kupuna
/kuˈpu.na/
The Hawaiian word for elder is kupuna.
The term is used to refer to an old person.
Meaning: old person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While kupuna is the standard term, you may encounter Tūtū when referring to grandparents or an elder in a more familiar way.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kuˈpu.na/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In certain Hawaiian traditions, the term kupuna is used to honor the 'elders' of the natural world, such as certain ancient trees or landmarks.
- The term kupuna can also refer to ancestors who have passed away, effectively bridging the gap between the living and the dead.
- In some traditional contexts, a person becomes a kupuna not just by age, but by achieving a specific level of wisdom or status within the community.
Examples in context
- Aloha, tūtū! Ke hauʻoli nei koʻu naʻau iā ʻoe.Hello, dear elder! My heart is happy to see you.
- He kupuna kēia.This is an elder.
Example conversation
Koa and Leilani are walking to a community event.
- KoaUa hiki mai ka kupuna?Has the elder arrived?
- LeilaniʻAe, uaiaʻi ʻo ia.Yes, he is here.
- KoaE kōkua kākou i ka kupuna.Let us all help the elder.
- LeilaniʻAe, e hele kākou.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kupuna, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
