kupunakāne
The Hawaiian word for grandfather is kupunakāne.
kupunakāne is a noun used to refer to a grandfather from either the maternal or paternal side.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the term kupuna can refer to any elder or ancestor in a general sense, kupunakāne is used specifically to denote a male elder or a grandfather.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, which distinguishes between 'grandfather' and 'great-grandfather', Hawaiian uses the same kupuna root for all ascending ancestors.
- In traditional Hawaiian society, the role of a kupuna was often more significant than that of a parent in terms of passing down oral traditions and much of the sacred knowledge of the 'ohana or family.
- The pronunciation of the vowel 'ā' in kupunakāne is a long, drawn-out sound. Changing the length of this vowel can entirely change the meaning of a word in Hawaiian.
Examples in context
- He kupunakāne kēia.This is a grandfather.
- Ua hui ka kupunakāne me ka ʻohana.The grandfather met with the family.
Example conversation
Leilani shows Kai a family photograph.
- LeilaniHe aha kēia kiʻi?What is this picture?
- KaiʻO kēia koʻu kupunakāne.This is my grandfather.
- LeilaniHe nani loa ʻōna maka.His eyes are very beautiful.
- KaiʻAe, he kanaka aloha ʻoia.Yes, he is a loving person.
