ʻoki
The Hawaiian word for 'to cut' is ʻoki.
ʻoki is a verb used to describe the action of dividing something using a sharp instrument.
Meaning: to divide with a sharp instrument (verb)
Did you know?
- Hawaiian has different verbs for 'cutting' depending on whether you are slicing, chopping or snapping something.
- In some older chants, the concept of 'cutting' through obstacles is expressed using derivatives of the root in ʻoki.
- The glottal stop represented by the ʻokina in ʻoki is not just a spelling mark, but a crucial consonant that changes the meaning of words.
Examples in context
- Ka'ape'ape i ka palaoa.Slice the bread.
- ʻOki i ka meaʻai.Cut the food.
Example conversation
Malia and Ikaika are preparing food in the kitchen.
- MaliaIkaika, e ʻoki i ka iʻa.Ikaika, cut the fish.
- IkaikaʻAe, e hana nei au.Yes, I am doing it now.
- MaliaHoʻohana i ka puʻu ʻoki.Use the sharp knife.
- IkaikaUa ʻoki pono ʻia.It has been cut correctly.
