What is Toki Pona?

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If you aren't around a specific corner of the internet, you probably have the same question as the title of this blog: What is Toki Pona?

Well, Toki Pona is what is called a "conlang," or a "constructed language." It was created in the early 2000s by Sonja Lang, a Canadian linguist.

The core principle of Toki Pona is that of simplicity. There are only fourteen letters, and a total of just over 120 words. At this point, one may wonder how it is possible to communicate. Obviously, it is through speaking and writing. However, the language is designed to help speakers concentrate on the basic meaning of a word, and to promote positive thinking and discussion. This can be seen in the name of the language. In the language itself, "Toki Pona" means "the language of good."

Note: Once I delve into the vocabulary, I will not be using capital letters. This is because the language only uses capital letters for proper names. I will still be using capital letters for English sentences, but not for toki pona words or sentences.

The Letters

As previously stated, toki pona only has fourteen letters. These are (in English alphabetical order): a, e, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, s, t, u, and w. This is unusually simple for English speakers, but the language makes it work.

While the consonants are pronounced generally as in English, the vowels are pronounced as such:

a - ah as in "saw"

e - eh as in "wet"

i - ee as in "see"

o - oh as in "sow"

u - oo as in "rue"

A benefit of this system is that the sounds made by these letters are easily pronounceable for speakers of most languages, and thus very few people need to learn how to speak a new sound.

Words and Writing

There are just over 120 words in the entirety of toki pona. There are two (technically three, if you count the Latin script) ways to write this language: sitelen pona, and sitelen sitelen.

The sitelen pona writing system, designed by Sonja Lang

Sitelen pona is a system in which each word has its own symbol. This is possible due to the small number of words. It is known by just over 60% of the toki pona community, and is used by over 40%.

Sitelen sitelen writing system, designed by Jonathan Gabel

The sitelen sitelen system is non-linear, and is on purpose meant to cause writers and readers to slow down. It is inspired by graffiti art, as well having some inspiration from Egyptian hieroglyphics, Maya script, and Chinese characters. It is much less used than the sitelen pona system, as only just over 10% of the community uses it.

A Task For You: Translating Your Name

Translating your name to toki pona is a relatively easy task. You must only use the 14 letters in the language. While this does not affect the vowels to a significant extent, it does effect the consonants.

For instance, a name like "Cole" would be converted to toki pona as "Kol", and that person would be known as "jan Kol," jan roughly meaning "person."


I challenge you to translate your name to toki pona as an exercise to yourself.

Further resources

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Level 54
Jan 21, 2022
EDIT: I have updated the further resources section to add another link to one of the big toki pona Discord servers. This is not to be considered an advertisement for that server.

In addition, I would also suggest searching "toki pona" on Wikibooks. I have not yet reviewed the resources there, so I do not want to include them, but I feel as if they are useful.

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Level 65
Jan 20, 2022
Cool! I’m on that specific corner of the Internet, so I’ve heard of Toki Pona. I didn’t know about the ways to write it though!

I think I might learn it for fun.

I guess my name would be DaNetsaTulet lol

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Level 54
Jan 20, 2022
I've been seriously considering learning it. I believe it to be a fun challenge.

As for me, I believe my first name would be translated as "Tu", or "Antu," depending on whether you used my full name or nickname.

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Level 60
Jan 20, 2022
I have no idea how to write my name lol.

I think I’m stupid.

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Level 65
Jan 20, 2022
jan Majnikirapiti Man
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Level 60
Jan 20, 2022
You are 300 iq our just have better comprehension 🤣
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Level 65
Jan 20, 2022
what a madlad he did it
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Level 60
Jan 20, 2022
Lol I’m changing it back when this blog leaves the User Blogs page.
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Level 43
Jan 20, 2022
Then, translate for me my name, Thread lol

Miecraft forever

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Level 60
Jan 20, 2022
Mji17? Just a guess.
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Level 65
Jan 21, 2022
Okay, you can go back to normal now Majnikirapiti Man lol
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Level 60
Jan 20, 2022
You should add a part on translating the letters not in Toki Pona, like D, F, B etc. etc.
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Level 62
Jan 20, 2022
I don't know why, but I was taught Toki Pona at school.
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Level 65
Jan 21, 2022
Can we all go to your school?
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Level 73
Jan 21, 2022
Interesting blog! How do they pronounce the b, f, d, g etc sounds?
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Level 54
Jan 21, 2022
b, d, and g specifically are usually translated as p, t, or k (not respectively - just based on which one sounds the closest.)

As for f, I am unsure exactly how to go around that. You'd have to take a look there.