nui
/ˈnu.i/
The Hawaiian word for big is nui.
The word nui is used to describe something of a great size, such as being big or large. Beyond physical size, it is also used to express quantity, meaning it can translate to many or much.
Meaning: of a great size (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, the adjective nui typically follows the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈnu.i/.
Did you know?
- In the phrase keiki nui, nui refers to the eldest child in a family rather than their physical size.
- The word nui shares a common ancestor with the Maori word nui, which also means large or many. This connection demonstrates the linguistic link across the Polynesian triangle.
- The word nui can be used to express an abundance of abstract qualities, such as aloha nui, which means a great or deep love.
Examples in context
- Melemele ka pua nui.The big flower is yellow.This sentence shows how to use nui to describe the size of a flower.Tatoeba #4858579 by nonong, translation #10565508 by ToxicFriu
- Ke kahua nuiThe big field
- He hale nuiA big house
- Nui kēia hale.This house is big.
- He iʻa nui kēlā.That is a big fish.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Noelani are looking at a dog in the park.
- IkaikaHe ʻīlio nui kēia, ʻē?This is a big dog, right?
- NoelaniʻAe, he ʻīlio nui loa ia.Yes, it is a very big dog.
- IkaikaHe mea nui ka ʻīlio.The dog is big.
- NoelaniHe mea maikaʻi kēlā.That is a good thing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “big” translations and entries nui, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
