wahine uʻi
/waˈhi.ne ˈu.ʔi/word by word
The Hawaiian phrase for beautiful lady is wahine uʻi.
wahine uʻi is used to describe a woman who is physically attractive. In informal settings, you may also hear the metaphorical phrase Pua uʻi, which means lovely blossom or the affectionate Kuʻu wahine nani, which translates to my beautiful woman.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of wahine (woman) and uʻi (beautiful/handsome/lovely).
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /waˈhi.ne ˈu.ʔi/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, beauty was often associated with a person's 'mana' or spiritual power, meaning uʻi could imply both physical and spiritual radiance.
- The word wahine is a cognate of the word 'fefine' used in Samoan and 'vahine' used in Tahitian.
- The glottal stop in uʻi, represented by the symbol ʻ, is a full consonant that creates a distinct break in the sound, similar to the middle of the English word 'uh-oh'.
Examples in context
- He wahine uʻi ʻo ia.She is a beautiful lady.
- He wahine uʻi kēia.This is a beautiful lady.
Example conversation
Keanu gives Malia a compliment at a party.
- KeanuAloha, e ka wahine uʻi!Hello, beautiful lady!
- MaliaMahalo, Keanu.Thank you, Keanu.
- KeanuHauʻoli au i kou loaʻa.I am happy to find you.
- MaliaHauʻoli au pū.I am happy too.
