mea inu
The Hawaiian phrase for "drinks" is mea inu.
mea inu is used to refer to liquids that are prepared for people to drink.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mea (thing) and inu (to drink), literally meaning "thing to drink".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase mea inu is used for both the singular "drink" and the plural "drinks".
Did you know?
- The root of inu can be traced back thousands of years to the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *inum.
- In Hawaiian, the concept of a 'drink' can expand to include traditional medicines or herbal tonics, not just refreshments.
- The word mea is so versatile that it serves as the building block for hundreds of compound words in Hawaiian to describe various objects.
Examples in context
- Maikaʻi kēia mau mea inu.These drinks are good.
- E ʻae, he mea inu kēia.Yes, this is a drink.
Example conversation
Keanu and Malia are preparing for a party.
- KeanuMalia, aia nā mea inu?Malia, are the drinks there?
- MaliaʻAe, aia kēlā mau mea inu.Yes, those drinks are there.
- KeanuMaikaʻi, e kōkua mai iaʻu.Good, please help me.
- MaliaʻAe, e kōkua au.Yes, I will help.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mea inu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inu, mea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
