Everyday Gagana Samoa
The most common greeting in Samoa, meaning "Hello" or "Greetings."
Talofa
The Samoan word for the number one (1).
Tasi
The traditional Samoan earth oven used to cook food using hot stones.
Umu
The ocean that surrounds the Samoan islands.
Pacific Ocean
The high-energy traditional Samoan dance performed at celebrations.
Siva
If someone says "Fa'afetai," this is what they are telling you.
"Thank you"
The Samoan word for red, which is also the color of the background on Samoa's national flag.
Mūmū
A staple starch in Samoan meals, this starchy root vegetable is often baked in the umu.
Taro
The capital city of Samoa, located on the island of Upolu.
Apia
The Samoan term for a village chief or leader who represents their aiga.
Matai
The Samoan word for family, which includes extended family and ancestors.
Aiga
Count backwards from three in Samoan: Sefulu, Iva, ______!
A popular Samoan drink made from coconut milk, cacao, and rice.
Koko Alaisa
Samoa consists of two main big islands: Upolu and this larger island.
Savai'i
The famous Samoan legend of Sina and the Eel explains the origin of this very useful tropical fruit tree.
Coconut Tree
The Samoan word for food.
Meaʻai
The color of the ocean and the sky — in Samoan, it's called this.
Lanumoana
The Samoan term for green coconut water or young coconut, popular for drinking on a hot day.
Niu
Samoa's national bird, a rare tooth-billed pigeon known locally by this name.
Manumea
Before rugby matches, the Samoan national team performs this energetic traditional war challenge on the field.
Siva Tau
The phrase used to say "Goodbye" when someone is leaving.
Tofa soifua (or Tofa)
The number one thousand (1000) in Samoan.
Afe
A favorite Samoan dessert made of baked banana dumplings served in a sweet coconut sauce
Fa'alifu Fa'i/Fa'ausi
The famous natural ocean blowholes located on the island of Savai'i.
Alofaaga Blowholes
The Samoan word for the sun shining bright in the sky.
Lā