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March 22, 2025

Sporting words in Tongan Language

Sporting words in Tongan Language

Learn 16 Tongan Sporting Words for Everyday Conversations

In this Tongan Language video, we introduce you to 16 useful Tongan sporting words that you can easily use in everyday conversations. Whether you’re just starting your Tongan language journey or looking to expand your vocabulary, these words are a fun and practical way to connect with the language.

You’ll learn words like:

Lele – Run
Pulu – Ball
Puna – Jump
…and many more that are commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

Incorporating these Tongan words into your daily conversations can help you grow more confident in the Tongan language, impress your friends and family, and stay connected to your culture. Keep learning by watching more of our Tongan Language videos and take your language skills to the next level!

Here are the 16 Tongan Sporting words used in the video.

Va’inga / Sipoti – Sport
Hipihipi – Cheer
Ikuna / Mālohi – Win
Fo’i – Lose
Lele – Run
Puna – Jump
Lī – Throw
Mala’e va’inga – Stadium
‘Ohofi -Tackle
Tata’o – Try
Kolo – Goal
Pulu – Ball
Lakepī / ‘Akapulu – Rugby
Kilikiti – Cricket
Soka / ‘Akapulu – Soccer
Kakau / Siukakau – Swimming

February 28, 2025

Why Young Pacific Learners Should Learn Their Pacific Language

 Why Pacific Children Should Learn their Pacific Language

Why Learning their Pacific Language Matters for Young Pacific Learners

For young Pacific learners in Aotearoa New Zealand, learning their heritage language offers lifelong benefits that go far beyond communication. Speaking a Pacific language strengthens identity and belonging, helping children feel proud of who they are and where they come from. It deepens connections with parents, grandparents, and wider communities, keeping cultural traditions alive across generations. Research also shows that bilingual children often develop stronger cognitive skills, improved problem-solving abilities, and greater confidence in their learning. At Pacific Learners, we create engaging, animated resources to support Niuean, Tokelauan, Cook Islands Māori, and other Pacific languages, making it easier for families, schools, and communities to pass on the richness of their culture to the next generation.

1. Pacific Language Preserves Culture and Identity

Pacific languages hold centuries of history, traditions, and knowledge. When children learn their native tongue, they gain a deeper understanding of their culture, values, and ancestors. Language connects them to their roots, ensuring that customs, stories, and songs are passed down for generations

2. Strengthening Family and Community Bonds

Language is a bridge that connects children to their elders and community. When young Pacific children speak their Pacific language, they can communicate with grandparents, understand traditional wisdom, and participate in cultural ceremonies with confidence. This strengthens family ties and fosters a sense of belonging.

3. Boosting Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Research shows that bilingual children often develop stronger cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and academic success. Learning a Pacific language alongside English enhances brain development, improves memory, and even supports better literacy skills in both languages.

4. Pacific Language Builds Confidence and Pride

When children see their language valued at home, in schools, and in digital media, they develop a strong sense of pride in who they are. Knowing their Pacific language helps them feel confident in their identity and encourages them to embrace their cultural uniqueness in an increasingly globalized world.

5. Ensuring Language Survival

Many Pacific languages are at risk of being lost due to migration, globalization, and generational language shifts. Teaching young children their Pacific language ensures that it remains alive, vibrant, and relevant for future generations. By speaking and using the language daily, they become the next guardians of their cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Learning a Pacific language is a powerful gift that provides lifelong benefits. It strengthens identity, deepens cultural connections, and supports cognitive development. As parents, educators, and communities, we must continue to create spaces where young Pacific children can learn, speak, and celebrate their language with pride.

By investing in language learning today, we ensure that Pacific cultures and identities thrive for generations to come. 🌺

November 3, 2024

The Lords Prayer in Niuean

The Lord’s Prayer in Niuean

At Pacific Learners Education, we are passionate about providing Pacific content that supports our children’s cultural and spiritual journey. Below we have translated one of the most well known scriptures in the Bible, the Lord’s Prayer, from English to Niuean.

For more Niuean language videos visit our Niuean Language Resource Page.

The Lords Prayer in Niuean and English

Our Father who art in heaven
Ha mautolu a matua naē ha hā he lagi

Hallowed be Thy Name
Kua tapu haau a higoa

Thy Kingdom come
Ki a hoko mai haau a kautū

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Kia eke e haau a finagalo ke he lalolghi nai, tuga ne eke he lagi

Give us this day our daily bread
Kia foaki mai e koe he aho nai ha mautolu a tau mena kai, ke lata mae aho taha

And forgive us our trespasses
Kia fakamagalo e koe kia mautolu ha mautolu a tau hala,

as we forgive those who trespass against us
tuga mautolu ne fakamagalo atu kia lautolu ne eke fakakelea mai kia mautolu

And lead us not into temptation
Aua neke uta e koe a mautolu ke he kamatamata,

but deliver us from the evil
kae laveaki mai e koe a mautolu mai he tau hala

For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory
Ha ko e mena ha hā ia koe e kautu mo e malolo

Forever and ever
Katoa mo e fakahekeaga, Tukulagi

Amen
Amene

November 3, 2024

Niuean words for family

Niuean Words for Family

In our latest Niuean Language Video, we give you ‘Niuean words for family’.

In this video you can learn words like ‘hoana’ which means ‘wife’, or ‘tau mamatua’ which means ‘parents’, and many more.

A great way to learn a language is to take common words you use in every day conversations and replace them with the language you are learning. This means it builds repetition and familiarity so the words are used without thinking.

For more Niuean language videos you can visit our Niuean Language Resource Page.

Niuean words for family

Matua fifine: Mother
Matua taane: Father
Hoana: Wife
Taane: Husband
Tugaane: Brother
Mahakitaga: Sister
Agikolo: Uncle
Anitī: Aunty
Matua tupuna taane: Grandfather
Matua tupuna fifine: Grandmother
tama tupuna taane: Grandson
Tama tupuna fifine: Granddaughter
Nisi: Niece
Nefiu: Nephew
Kasini: Cousin
Tama taane: Son
Tama fifine: Daughter
Tau mamatua: Parents

November 3, 2024

Common Niuean Words

Common Niuean Words

Enhance your Niuean language skills with these 20 common Niuean words that you can easily incorporate into your daily conversations! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your connection with Niuean culture, these common words are a great place to start.

For instance, learn “Nofo” (which means “sit”), “Laka” (“walk”), and “Fakaalofa” (“love”). By integrating these everyday words into your routine, you’ll not only improve your vocabulary but also build greater familiarity with the language.

Additionally, practicing these words regularly will help you become more comfortable using them in everyday situations. Want to take your learning even further? For more Niuean language videos you can visit our Niuean Language Resource Page.

Start your journey today and make Niuean a part of your everyday routine!

Here are 5 Niuean words that you can use every day

1. E: Yes

2. Nakai: No

3. Fakamolemole: Please

4. Fakaalofa atu: Hello

5. Fakaaue: Thank you

A list of common Niuean words

  • E: Yes
  • Nakai: No
  • Fakamolemole: Please
  • Monuina e po: Goodnight
  • Fakaalofa atu ke he pogipogi: Good morning
  • Fakaalofa atu: Hello
  • Fakaaue: Thank you
  • Mohe: Sleep
  • Hau: Come
  • Fano: Go
  • Oti: Finish
  • Inu: Drink
  • Hoge: Hungry
  • Kai: Eat
  • Ko e kia: Goodbye
  • Nofo: Sit
  • Tu: Stand
  • Mohega: Bed
  • Poi: Run
  • Laka: Walk
  • Fakaalofa: Love
November 3, 2024

Common Niuean Phrases

Common Niuean Phrases

Ready to deepen your connection to the Niuean culture and language? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your vocabulary, learning common Niuean phrases is a powerful way to boost your fluency and confidence.

In this resource, we’ve gathered everyday Niuean expressions that you can use in real conversations with family, friends, or during your next visit to Niue. From greetings and questions to expressions of gratitude and common responses, these phrases will help you sound more natural and connected to the language.

You can learn common Niuean phrases like ‘Fakaalofa lahi au kia koe’ which means ‘I love you’, or ‘Kua hoko e magaaho ke fano ke mohe’ which means ‘It’s time for bed’ and many more.

Repetition is key to learning any language, so use these useful Niuean phrases is everyday conversations.

More more Niuean language videos, visit our Niuean language resource page.

Here are some common Niuean phrases you can use in everyday conversation.

Malolō nakai a koe? How are you?
Malolō au fakaaue I am fine thank you
Ko hai e higoa haau? What is your name?
Ko e higoa haaku ko Tevita My name is Tevita
Hau a koe he maaga fe? Where are you from?
Fano a koe ki fe? Where are you going?
Monuina e aho Have a nice day
Fakamolemole mai Excuse me
Kua ta e hola fiha? What is the time?
Fano kehe Go away
Fakaaue kua feleveia Pleased to meet you
Fiha e tau he mena e? How much is this?
Ua tupetupe a koe ki ai Don’t worry about it
Maeke ia au ke vagahau tama vala Niue I speak a little Niue
Fakaalofa lahi au kia koe I love you
Nakai maama e au I don’t understand
Fakaaue Lahi Thank you
Holoholo e tau lima haau Wash your hands
Kua hoko e magaaho ke fano ke mohe It’s time for bed
November 3, 2024

Niuean words for items at the supermarket

Niuean words for items at the supermarket

Start on your Niuean language journey by learning Niuean words for items at the supermarket!

Learn words like ‘Huhu‘ which means ‘Milk’, ‘Moa‘ which means ‘Chicken’, or even ‘Vai koukou ulu‘ which means ‘Shampoo’ and many more. Try and use some of these words in your everyday conversations with family and friends.

A great way to learn a language is to become familiar with words you can use everyday, so next time you walk around the supermarket try and remember as many Niuean words as you can.

For more Niuean language videos visit our Niuean Language Resource Page.

Here are some Niuean words for items at the supermarket

Huhu means Milk
Siisi means Cheese
Falaoa means Bread
Tau fua moa means Eggs
Pata means Butter
Mena kai Poa means Meat
Ika means Fish
Moa means Chicken
Tau fua apala means Apples
Siliolo means Cereal
Tau fua moli means Oranges
Tau fua futi means Bananas
Vai koukou ulu means Shampoo
Vai kana nifo means Toothpaste
Tau paka keke means Biscuits
Tau fi sipi means Chippies
Sokalete means Chocolate

June 3, 2024

Cook Island words for family

Cook Island words for family

In our latest Cook Island language video, we bring you ‘Cook Island words for family’.

You can learn words like ‘Metuavaine’ which means ‘Mother’ or ‘Akametua Tane’ which means ‘Uncle’ and many more. Learning basic Cook Island words and phrases means you can use them in everyday conversation, so learning words for family members allows the whole family to learn together.

For more Cook Island Language videos visit our Cook Island Language Resource page

Cook Island words for Family

Kopu tangata means Family
Nga Metua means Parents
Metuavaine means Mother
Metuatane means Father
Vaine Akaipoipo means Wife
Tane Akaipoipo means Husband
Tamaiti means Son
Tamaine means Daughter
Tuaine means Sister
Tungane means Brother
Akametua Tane means Uncle
Akametua Vaine means Aunty
Nga Tupuna/ Nga Ruau means Grand Parents
Mokopuna Tamaroa means Grandson
Mokopuna Tamaine means Granddaughter
Aka-tamaine means Niece Aka-tamaine
Aka-tamaroa means Nephew

May 29, 2024

Cook Island words for things at school

Cook Island words for things at school

When learning a new language, it is important to start with the basics. This means learning words that we use nearly everyday.

This video is great for our children, being able to use Cook Island words for things that we see at school can really support our children in their language journey. You can use words like ‘Peni’ instead of ‘Pen’, or ‘Puka’ instead of ‘Book’, and many more.

For more Cook Island Language videos, visit our Cook Island Language resource page

Cook Island words for things at school

Api’i means School
Pi’a Api’i means Classroom
Peni means Pen
Penisara means Pencil
Poro means Ball
Puka means Book
Pepa means Paper
Kete Api’i means School Bag
Kaingakai means Table
No’onga means Chair
Ove means Bell
Moenga means Mat
Pu’api’i means Teacher
Pu’api’i Maata means Principal
Nga’i kangakanga means Playground
Tamariki means Children
Au Taeake means Friends
Kaikai i te tuaero means Lunch

May 22, 2024

Cook Island words for shapes and colours

Cook Island words for shapes and colours

As we continue to deliver Cook Island language videos, we give you ‘Cook Island words for shapes and colours’.

When learning any language, it’s great to start with the basics. So, learning Cook Island words for shapes and colours is an excellent way to integrate these words into everyday conversations.

Use them in a sentence like ‘The sky this evening looks bright Makara’ or ‘Your necklace looks great, especially the Tatauro’.

For more Cook Island Language videos visit our Cook Island Resource page.

Cook Island Words for Colours:

Rengarenga – Yellow
Totove’i – Purple
Auika – Blue
Matie – Green
Makara – Orange
Tarona – Pink
Kerekere – Black
Paraoni – Brown
Teatea -White
Muramura – Red

Cook Island words for Shapes

Punupunu – Circle
Puku’atu – Heart
Pi’a – Square
Tara’are – Triangle
Reketangere – Rectangle
Etu – Star
Taimana – Diamond
Overa – Oval
Tatauro – Cross

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