a me
/a me/
The Hawaiian word for 'and' is a me. Wiktionary also lists ame and a.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Ways to say it
| Hawaiian | IPA |
|---|---|
| a me | /a me/ |
| ame | |
| a | /a/ |
This phrase is used as a conjunction to connect two similar words or phrases.
Which one should you use?
The form ame is a contraction used in rapid or informal speech, while the single particle a is often used in more formal or traditional constructions.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using a me to connect two nouns, the particle a is placed before the first noun and me is placed before the second noun. In the specific case of the particle a, it usually follows the words it connects.
How do you pronounce it?
/a me/
Did you know?
- In the Māori language, the cognate of me can also mean 'must', showing how a word for 'and' evolved into a word for necessity in a sister language.
Examples in context
- He kumu a me ke kumu kūʻai.The teacher and the salesperson.
- ʻO ka lani a me ka maka.The sky and the eye.
- He wahine a me he kāne.A woman and a man.
Example conversation
Leilani and Kai are talking about what to bring for a picnic.
- LeilaniE lawe mai naʻe ka puaʻa a me ka iʻa.Please bring the pork and the fish.
- KaiʻAe, e lawe mai au.Yes, I will bring them.
- LeilaniHiki iā ʻoe ke lawe mai i ka wai a me ka pākaukau?Can you bring the water and the table?
- KaiʻAe, ʻaʻole he pilikia.Yes, no problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries a me, a, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a me, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
