kolila
The Hawaiian word for gorilla is kolila.
The term is used as a noun to refer to the ape.
Meaning: ape (noun)
Did you know?
- Because the Hawaiian alphabet lacks the letter 'r', it is replaced by the letter l in kolila.
- The word kolila follows the strict Hawaiian rule that every syllable must end in a vowel.
- In Hawaiian, the vowels in kolila are pronounced consistently, meaning the 'o', 'i' and 'a' always sound the same regardless of the word's origin.
Examples in context
- He kolila nui kēia.This is a large gorilla.
- Ua ʻike ʻia ka kolila i ke keʻena.The gorilla was seen at the office.
- He kolila kēlā i loko o ka wikiō.That is a gorilla in the video.
Example conversation
Kai and Malia are visiting the zoo.
- KaiHea ka kolila?Where is the gorilla?
- MaliaAia ʻo ia ma kēlā ʻaoʻao.It is over there on that side.
- KaiHe kolila nui loa ʻo ia!It is a very big gorilla!
- MaliaʻAe, he kolila ʻino ʻole ia.Yes, it is a friendly gorilla.
