keikikāne
The Hawaiian phrase for "baby boy" is keikikāne.
keikikāne is used to refer to a very young male human being.
Meaning: very young male human being (noun)
Did you know?
- Hawaiian relies heavily on 'kaona', or hidden meaning. Depending on the poetic context, a phrase describing a young male might actually be a metaphor for a new moon or a blooming flower in traditional chants.
- The word kāne is also the name of the ancient Hawaiian god of procreation and forests, linking the word for 'boy' or 'man' to a divine origin.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the term keiki is linked to the concept of ‘ohana’, meaning the responsibilities of caring for a keikikāne often extend to the entire extended family rather than just the parents.
Examples in context
- E komo mai i ka honua, kamaliʻi kāne nani.Welcome to the world, beautiful baby boy.
- He keikikāne kēia.This is a baby boy.
Example conversation
Noelani and Keanu are looking at a photograph of a newborn.
- NoelaniHe keikikāne nō kēia?Is this a baby boy?
- KeanuʻAe, he keikikāne nō ia.Yes, he is a baby boy.
- NoelaniHe mea nani ia.He is a beautiful thing.
- KeanuMahalo nui, Noelani.Thank you very much, Noelani.
