There are two types of nouns in the Samoan language, A & O. There is some question as to why a particular noun will be classified as either A or O, but in general they follow the rule that things that are dear are O nouns, while things that are not are A nouns. It is also said that O nouns are inalienable, while A nouns are not. Also that O nouns are of Samoan origin, while A nouns are not. There are some exceptions to these rules, but they generally follow true.

"O" NOUNS

1. Relations except fânau (children), tama (son), avâ (wife) and tâne (husband)
2. Body and its parts except 'ava (beard)
3. Clothing
4. House and it parts
5. Land except fa'ato'aga (farm)
6. Boat and its parts

Examples: fale (house), fanua (birth), va'a (boat), tamâ (father), tinâ (mother), pûlou (hat), se'evae (shoes), tino (body), lima (hand), isu (nose), potu moe (bedroom), potu tâ'ele (bathroom)

"A" NOUNS

1. Language - words and speeches
2. Pets
3. Work
4. Food
5. Conduct

Examples: maile (dog), pua'a (pig), pusi (cat), lâ'au (tree), niu (young coconut), galuega (work), mea'ai (food), moli (light), fala'ai (pineapple), faguvai (watter bottle), komipiuta (computer), kitara (guitar)