aliʻi
/aˈli.ʔi/
The Hawaiian word for the English phrase "chief" is aliʻi.
The word aliʻi refers to the head of an organization.
Meaning: head of an organization (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the second syllable. It is pronounced /aˈli.ʔi/.
Did you know?
- The concept of kapu, a system of sacred laws, often dictated that commoners could not touch or even step in the shadow of an aliʻi.
- Ancient aliʻi were often secluded during birth and childhood to protect their purity and concentrate their spiritual power.
- The word aliʻi shares a common ancestor with the word for 'chief' or 'noble' in other Polynesian languages, such as the Maori word 'ariki'. This demonstrates the deep linguistic connections across the Pacific.
Examples in context
- He aliʻi kēia.This is a chief.
- Ua loaʻa ia i ka aliʻi.He received it from the chief.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing the history of a local area.
- NoelaniO wai ka aliʻi o kēia wahi?Who is the chief of this place?
- IkaikaʻAʻole au i ʻike i ka inoa.I do not know the name.
- NoelaniHe aliʻi koʻikoʻi kēia kānaka.This man is an important chief.
- IkaikaʻAe, he kanaka koʻikoʻi ʻo ia.Yes, he is an important person.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aliʻi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aliʻi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
