How to Say “Beauty” in Hawaiian

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nani
/ˈna.ni/
The Hawaiian word for beauty is nani.
nani refers to the quality of a pleasing appearance.
Meaning: quality of pleasing appearance (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

While nani is a noun meaning beauty, it can also function as an adjective meaning beautiful.

How do you pronounce it?

The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈna.ni/.

Did you know?

  • The word nani can be used to express spiritual reverence, effectively acting as a way to call an object sacred rather than just aesthetically pleasing.
  • The word nani can be repeated as nani nani to emphasize that something is exceptionally beautiful or radiant.
  • In traditional Hawaiian thought, a person's nani is believed to be enhanced by their ha, which is the 'breath of life' or essential spirit.

Examples in context

  • He wahine u'i loa.
    She is a very beautiful woman.
  • Ka honua nani.
    The beautiful earth.

Example conversation

Keanu and Noelani are looking at a sunset on the beach.

  1. Keanu

    Nani loa ka sunset, Noelani.
    The sunset is a great beauty, Noelani.
  2. Noelani

    ʻAe, he nani ia.
    Yes, it is a beauty.
  3. Keanu

    Makemake au i kēia nani.
    I love this beauty.
  4. Noelani

    ʻOʻu mau ana.
    Me too.

Sources

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Ida Molly
Ida MollyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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