hula
The Hawaiian word for to dance is hula.
The word hula means to move rhythmically to music.
Meaning: move rhythmically to music (verb)
Which one should you use?
When discussing different styles of dance, you may encounter the terms kahiko and auana. kahiko refers to the traditional form of hula, while auana refers to modern or contemporary hula dancing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas of Hawaii, the word auana is used specifically to refer to modern or contemporary hula dancing.
Did you know?
- In the 19th century, hula was banned by Christian missionaries who believed the dance was pagan and indecent.
- The word hula is a cognate of the Māori word hura, which means 'to twitch'.
- Because hula is used to preserve genealogy, a dancer is essentially a living archive of a family's history.
Examples in context
- Makemake ʻoe e hula?Do you want to dance?
- Hula pū kāua.Let's dance together.
Example conversation
Malia and Kai are at a cultural celebration.
- MaliaKai, e hula kākou!Kai, let's all dance!
- KaiʻAʻole hiki iaʻu ke hula.I cannot dance.
- MaliaHe maʻamanahi kēia hula.This dance is warm.
- KaiE hula wale ʻoe, Malia.Just dance, Malia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
