tūtū
The Hawaiian word for grandma is tūtū.
tūtū is an informal and affectionate term used colloquially to refer to either a grandmother or a grandfather.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While tūtū is an informal term, you can make it more respectful and formal when referring to an elder by using the phrase tūtū kupuna.
Did you know?
- The word kupuna in the formal phrase tūtū kupuna is also used in Hawaiian law and government to refer to elders as keepers of traditional knowledge.
- The Hawaiian language uses a system of 'genealogical layering' where the word for grandparent can be extended to describe great-grandparents and beyond.
- In some parts of the Hawaiian Islands, you might hear people use tūtū to refer to any respected elderly woman in the community, not just a biological relative.
Example conversation
Keanu is introducing his grandmother to Leilani.
- KeanuLeilani, e hālāwai i koʻu tūtū.Leilani, meet my grandma.
- LeilaniAloha tūtū, hauʻoli au i ka hālāwai ʻana.Hello grandma, I am happy to meet you.
- KeanuHe mea ʻanaʻana ka tūtū.Grandma is very welcoming.
- LeilaniʻAe, he mea maikaʻi kēia.Yes, this is a wonderful thing.
