Samoan Colours: Learn the colours in Samoan
Learning a new language is like opening a door to a whole new culture. If you’re starting with Samoan, knowing the colours (lanu) is a solid step.
Colours are everywhere, and being able to name them in Samoan will not only expand your vocabulary but also give you a little insight into the Samoan way of seeing the world.
The colours
Red: mumu – A vibrant, powerful colour often associated with strength and passion.
Blue: lanu moana – This word beautifully combines “lanu” (colour) with “moana” (ocean), literally translating to “ocean colour.”
Yellow: samasama – A bright and cheerful colour, like the tropical sun.
Green: lanu meamata – Green in Samoan blends “lanu” (colour) with “meamata” (young or fresh), often related to the lush greenery of Samoa.
Black: uliuli – Deep, strong, and associated with night or darkness.
White: pa’epa’e – Pure and clean, like the pristine beaches of Samoa.
Orange: moli – Named after the orange fruit, which is quite popular in Samoa.
Pink: piniki – Borrowed from English, representing a softer, gentler hue.
Purple: violē – Another borrowed term, often linked with royalty or elegance.
Brown: enaena – Earthy and warm, reflecting the natural environment.
Grey: lanu efu’efu – A mix of colours, like ash or cloudy skies.
Using colours in Samoan sentences
It’s one thing to know the colours, but using them in sentences is where the magic happens. Here are some examples to get you going:
| This car is red. | O le ta’avale mumu lea. |
| I like the blue dress. | Ou te fiafia i le ofu lanumoana. |
| The house is white. | O le fale pa’epa’e. |
| Do you have a green book? | E iai sau tusi lanumeamata? |
Combining and describing colours
In Samoan, you can also get creative by combining colours or adding descriptive terms:
Dark blue: lanumoana pogisa
Light green: lanumeamata malamalama
Bright yellow: samasama pupula
When describing objects, remember that the colour typically follows the noun. So instead of “the red shirt,” you say “le ofutino mumu.”
Cultural connections
Colours in Samoan aren’t just about how things look. They often carry deeper cultural meanings and connections to nature, something you’ll see a lot in Polynesian languages:
- Lanu moana (blue) reflects the vast ocean that surrounds Samoa, an integral part of daily life and livelihood.
- Lanu meamata (green) represents the fertile lands and the lush tropical plants.
- Pa’epa’e (white) signifies purity and is often used in traditional clothing and ceremonies.
Mastering colours in Samoan is a small but significant step in your language journey. It opens up your ability to describe the world around you in vivid detail and connects you with the cultural richness of Samoa.
I hope you found this short article useful. Now go forth and use what you’ve learned!
