taimana
The Hawaiian word for diamond is taimana.
taimana is used to refer to the gemstone diamond.
Meaning: gemstone (noun)
Did you know?
- In poetic Hawaiian 'kaona' (hidden meaning), mentions of sparkling stones or crystals can be used as metaphors for tears or the shimmering surface of the ocean.
- In ancient Hawaiian culture, the concept of a 'diamond' would not have existed as a term, so the word taimana is a modern addition to the lexicon.
- If you were to look for a more traditional way to describe a diamond, you might encounter the term pōhaku kūʻai, which literally means 'precious stone' or 'valuable stone'.
Examples in context
- He taimana kēia.This is a diamond.
- He taimana kēia i loaʻa iā ʻoe?Is this a diamond you obtained?
Example conversation
Kai and Malia are looking at jewelry in a store.
- KaiHe aha kēia mea, e Malia?What is this thing, Malia?
- MaliaHe taimana ia, e Kai.That is a diamond, Kai.
- KaiHe taimana nani loa ia.That is a very beautiful diamond.
- MaliaʻAe, he mea waiwai ia.Yes, it is a valuable thing.
