samoan
/sə'mouən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Of or relating to Samoa: Describes anything originating from, characteristic of, or connected to the independent nation of Samoa, its people, its culture, or its language.
- Of or relating to the Samoan Islands: Describes anything pertaining to the broader geographical and cultural region of the Samoan Islands, which includes both the independent state of Samoa and American Samoa.
Noun:
- A native or inhabitant of the Samoan Islands: Refers to a person who is ethnically from or a citizen of Samoa or American Samoa.
- The Polynesian language spoken by the Samoan people: Refers to the Austronesian language native to Samoa and American Samoa.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- The Samoan culture places a high value on family and community. (The culture originating from Samoa values family.)
- They performed a traditional Samoan dance. (They performed a dance characteristic of Samoa.)
- Noun (Person):
- She is a Samoan who now lives in New Zealand. (She is a native of Samoa.)
- The Samoans are known for their hospitality. (The people from Samoa are hospitable.)
- Noun (Language):
- He is learning to speak Samoan. (He is learning the Samoan language.)
- The book was translated into Samoan. (The book was translated into the Samoan language.)
Advanced Usage
- Demonym: "Samoan" functions as a demonym, a word used to denote the people of a specific place.
- The Samoan delegation arrived at the conference.
- Attributive Noun: The noun form is often used adjectivally before another noun.
- She studies Samoan history. (Here, "Samoan" modifies "history," describing history related to Samoa.)
Variants and Related Words
- Samoa: (Proper Noun) The name of the independent country and the archipelago.
- American Samoan: (Adjective/Noun) Pertaining to or a native/inhabitant of American Samoa, a U.S. territory.
- Samoanism: (Noun, rare) A term for the characteristics or customs of Samoan culture.
Synonyms
- (For the people): Islanders (of Samoa), (the term in the Samoan language).
- (For the language): (the term for the Samoan language).
Related Phrases and Cultural Notes
- 'aiga: The Samoan word for extended family, a central concept in Samoan society.
- fa'a Samoa: Meaning "the Samoan way," this phrase encapsulates traditional Samoan culture, customs, and social practices.
- He was raised with a strong sense of fa'a Samoa.
- Samoan tatau: Refers to the traditional, intricate tattoo art for men () and women (), which is a significant cultural marker.
- The Samoan tatau is a rite of passage.
Adjective
- of or relating to Samoa or its people or language or culture
- Samoan fishing industry
Noun
- a native or inhabitant of the Samoan Islands