Lutu na niu, lutu ki vuna.

“The coconut falls close to its own roots.”

Children tend to grow up resembling the home and upbringing that shaped them.

Dui seva ga na bua ka tea.

“You will reap the flowers of the bua you planted.”

Everyone must live with the consequences of their own actions.

Sivi mada na veikau qai kalu.

“First go past the forest before you start whistling.”

Finish the task at hand before celebrating or boasting of success.

Toro cake na ua, toro cake na kolokolo.

“As the waves rise higher, the swimmer tries to rise higher still.”

A warning against arrogance in the young who ignore the advice of their elders and overreach their own limits.

Ucu ni vatu na kena vivili.

“At the edge of the rock, the shellfish are gathered and protected.”

Young women are watched over and protected by their families.

Na dalo e tei ka vakasulina.

“Taro is planted together with its suckers.”

A daughter is raised with care by her parents, so a suitor should approach them with proper respect before courting her.