I often get asked how many people speak the language. State motto – Ua mau ke ‘ea ‘o ka ‘aina I ka pono (the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness) Sister – kaiku’ana (older sister), or kaikaina (younger sister) The favorite waters (hidden meaning) – Kawaipunahele What you say when you are presently in Hawai’i- Hawai’i nei – for example, “I’m here in Hawai’i nei” Hawai’i – the names of the islands are said to be so old that the meanings have been lost. Hawaiians didn’t know what dragons were, so a word is made up Here are a list of the most commonly requested word translations: Until we meet again, goodbye – a hui houīrother – hiapo (older brother) or poki’i (younger brother)ĭragon – mo’o lele (literally flying lizard). Kalākaua = Ka-laa-kaua (melt like butter).“I will take 13 letter street names that start with K, for 200, Alex” (ADVANCED).Or put the two together and try “Likelike” (Highway) – Lee-kê-Lee-kê.Pele (fire goddess) is pronounced “pê-lê” Hawai’i – Ha-wa-ee or Ha-vai-ee (both acceptable) Waikīkī – Why-kee-kee (when you see a dash over the letter (kahako), you elongate/extend that sound a bit ie. GET THIS ONE WRONG AND YOU STAND OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB (ask me how I know that one!) The trickiest difference is the pronunciation of the two vowels I & E.There are only 13 letters: A-E-I-O-U-H-K-L-M-N-P-W and ‘ (‘okina = break in the sounds).Heiau – hay-ee-ow (all the vowels melt together, no breaks unless you see the ‘okina, or glottal stop) My kumu (teacher) said, “Hawaiian is like butter… there are lots of vowels and you let them melt together”.There are never two consonants next to each other.There are 3 main differences between the English language and Hawaiian: I learned by taking 4 years in high school (which very few people do) but there could be some Rosetta Stone-type options out there.įor this blog, we will just cover the basics to get you rolling. One of the best ways to experience a new place is to learn its language. Arts and Culture The Hawaiian Language | Pronunciation Tips & Words to Know
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