nalu nui
/ˈna.lu ˈnu.i/word by word
The English phrase "big wave" is translated into Hawaiian as nalu nui.
nalu nui refers to a large swell of water moving across the ocean surface.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nalu (wave) and nui (big/large).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, the adjective nui follows the noun nalu to modify it and there is no plural marker for waves in this phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈna.lu ˈnu.i/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of nalu traces back to a Proto-Oceanic word meaning 'mountain wave', suggesting ancient speakers saw the swell as a rising peak.
- The word nui is so versatile that it can describe not only physical size but also importance, power and abundance.
- In Hawaiian, the word nalu is used metaphorically to describe a 'wave' of heat or any rhythmic, pulsing motion in nature.
Examples in context
- He nalu nui kēia.This is a big wave.
- Ke ʻike nei au i ka nalu nui.I see the big wave.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching the ocean from the beach.
- KeanuE nānā, he nalu nui kēlā!Look, that is a big wave!
- LeilaniʻAe, he nalu nui maoli kēlā.Yes, that is truly a big wave.
- KeanuE holo anā ʻoe i kēlā nalu nui?Will you ride that big wave?
- LeilaniʻAʻole, ua nui loa kēlā nalu.No, that wave is too big.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nalu, nui) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nalu, nui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
