kupuna
/kuˈpu.na/
The Hawaiian word for elderly is kupuna.
kupuna is used to refer to elderly people in a community as well as to one's ancestors.
Meaning: old (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word kupuna can function as both a noun (an elder) and an adjective (elderly) without changing its form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /kuˈpu.na/.
When do people say it?
In Hawaiian culture, calling someone a kupuna implies a high level of respect and recognizes their role as a source of wisdom and tradition.
Did you know?
- The concept of kupuna extends to the natural world, where the oldest and largest trees in a forest are often regarded as the kupuna of the land.
- In traditional Hawaiian society, kupuna held a formal political role as advisors to the aliʻi or chiefs, ensuring that decisions aligned with ancestral laws.
- A person's status as a kupuna is often determined by their mastery of tradition and knowledge, rather than just the number of years they have lived.
Examples in context
- He kupuna kēia.This is an elderly person.
Example conversation
Malia and Ikaika are talking about a community event.
- MaliaE hele pū kākou me nā kupuna.Let's all go with the elderly.
- IkaikaʻAe, e mālama pono kākou iā lākou.Yes, let's take good care of them.
- MaliaHe mea koʻikoʻi kēia.This is an important thing.
- IkaikaʻO ia nō, Malia.That is very true, Malia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kupuna, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
