nā kānaka a pau
In Hawaiian, the phrase for "everyone" is nā kānaka a pau.
Meaning: every person (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of nā (the, plural), kānaka (people) and a pau (all/every).
How does it change in a sentence?
The term a pau functions as a post-modifier to indicate totality, meaning "all" or "every" when it follows a noun.
When do people say it?
When addressing a formal gathering or meeting respectfully, you may use the greeting Aloha kākou.
Did you know?
- The word pau in nā kānaka a pau literally means 'finished' or 'consumed'. In Hawaiian, saying everyone is present is conceptually similar to saying the group is 'complete'.
- The word kānaka is an ancestor to the English slang term 'kanaka', which was used in the 19th century to describe South Pacific islanders.
- The term kākou used in greetings specifically implies a group that includes the speaker and the listeners, whereas a different word would exclude the speaker.
Examples in context
- E komo mai kākouLet's all come in
- E heluhelu ana nā kānaka a pau i kēia puke.Everyone is reading this book.
- Makemake nā kānaka a pau i ka ʻaina.Everyone wants the cake.
Example conversation
Keanu and Malia are organizing a community party.
- KeanuUa hoʻonāuʻau nā kānaka a pau i ka lāʻau?Did everyone prepare the wood?
- MaliaʻAe, ua hana lākou.Yes, they worked.
- KeanuMaikaʻi kēlā, Keanu.That is good, Keanu.
- MaliaMahalo, Malia.Thank you, Malia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nā, pau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
