“Te” helps us talk about things that are happening now or things you usually do. Think of it as the Samoan way of saying, “I do” or “I am doing.”
What Does “Te” Do?
The word “te” works with pronouns (like “I” or “you”) to show who is doing the action. For example:
- “Ou te” = “I am” or “I do”
- “E te” = “You are” or “You do”
When we see “te” in a sentence, it tells us that the action is happening right now or that it’s something that happens often.
Examples of “Te” in Action
Here are some simple sentences that use “te”:
- Ou te fiafia.
- English: I am happy.
- Breakdown:
- Ou te = I am
- fiafia = happy
- E te ‘ai.
- English: You are eating.
- Breakdown:
- E te = You are
- ‘ai = eating
- Ou te tamo’e i le malae.
- English: I am running in the field.
- Breakdown:
- Ou te = I am
- tamo’e = running
- i le malae = in the field
Using “Te” with Questions
You can also use “te” to ask questions about what someone is doing:
- E te fiafia?
- English: Are you happy?
- E te alu i le a’oga?
- English: Are you going to school?
- E te nofo i le fale?
- English: Are you staying at home?
How to Practice “Te”
Let’s practice making sentences with “te.” Fill in the blanks with your own actions or emotions!
- Ou te __________.
- (Example: Ou te fiafia. = I am happy.)
- E te __________?
- (Example: E te ‘ai? = Are you eating?)
Quick Tip
The “te” tense marker is always placed right after the pronoun. Remember, “te” is like a helper that connects the subject to the action.
Activity: Practice Sentences
Let’s try some fun sentences. Say these out loud:
- Ou te pese. (I am singing.)
- E te moe? (Are you sleeping?)
- Ou te faitau. (I am reading.)
