Understanding “Fia” and “Mana’o”: The Two Ways to Say “To Want”
Both fia and mana’o mean “to want,” but their usage depends on what you’re talking about.
1. Fia – Wanting to Do Something (Actions)
The word fia is used to express a desire to perform an action. Think of it as saying, “I want to [do something].”
Examples:
- E te fia ‘ai? – Do you want to eat?
(Fia introduces the action “to eat.”) - E fia pese le teine? – Does the girl want to sing?
(Fia introduces the action “to sing.”)
2. Mana’o – Wanting Something (Nouns)
The word mana’o is used to express a desire to have or possess something. It is always followed by the preposition i (to/for) and then the object being desired.
Examples:
- E te mana’o i se keke? – Do you want a cake?
(Mana’o i introduces the noun, “cake.”) - Sa mana’o i le tusi le tamaitiiti. – The child wanted the book.
(Mana’o i introduces the object, “the book.”)
Understanding “Pe,” “Po,” and “Po’o”: The Three Ways to Say “Or”
In English, “or” connects two choices. In Samoan, you use pe, po, or po’o depending on the situation.
1. Pe – Or for Actions, States, or Non-Actions
The word pe is used to connect actions (verbs) or states of being (adverbs). It’s also used when one of the options is “not” or “no.”
Examples:
- E te fia ‘ai pe moe? – Do you want to eat or sleep?
(Pe connects two actions: “eat” and “sleep.”) - E te fia alu pe leai? – Do you want to go or not?
(Pe introduces the choice between “to go” and “not going.”)
2. Po – Or for Nouns
The word po is used to connect two nouns, giving a choice between them.
Examples:
- E te mana’o i le vai po le sua? – Do you want water or juice?
(Po connects the two nouns, “water” and “juice.”)
3. Po’o – A Contraction of “Po” and “O”
In Samoan, po often blends with the o noun tense marker when the second choice starts with o. This creates po’o, which functions the same way as po but ensures grammatical fluidity.
Examples:
- E te mana’o i se keke po’o se mea’ai? – Do you want cake or food?
(Po’o is used because “o se mea’ai” begins with the tense marker o.) - O le taeao po’o le afiafi e sili atu i lou manatu? – Is the morning or the evening better in your opinion?
(Po’o connects “o le taeao” and “o le afiafi.”)
How to Decide Between “Pe,” “Po,” and “Po’o”
- Use pe when connecting actions or states of being.
- E te nofo pe alu? – Will you stay or go?
- Use po when connecting nouns that do not begin with the o tense marker.
- E te mana’o i le vai po le sua? – Do you want water or juice?
- Use po’o when connecting nouns where the second option starts with o.
- E te mana’o i se keke po’o se mea’ai? – Do you want cake or food?
Putting It All Together
Let’s combine everything into some practical sentences:
- E te fia pese pe siva?
- Do you want to sing or dance?
- (Fia introduces the actions, and pe connects them.)
- E te mana’o i se vai po’o se sua?
- Do you want water or juice?
- (Mana’o i introduces the nouns, and po’o connects them.)
- E te fia moe pe leai?
- Do you want to sleep or not?
- (Fia introduces the action, and pe connects it with “not.”)
Why This Matters
Understanding fia, mana’o, pe, po, and po’o is essential for expressing wants and choices in Samoan. These words are building blocks for forming clear and meaningful sentences in everyday conversations.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Try crafting your own sentences with the worksheet.
