moʻomeheu
The Hawaiian word for culture is moʻomeheu.
moʻomeheu is a noun used to describe the beliefs, values, behaviors and material objects that constitute a people's way of life.
Meaning: the beliefs, values, behavior and material objects that constitute a people's way of life (noun)
Did you know?
- The word moʻomeheu is a modern coinage created to translate the Western concept of 'culture'. Traditional Hawaiian society did not have a single word to describe their own way of life as a separate entity.
- The root of moʻomeheu relates to the act of grooming or cultivating, which mirrors how the English word 'culture' shares a root with the Latin word for tilling the soil.
- In Hawaiian thought, culture is not just a set of beliefs but is inextricably linked to ʻāina, or the land. You cannot describe one's 'culture' without acknowledging the specific geography that shaped it.
Examples in context
- He mea koʻikoʻi ka moʻomeheu.Culture is important.
- Aʻo i ka moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi.Learn about Hawaiian culture.
- E ola mau ka moʻomeheu.Long live the culture.
Example conversation
Koa and Malia are at a community festival.
- KoaHiki iā ʻoe ke aʻo i ka moʻomeheu?Can you learn about the culture?
- MaliaʻAe, e aʻo ana wau i kēia moʻomeheu.Yes, I am learning this culture.
- KoaHe mea kupaianaha kēia moʻomeheu.This culture is amazing.
- MaliaʻOia nō, e Koa.It truly is, Koa.
