kaikunāne
The Hawaiian word for brother is kaikunāne.
kaikunāne is the term used to refer to a male sibling.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term Braddah is an informal version derived from the English word 'brother'. In the Hawaiian Pidgin dialect, expressions such as Braddah man or Da braddah are used to mean brother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expressions Braddah man and Da braddah are specific to the Hawaiian Pidgin dialect.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate multiple brothers, the plural marker nā is used: nā kaikunāne.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the term kaikunāne can refer to a brother regardless of whether he is older or younger, as Hawaiian kinship does not distinguish birth order with different words.
- The prefix kai- in kaikunāne is a specialized marker used across the Hawaiian language to denote various close family and kinship relationships.
- The term Braddah is so deeply embedded in local identity that it functions less like a noun and more like a culturally specific term of endearment or respect among peers.
Examples in context
- Maikaʻi kāna kaikunāne.Her brother is good.
- Ua ʻike au iā kāna kaikunāne.I saw her brother.
Example conversation
Keanu and Malia are talking about their families.
- KeanuHe kaikunāne kōu, Malia?Do you have a brother, Malia?
- MaliaʻAe, he kaikunāne hoʻekahi kōʻu.Yes, I have one brother.
- KeanuHe inoa aha kona?What is his name?
- MaliaʻO Lono kona inoa.His name is Lono.
