Kalikiano
The Hawaiian word for 'christian' is Kalikiano.
Kalikiano is a noun used to refer to a member of the Christian religion.
Meaning: member of the Christian religion (noun)
Did you know?
- The Hawaiian alphabet used to write Kalikiano was developed by American missionaries in the 1820s to translate the Bible into the native tongue.
- Because the Hawaiian alphabet lacks a 'r' sound, the 'r' in 'Christian' was replaced by l in Kalikiano. This phonetic shift is a common feature of Hawaiian transliterations of English loanwords.
- The phrase Kāne Kalikiano refers specifically to a Christian man. Hawaiian often adds a gendered noun before the adjective-like noun to specify the person being discussed.
Examples in context
- E kūlia kākou e mōhala i loko o ko kākou manaʻo Kristiano.Let us strive to blossom in our Christian faith.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their beliefs.
- KeanuHe Kalikiano paha ʻoe, Leilani?Are you perhaps a Christian, Leilani?
- LeilaniʻAe, he Kalikiano au.Yes, I am a Christian.
- KeanuHe Kalikiano pū nō au.I am also a Christian.
- LeilaniHauʻoli au i kō kēlā.I am happy to hear that.
