kīʻaha
The Hawaiian word for 'cup' is kīʻaha.
kīʻaha is used to refer to a drinking vessel.
Meaning: drinking vessel (noun)
Did you know?
- Traditional Hawaiian culture practiced a strict system called 'kapu' that dictated who could use certain types of drinking vessels depending on their social rank.
- Hawaiian uses a glottal stop, marked by the ‘okina in kīʻaha, which is a full consonant. Omitting this sound can completely change the meaning of a word.
- In some contexts, kīʻaha can refer to the 'rim' or 'edge' of a vessel, describing the part where the lips touch.
Example conversation
Leilani and Keanu are preparing coffee in the kitchen.
- LeilaniKeanu, aia kou kīʻaha.Keanu, here is your cup.
- KeanuMahalo, Leilani. He kīʻaha nani kēia.Thank you, Leilani. This is a beautiful cup.
- LeilaniʻAe, he kīʻaha hou ia.Yes, it is a new cup.
- KeanuE kōkua au e huli i ka kīʻaha.I will help wash the cup.
