Table Of ContentCover
Tonga-English
English-Tonga
Dictionary and
Phrasebook
To aide those learning Citonga
Compiled by: Aaron Cass Harris, CHIP 2011-2013
With help from: Peace Corps Tonga Language Trainers
Updated: May 2013
International (A4) Version
To request edits (including the addition of new words and phrases)
simply contact the author via email at:
[email protected] OR [email protected]
Page 1
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Section Title Page
I Table of Contents 2
II Introduction 3
III Using this guide 4
Dictionaries
IV Tonga-English 7
V English-Tonga 116
Grammar
VI Nouns 225
VII Demonstratives 226
VIII Verbs 227
IX Pronouns 228
X Adjectives 229
Phrase Books
XI Survival Guide 231
XII Time 234
XIII Shopping 235
XIV Travel 236
XV Family 237
XVI Peace Corps 238
XVII CHIP Tech Vocab 239
XVIII LIFE Tech Vocab 242
XIX RED Tech Vocab 247
XX RAP Tech Vocab 248
XXI Reproductive health and HIV/AIDS Vocab 249
Short-Cut lists
XXII All Nouns 254
XXIII All Verbs 304
XXIV All Demonstratives 349
XXV All Conjunctions 352
XXVI All Adverbs 354
XXVII All Adjectives 356
XXVIII All Interjections 360
XXIX All Questions 361
XXX All Pronouns 362
XXXI All Phrases 365
XXXII All Prepositions 366
XXXIII All Proverbs 367
Dialect Lists
XXXIV Ila Dialect 369
XXXV Lenge Dialect 373
XXXVI Mukuni Dialect 374
XXXVII Sources 377
Page 2
Introduction
Introduction
This guide is intended to aid Peace Corps Trainees learning
Tonga, Peace Corps Volunteers in Southern Province, Counterparts,
and any other group associated with the Peace Corps. It has been
compiled with the aid of several Tonga language resources available to
volunteers as of 2011.
Currently, there are over 6700 words, with more being added
constantly through the help of current and future volunteers. If you learn
any new words and want to include them, don’t hesitate to contact
either the Language and Homestay Coordinator or your language
teacher.
There are five main parts. The first contains a Tonga-English
and English-Tonga dictionary. The second contains useful grammar charts
and notes for easy reference. The third part contains phrase books targeted
towards specific scenarios and specific project technical vocabulary.
The fourth part includes 'short-cut' sections, which are intended to help
locate words when the part of speech is known. The fifth part lists the
words specific to one of the 3 main Citonga dialects.
Please note that increasingly English words and even some grammatical
patters are becoming part of the Citonga language, so some words that are in
this dictionary may not be known by younger generations and even some in the
older generations. Also, there are various colloquial phrases and words that
have a different meaning than the ones presented here, owing to various regional
dialects. Finally, this is a compilation of language books that have become antiquated
so it is very likely that words have changed slightly as the language continues to
evolve. In other words, this is a resource to aid in learning the language, but it is
not the only (or even the most important) one. The best way to learn the language is
to converse in the language as often as possible.
Page 3
Using this Guide
Using this Guide
Abbreviation Meaning
Pp Personal pronoun
Ob Object of the verb
Root The root of the verb
Corrupt Whether the word was taken from English
I The Ila dialect of Tonga
M The Mukuni Dialect of Tonga
L The Lenge Dialect of Tonga
I, M Applicable to both Ila and Mukuni Dialects
TM Tense Marker
Irreg. Irregular
Verb The conjugated verb except for the extension
Na Not applicable
Other notes
1 All verbs in Tonga have the infinitive form: Ku + root.
Because of this, the initial 'Ku' is excluded in this
guide to ease the search for verbs
2 Since multiple sources were used, some information
such as noun classes will not be available for every entry
3 Some English words have several Citonga translations
so to better judge the connotation look at the other translations of
the Citonga words in question or use the grammar sections to understand
the meaning and grammatical use of the Citonga word.
4 Some words are considered vulgar and impolite and should not be
used in general conversation (or even in lectures)
Consult a native Citonga speaker to determine which words are acceptable
5 There is no substitute for practice and conversation in language learning
Pronunciation
A As in FATHER
AA Two As running together, hold twice as long
B Soft, almost like a V
BB Explosive B, close to English B
C Like soft J except after N when it becomes like CH
D stronger than in English
E as in GET
EE Two Es running together, hold twice as long
F Similar to English F
G stronger than in English
H As in English
Page 4
Using this Guide
I As in MACHINE, But IN or IM after consonant
II Two Is running together, hold twice as long
J stronger than in English
K Soft sound, similar to English G
KK Hard K sound as in KITE
L Sound veering between L and R
M Like in English, but softer
N More nasal than in English
O As in OR
OO Two Os running together, hold twice as long
P As in English
R usually written as L, see above for pronunciation
S stronger than in English
T As in English
U As in RULER
UU Two Us running together, hold twice as long
V Like H but pronounced in the throat
VW See above
W As in English
Y As in English
Z stronger than in English
NG As in FINGER
NG' As in SINGER
BW Best learned through imitation and practice
BBW Best learned through imitation and practice
SY aspirated S, similar to SH in English
ZY Aspirated Z or HY
Page 5
Dictionarys
Tonga-English
English-Tonga
Dictionary Section
Page 6
Tonga-English
Tonga English Dictionary
Tonga English
Part of speech Class Corrupt Dialect
A Ah! Dear me! Interjection Na No Na
A And Conjunction Na No Na
A At (time) Preposition Na No Na
A Of Preposition Na No Na
A On, with, on the place of Preposition Na No Na
A Onto Preposition Na No Na
Aaba These Demonstrative 2 No Na
Aabo Those Demonstrative 2 No Na
Aabo Those, that one Demonstrative Na No Na
Aabona Sometimes Conjunction Na No Na
Aakale Later on Adverb Na No Na
Aalila Defeat Verb Na No Na
Aalo It also Pronoun 6 No Na
Aalo On it also Pronoun 16 No Na
Aalya On yonder Demonstrative 16 No Na
Aalya Yonder Demonstrative 6 No Na
Aano Here Demonstrative 6 No Na
Aano On here, right here Demonstrative 16 No Na
Aano These, this here Demonstrative 6 No Na
Aano mazuba Modern (these days) Adjective Na No Na
Aawa On here Demonstrative 16 No Na
Aba Share Verb Na No Na
Ababo Those, those yonder Demonstrative 2 No Na
Abalabo It also Pronoun 14 No Na
Abalabo They also, with them Pronoun 2 No Na
Abalo He/she as well Pronoun Na No Na
Abalo They also Pronoun 4, 9 No Na
Abalo They also, with them Pronoun 2 No Na
Abana Share Verb Na No Na
Abano These here Demonstrative 2 No Na
Abanya Halve Verb Na No Na
Abanya Share Verb Na No Na
Abila Distribute Verb Na No Na
Abila Divide Verb Na No Na
Abila Give Verb Na No Na
Abila Lend Verb Na No Na
Abila Share Verb Na No Na
Abo With them Demonstrative 2 No Na
Abwalo It also Pronoun 14 No Na
Acaleco Uncle Noun 1 No Na
Acalo It also Pronoun 7 No Na
Accu kaka Alas! Interjection Na No Na
Accu kaka That’s too bad Interjection Na No Na
Aciindi aciindi Periodic basis Noun Na No Na
Acilaco It also Pronoun 7 No Na
Aco It also Pronoun 7 No Na
Afwiifwii Near Adjective Na No Na
Ajulu Top Noun 5 No Na
Aka This Demonstrative 13 No Na
Akaka! Please! Interjection Na No Na
Akalako It also Pronoun 13 No Na
Akale Another time, in the future Adjective Na No Na
Akalo It also Pronoun 13 No Na
Akalo Name given by mothers clan Noun 5 No Na
Akaniini Not at all Adverb Na No Na
Akano This here Demonstrative 13 No Na
Akati Center Locative Na No Na
Akati Half-way Locative Na No Na
Akati In the middle Locative Na No Na
Akati Middle Locative Na No Na
Akaya That yonder Demonstrative 13 No Na
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Tonga-English
Akayo They also Pronoun 13 No Na
Ako That Demonstrative 13 No Na
Akuliyandila Voluntary Adjective Na No Na
Ala Be difficult Verb Na No Na
Ala Be impossible Verb Na No Na
Ala Be too much for one Verb Na No Na
Alabana Wallow Verb Na No Na
Alakwe He/she also Pronoun 1 No Na
Alao Where Adjective Na No Na
Ali oonse Anywhere Locative Na No Na
Ali? Where? Question Na No Na
Alika Marry more than one wife Verb Na No Na
Alika Marry the second wife Verb Na No Na
Alikke He/she alone Pronoun 1 No Na
Alila Baffle Verb Na No Na
Alila Be unable Verb Na No Na
Alimwi Again Conjunction Na No Na
Alimwi And Conjunction Na No Na
Alimwi Further Conjunction Na No Na
Alimwi Moreover Conjunction Na No Na
Alo On it Demonstrative 6 No Na
Alo They Pronoun 16 No Na
Alualo It also Pronoun 11 No Na
Aluka Fly Verb Na No Na
Alulato They also Pronoun 11 No Na
Aluluka Fly over Verb Na No Na
Alwalo It also Pronoun 11 No Na
Alwalo They also Pronoun 11 No Na
Alyalo It also Pronoun 5 No Na
Amafuta acesya kucumbana Lubricated Adjective Na No Na
Amaulu On foot Adjective Na No Na
Amba Speak Verb Na No Na
Ambali Aside Preposition Na No Na
Ambamzya Propose a marriage Verb Na No Na
Ambaula Converse Verb Na No Na
Ambaula Interview Verb Na No Na
Ambauzya Address Verb Na No Na
Ambauzya Speak to Verb Na No Na
Ambawida Talk about Verb Na No Na
Ambe I also Pronoun Na No I
Ambebo I also Pronoun Na No I
Ambebo I also Pronoun Na No Na
Ambika Be said Verb Na No Na
Ambika Speakable Verb Na No Na
Ambika Tellable Verb Na No Na
Ambila Feedback Noun Na No Na
Ambila Make someone talk Verb 18 No Na
Ambila Tell someone Verb 18 No Na
Ambilila Speak on behalf of Verb Na No Na
Ambilizya Report to (a person) Verb Na No Na
Ambisya Speak loudly Verb Na No I, m
Ambisya Speak vehemently Verb Na No Na
Ambuka Excrete Verb Na No Na
Ambukila Excrete upon Verb Na No Na
Ambulela Umbrella Noun 5 Yes Na
Ambuula Converse Verb Na No I, m
Ambweni Perhaps Conjunction Na No Na
Ame I also Pronoun Na No Na
Amebo I also Pronoun Na No I
Amoyo Throat Noun 15 No Na
Ampa Dry something Verb Na No Na
Ampa Grope Verb Na No Na
Ampa-ampa Grope Verb Na No Na
Ampasyila Totter Verb Na No Na
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Tonga-English
Amuka Lessen (for rain) Verb Na No Na
Amulamo In it also Pronoun 18 No Na
Amwaainda At all Phrase Na No Na
Amwalo In it also Pronoun 18 No M
Ana Tell a story Verb Na No Na
Anda Be struck by lightning Verb Na No Na
Anda Freeze Verb Na No Na
Andaana Be seperate Verb Na No Na
Andaanya Seperate Verb Na No Na
Andana Separate Verb Na No Na
Andaula Split up Verb Na No Na
Andawida Split up for Verb Na No Na
Andene-andene Different Adjective Na No Na
Andene-andene Various Adjective Na No Na
Anduka Be split Verb Na No Na
Andula Split Verb Na No Na
Anga As if Conjunction Na No Na
Anga Harness Verb Na No Na
Anga Tie Verb Na No Na
Angazina Inherit name of the dead Verb Na No Na
Angazina Tie the name Verb Na No Na
Angulula Untie Verb Na No Na
Angununa Untie Verb Na No Na
Anji Rate Noun Na No Na
Anjilila mulwazi/Bulwazi Ports of entry Noun 6 No Na
Ano? And what of...? Interjection Na No Na
Ansengwe Outside Locative Na No I
Ansi Ground Noun 5 No Na
Ansi On the ground Locative Na No Na
Ansyini First Adjective Na No Na
Antangalala With publicity Adverb Na No Na
Antela Maybe Conjunction Na No Na
Antela Perhaps Conjunction Na No Na
Antomwe Together Adverb Na No Na
Antomwe a Together with Conjunction Na No Na
Antoomwe Altogether Adverb Na No Na
Antu Place Noun Na No Na
Antumba At the place behind Locative Na No Na
Anu But Conjunction Na No Na
Anu Whereas Conjunction Na No Na
Anuka Recall Verb Na No Na
Anywe You also Pronoun Na No Na
Anywebo You also Pronoun Na No Na
Anza Compose Verb Na No Na
Anza Found Verb Na No Na
Anzaana Part Verb 6 No Na
Anzaana Separate Verb 16 No M
Anzamuna Slap on the cheek Verb Na No Na
Anze Outside Locative 16 No M
Anzika Hang up Verb Na No Na
Anzya Cause to tie, tie with Verb 8, 10 No I, m
Anzya Greet Verb Na No Na
Anzyanya Exchange greetings Verb Na No Na
Apula Share out Verb Na No Na
Asama Force the mouth open Verb Na No Na
Asama Open mouth Verb Na No Na
Asamuka Yawn Verb Na No Na
Ashalo They also Pronoun 8, 10 No Na
Aswe We also, with us Pronoun Na No Na
Aswebo We also, with us Pronoun Na No Na
Ata Be cramp for space Verb Na No Na
Ata Be crowded Verb Na No Na
Atala Top Noun 5 No Na
Atala a On top of Locative Na No Na
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Tonga-English
Atene/Anteza Perhaps Conjunction Na No M
Atombe Dirty Adjective Na No Na
Atuka/Utuka Free from trouble Verb Na No Na
Aulao It also Pronoun 3 No Na
Aumwi ngoma njazyi njazyana Each dances to the drum they know Proverb Na No Na
Awa Here Demonstrative 16 No Na
Awa On here Demonstrative 16 No Na
Awalo He/she/it also Pronoun 1, 2 No Na
Awo On there Demonstrative 16 No Na
Awo They also Pronoun 6 No Na
Aya This, these Demonstrative 6 No I
Ayalo It, they also Pronoun 4, 9 No I
Ayebo Thou also Pronoun 8, 10 No Na
Ayo That, those Demonstrative 6 No Na
Aza This, these Demonstrative 6 No I
Aze Thou also Pronoun 8, 10 No I
Azo That, those Demonstrative 6 No I
Azya About Conjunction Na No Na
Azya baalumi abamakaintu Gender Noun Na No Na
Azyalazyo They also Pronoun 8, 10 No Na
Azyalo They also Pronoun 8, 10 No Na
Ba Be Verb Na No Na
Ba Become Verb Na No Na
Ba kumbele Be ahead Verb Na No Na
Ba-anga Seem Verb Na No Na
Baacisyanyina Maternal uncle Noun 2 No Na
Baama Mother of mine Noun 2 No Na
Baama My mother Noun 2 No Na
Baama bamwi Aunt Noun 2 No Na
Baanga Seem Verb Na No Na
Baba Itch Verb Na No Na
Baba Itch Verb Na No Na
Baba These Demonstrative 2 No I
Babelesi Workers Noun 2 No Na
Babo Those Demonstrative 2 No I
Bacaalizya Those left behind Noun 2 No Na
Bacembele The elderly (plural) Noun 2 No Na
Bacisya Uncle (polite) Noun 2 No Na
Bacisya Uncles Noun 2 No Na
Bacucu Rats Noun 2 No Na
Bagwasyilizi Counterparts Noun 2 No Na
Baila The ila people Noun 2 No Na
Baimbinyina Fellow singers Noun 2 No Na
Bakaapa Grandparent Noun 2 No Na
Bakalibuzyi bulwazi They knew the disease Phrase Na No Na
Bakamwali Daughter in law Noun 2 No Na
BakkaleBukkale Traditions Noun 2 No Na
Bala Count Verb Na No Na
Bala Read Verb Na No Na
Bala Shine Verb Na No Na
Bala Study Verb Na No Na
Balana Do by turns Verb Na No Na
Balangala See through Adjective Na No Na
Balasalala Light complexion Adjective Na No Na
Balasiya Dark complexion Noun 2 No Na
Balauka Be countable Verb Na No Na
Balika Run to Verb Na No Na
Balinenede Fat (specifically the body) Adjective Na No Na
Balizyanya Argue about Verb Na No Na
Balizyanya Argue about whose turn it is Verb Na No Na
Balo They Pronoun 2 No Na
Balongwe Friends Noun 2 No Na
Balya Yonder, those yonder Demonstrative 2 No I, m
Bamabwaako/Ba makwe Baako Your in laws Noun 2 No Na
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