How to say “No” in Tongan
The most common way to say “no” in Tongan. Tap to copy or hear it pronounced.
ʻIkai
Frequently asked
How do you say "No" in Tongan?
"No" in Tongan is "ʻIkai". This is the most common everyday rendering; depending on context, formal/informal or dialectal variants may apply.
How is "ʻIkai" written in Tongan?
"ʻIkai" is the standard written form in Tongan, rendered left-to-right.
How do you pronounce "ʻIkai" in Tongan?
Tap the speaker icon on this page to hear "ʻIkai" pronounced by a native-style synthetic voice. For practice, repeat the phrase out loud immediately after listening — the rhythm and stress are usually what trips learners up, not the individual sounds.
What does "ʻIkai" mean in English?
"ʻIkai" is the Tongan way of saying "No" in English. It's used in everyday conversation in roughly the same situations as the English original.
Are there formal or informal ways to say "No" in Tongan?
Many languages — including Tongan — distinguish formal and informal registers, and may also vary by speaker gender, plurality, or regional dialect. "ʻIkai" is the most broadly understood form; for register-specific variants, use the full translator above with your exact sentence.
Where is Tongan spoken?
Tongan is spoken by an estimated 187,000 people worldwide. Use the language page to translate full text and explore where the language is used.
Is there a free Tongan dictionary?
Yes — Polytranslator provides a free Tongan dictionary with word-by-word translations and example usage. Click the dictionary link on this page to look up individual words from "ʻIkai" or any other Tongan text.