ipo
The Hawaiian word for girlfriend is ipo.
ipo is used to refer to a female partner in a romantic relationship. The word 'ipo' means 'sweetheart'.
Meaning: a female partner in a romantic relationship (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ipo means sweetheart, beloved or lover.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify 'the' girlfriend, you add the article ka before the word to form ka ipo.
Did you know?
- The word ipo is gender-neutral in Hawaiian, so it is used for both 'girlfriend' and 'boyfriend'.
- While English uses 'girlfriend' for a romantic partner, in traditional Hawaiian culture, calling someone your ipo implies a much deeper, soulful connection often described as being 'one' with the person.
- In many Hawaiian songs and chants, ipo is often paired with words for nature, like 'the moon' or 'the stars', to describe the beauty of a sweetheart.
Examples in context
- Eia ka ipo o Kai.Here is Kai's girlfriend.
Example conversation
Noelani and Kai are talking about a party.
- NoelaniE hele mai ana kou ipo?Is your girlfriend coming?
- KaiʻAe, e hele mai ana ʻo ia.Yes, she is coming.
- NoelaniHe mea maikaʻi kēlā.That is a good thing.
- KaiKe kali nei au i koʻu ipo.I am waiting for my girlfriend.
