pua nani
The Hawaiian phrase for "beautiful flower" is pua nani.
pua nani is used to describe a flower that is visually pleasing or attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun pua meaning "flower" and the adjective nani meaning "beautiful".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, the adjective nani follows the noun pua it modifies.
Did you know?
- The Hawaiian word pua shares an ancient root with the Malay word 'bunga', reflecting a prehistoric connection between the islands and Southeast Asia.
- In Hawaiian, the word pua can also refer to a 'descendant' or 'offspring', much like a blossom represents the fruit of a plant.
- The word nani can be used as a noun meaning 'beauty' or 'splendor', and it is a common name for people in Hawaii.
Examples in context
- He pua nani kēia.This is a beautiful flower.
- Huli i ka pua nani.Look at the beautiful flower.
- Makemake au i ka pua nani.I want the beautiful flower.
Example conversation
Koa and Malia are walking through a garden.
- KoaMalia, nānā i kēia pua nani.Malia, look at this beautiful flower.
- MaliaʻAe, he pua nani ia!Yes, it is a beautiful flower!
- KoaMakemake au e hāʻawi iā ʻoe.I want to give it to you.
- MaliaMahalo nui, Koa.Thank you very much, Koa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
