moa
/ˈmo.a/
The Hawaiian word for chicken is moa.
moa is a noun used to refer to a chicken or a bird.
Meaning: bird (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈmo.a/.
Did you know?
- The word moa is an ancient term that existed in the Proto-Polynesian language long before chickens were actually introduced to the islands.
- The word moa shares an identical spelling with the extinct flightless birds of New Zealand, even though the Hawaiian chicken and the New Zealand moa are not related.
- In traditional Polynesian cultures, the moa was not just food but a prized commodity used for rituals and trade.
Examples in context
- He moa kēia.This is a chicken.
- Ua ʻike au i ka moa.I saw the chicken.
- He nui nā moa.There are many chickens.
Example conversation
Kiana and Koa are looking at farm animals.
- KianaHe moa kēlā?Is that a chicken?
- KoaʻAe, he moa kēlā.Yes, that is a chicken.
- KianaHe moa nani ia.It is a beautiful chicken.
- KoaʻAe, he nani ia.Yes, it is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chicken” translations and entries moa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
