Kāwika
/kaːˈwi.ka/
The English name David is translated into Hawaiian as Kāwika.
Kāwika is used as a male given name.
Meaning: male given name (name)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables: ka-WI-ka. The stress is on the second syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /kaːˈwi.ka/.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, names are believed to hold 'mana' or spiritual power. Using a name like Kāwika in a chant is not just for identification but is a way to invoke the power associated with the person.
- Hawaiian names are often given based on the circumstances of a child's birth or a desired trait. While Kāwika is a translation, it is common for people to have both a translated name and a traditional Hawaiian name.
- While Kāwika is the version used in common speech, the formal biblical version Dāvida remains in use in religious texts. This creates a distinction between 'church' language and 'street' language.
Examples in context
- 1870s-1880s, Chant for King David Kalākaua, M.K.Pukui – S.H.Elbert, Hawaiian Dictionary, University of Hawaii Press 1986, page 38Here is David, ah, ah, the greatests of descendants, ah, ahThis example is useful for seeing the name used in a chant for King David Kalākaua.
- Aloha, ʻo Kāwika koʻu inoa.Hello, my name is David.
- He Kāwika ka koʻikua.David is the boy.
Example conversation
Kiana and Koa are talking about their friend.
- KianaAia ʻo Kāwika?Is Kāwika there?
- KoaʻAe, aia ʻo Kāwika ma ka hale.Yes, Kāwika is in the house.
- KianaHe aha kāna e hana nei?What is he doing?
- KoaE kakaki ana ʻo Kāwika i ka hale.Kāwika is cleaning the house.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “david” translations and entries Kāwika, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
