Order anything by pointing in Samoan
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Samoan words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Samoan phrases in this lesson
- Ou te mana'o i...oh te ma-NAH-oh ee
- I would like...
- Leneile-NAY
- This one
- E fia le tala?eh FEE-a le TA-la
- How much is it?
- Le pili, fa'amolemolele PEE-lee, fah-ah-mo-le-MO-le
- The bill, please
- I le kataee le KA-ta
- By card
- I le tupeee le TOO-peh
- In cash
- VaiVAH-ee
- Water
- KofeKO-feh
- Coffee
- Tītee
- Tea
- PiaPEE-ah
- Beer
- E aunoa ma...eh ow-NO-ah ma
- Without...
Literally "I want ...".
Lenei (this), lena (that), lava (that over there). Point and say the word; gesture does the heavy lifting at any market counter.
Tala is the Samoan currency. In casual shops, a sign or pointing at the register is often faster, but Samoans appreciate the effort to ask in their language.
Pili is borrowed from English bill.
Tupe means money. Carrying cash earns you flexibility, particularly outside the capital Apia.
Tap water is generally safe in towns. Coconut water is vai kokonausi, common and refreshing. Buying bottled vai in markets is standard.
Samoan cocoa, koko Samoa, is the local hot drink.
Vailima is the local lager.
Literally "lacking ...".