hou
/ˈhou̯/
The Hawaiian word for 'encore' is hou.
hou is used as a call for a repeat performance.
Meaning: a call for a repeat performance (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word hou literally means 'new', 'again' or 'another'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhou̯/
Did you know?
- In traditional Hula, the concept of doing something hou often involves not just repeating a dance, but adding new improvisations to the performance.
- The root of hou can be traced back thousands of years to Proto-Austronesian, linking the Hawaiian word for 'encore' to languages spoken across Southeast Asia.
- Because hou also means 'new', a Hawaiian speaker can use the same word to describe both a fresh start and a repeated performance.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Noelani are at a concert.
- IkaikaMaikaʻi loa kēlā mele!That song was great!
- NoelaniʻAe, makemake au i kahi hou.Yes, I want an encore.
- IkaikaE holo mai nou i kahi hou!Come back for an encore!
- NoelaniE nānā, e kī lalo lākou!Look, they are bowing!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hou, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
