnant woman or befitting a pregnant woman.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

38. Koto kai a kui: Ko ha ngaue maveuveu mo ta'emaau. kai tokotaha ha kui 'e si'i faafaa holo he me'akai 'o tupu ai ha maveuveu 'ae me'akai.

All the eating of a blind man; the reckless eating of a blind man: Used of that which is done recklessly, ignorantly, like the blind man who cannot see to choose his food, but eats what his hands land on.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

39. Longo moe fatu: Ko ha taha kuo ne kai poosi ha me'akai kehe pea fe'ekenaki holo kae longo pe kuo makona. Ko ha taha kuo ne ma'u fakafufuu ha monu kae 'ikai lea.

Silent with the belly: Applies to someone who has eaten to full satisfaction where he/she had no right to eat. When reprimanded he sits silently accepting the blame for eating in secrecy the food, he sits silent with a full belly.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

40. Kai pe lea: Ka faka'osi ha katoanga 'oku tufa e 'inasi 'o e kainga na'e kau ki he katoanga. Ka fai ange kuo nounou e me'akai 'e fakamalo'ia'i pe 'e he hou'eiki 'a e kainga kuo hala pea nau fiemalie ai pe kuo to honau koloa. Ko e fiemalie 'i ha 'inasi kuo 'omai neongo ko e lea fakamalo pe.

Just eating speech: Used of a person for whom there is no portion when the food presented to a chief is divided and distributed, but to whom the chief speaks and thanks. If the food runs out the chief will still thanks the person without food and the individual is still honoured. Although without any share of the food, the individual is still honoured with the words of praise.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

41. Koe ma kate mate: Ko ha taha kuo mei mate he fiekaia ka e 'ikai pe lava 'o kole ko e maa he kole. Ko e fale'i ki ha taha ma ke tuku e ma ia ka e kole.

Ashamed, but I'll die: Refers to someone who is near death of starvation yet cannot ask for food for shame of doing so. In such circumstance one is advised to not to be ashamed to ask for food rather than die.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

42. Motu ka na'e navei: Koe navei koe ha'i tokoni ki he kavei 'oe kato. Neongo e malohi 'oe kavei 'o ha kato 'oku tonu pe ke navei na'a fai ange pe kuo motu kae mahua 'ae me'akai ki tu'a pea ka toki motu ai pe 'ae kavei 'oku sai pe ia he na'e 'osi navei. Ko ha maumau kuo hoko ka 'oku matatali lelei pe he na'e 'osi mateuteu pe ki ai kimu'a.

Broken but it was bound: Navei are small cords passed through the top of a basket, especially of food, and fastened round the pole on which it is slung. These cords are always recommended to be done from the start to support the main lashing in case the main lashing breaks and the food in the basket falls out. And even if the main lashing does break, it still holds strength as the navei or the auxiliary bindings cords have been added. Used in the context to refer to a matter broken by accident yet there is still some strong chore element of output display for those who prepared the work from the start did so carefully and thoroughly.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

43. Tufa kau tufa: Ka fai ha tufa 'inasi 'i ha katoanga pea ta'e fiemalie ha taha 'i hono 'inasi, 'e 'alu pe taha ko ia mo lama pe ha 'aho 'e ma'u ai hano faingamalie ke ne fakafoki atu 'ae fo'i tufa kuo fai ki ai. Koe fakalea ki hano fakafoki 'o ha 'ulungaanga kuo fai mai ki a kita.

Distribute, I'll distribute: Refers to someone who is not satisfied with the share which falls to him in a distribution of food or goods, but who promises himself to even things up when his turn comes to direct the distribution of gifts. Refers to the act of repaying someone the accord and the same action he/she has given to you.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

44. U'a ma kae mae ma: Ko ha taha 'oku manako he ma Tonga pea lahi pe 'e ne ma Tonga kae kole me'akai holo he kaunga'api koe 'ikai fie 'osiki 'e ne ma Tonga. Ko ha taha siokita.

Eat ma but be careful of ma: Ma is the food made from fermented fruit. Refers to someone who has a supply of ma of his own but is very sparing of it, and when he wants to eat, begs food from someone else. Generally, refers to someone selfish.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

45. 'Umu po'uli kae 'ai ho'ota: Ka fuke po'uli ha 'umu 'e fa'utaha e kau kai 'o takitaha to'o 'e ne me'akai 'oku loto ki ai. Ka 'i ai ha taha kuo tatali pe mei mui 'oku mahino 'oku 'i ai hano maheni 'ona 'i he kau to'o te ne to'o ha'ane me'akai. Koe 'uhinga 'oe "ho'ota" ki he 'i ai hoto maheni ke ne to'o ha me'akai ma'a kita. Koe fakafalala ki ha taha ke ne fakafofonga'i kita.

Food in the dark but with a friend there: When food is taken up from the oven in the dark there will be more or less of a scramble in which some are likely to come off badly, but a man who has been so placed that he cannot very well look after himself will yet fare very well if he has a wellplaced friend who is mindful of his interest. Refers to someone who is relies on another or a friend to think of his well-being and interest.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

46. Pani puaka, pani fonu: Koe puaka moe fonu koe me'akai maheni 'ae hou'eiki kae taetae taha pe ke si'i kai ai ha tu'a. Ka 'asi ha taha 'oku namu puaka mo namu fonu 'e pehe 'e he kakai 'oku nofo ia ha 'api 'o ha 'eiki. Koe fakahikihiki ki ha taha tu'unga mau'olunga.

Smeared with pig, smeared with turtle: The pig and the turtle are favourite and valuable delicacies and will be found more in the abodes of chiefs than anywhere else. For anyone to carry about on his person the smell of this rich fare is a sign that he is a person of status.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

47. Paki mo e talaha: Koe talaha koe mei 'oku kei mui. Koe kakai poto he toli mei te nau toli filifili pe 'ae mei motu'a kae tuku atu 'ae talaha ke toki toli ha 'aho. Koe toli mei 'ae vale 'oku toli tavale pe 'ae mei motu'a pea moe talaha. Ko ha ngaue kuo lava hono taumu'a ka na'e 'ikai fakahoko fakalelei.

Pick the remainders too: In the breadfruit tree, all the fruit do not ripen together, and so in plucking the crop the ripe fruit will be taken out and the others left to mature. However, when the fruit is picked by a foolish person, he/she will pluck both the mature and the young fruits alike without any care. Used to refer to a task completed without care.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

48. Hange ha fei'uma 'uha: Ka fei'umu 'uha ha taha 'e lava pe ke 'ota 'ae 'umu koe viku 'a natula. Ka fei'umu ha taha ha 'aho 'afua 'oku totonu ke moho lelei he 'oku matu'u 'a natula. Kae kapau leva kuo 'i ai ha 'umu ia kuo 'ota ha 'aho 'afua ta kuo hange pe ia ha fei'umu 'uha. Ko ha ngaue kuo iku kovi neongo na'e lelei mo kakato 'ae me'a ke fai 'aki 'ae ngaue ko ia.

Like cooking in the rain: The preparation of food which is carried out in the open rain is expected that there is a chance it will not be cooked properly. However, if one cooks an 'umu in dry weather it is well expected that the food will be cooked thoroughly. But if a cooked 'Umu in a dry day turns out to be half cooked then it is said it is like it was booked in rain weather. Used to refer to a task ending in bad result although all the ingredients to ensure that the tasks would yield good result were all present.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

49. Talia 'umu kai kape: Koe mele 'oe kape 'oku fa'a fifisi pea ka fai ha tali ki ha 'umu kape 'oku 'ikai fa'a pau pe 'e fai ha makona ai na'a a'u mai ia kuo fifisi pea ta'e ifo ki he kai.

Waiting for a meal of kape: At certain stages of its growth the kape is too pungent to be eaten. Hungry people, therefore may wait for a meal of this root to be cooked only to fund after that they cannot eat it. Used in the context of disappointed expectations.

TONGAN PROVERBS

Second Edition

50. Pu'ia 'a kaiasi: Ko ha taha kuo fai atu ki ai ha pu'i ke 'alu o 'omai ha me'akai pea ne tomu'a kai 'e ia 'ae me'akai na'e fekau ke 'alu o 'omai. Ko ha taha kuo tomu'a 'inasi pe ia 'i ha me'a na'e fekau ke fai ma ha'a taha kehe.

Sending a forager: When one is sent to procure food for a party, he will be the first to eat of what he has obtained. Used in the context to refer to one who is first to reap the advantage first of something he has been sent to do, or to get.

TONGAN PROVERBS

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Second Edition