hāmau
The Hawaiian phrase for "be quiet" is hāmau.
hāmau is used to request or command that someone stop making noise. It also functions as a standalone adjective meaning "quiet" or "silent".
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the adjective hāmau into an imperative command or a request, you must add the particle e before it, forming e hāmau.
Did you know?
- The concept of silence in Hawaiian culture is often tied to the preservation of 'mana', or spiritual power, making sudden or unnecessary noise a disruption of balance.
- The word hāmau can describe not just the absence of sound, but a state of secrecy or keeping a secret.
- In Hawaiian culture, silence is often viewed as a form of respect and active listening, meaning hāmau is not always a reprimand but can be a way to create a sacred space.
Examples in context
- E hāmau i kēia manawa.Be quiet right now.
Example conversation
In a library, Noelani asks Kai to lower his voice.
- NoelaniKai, e hāmau pono.Kai, please be quiet.
- KaiE kala mai, Noelani.I am sorry, Noelani.
- NoelaniHāmau i kēia manawa.Be quiet right now.
- KaiʻAe, e hāmau au.Okay, I will be quiet.
