nui
/ˈnu.i/
The Hawaiian word for "great" is nui.
nui is used to express that something is great in scale or importance. While nui primarily refers to physical size or magnitude, it is used to express that something is great in scale or importance.
Meaning: very good (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
nui literally means big, large or great in size or degree.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈnu.i/ with two syllables. The stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the concept of 'greatness' expressed by nui was often linked to mana, the spiritual power and energy of a person.
- While English uses 'great' to describe a person's character, using nui to describe a person in Hawaiian might mistakenly imply they are physically massive or large in stature.
- The word nui is a cognate found in other Polynesian languages, such as the Tongan and Samoan words for 'large' or 'great'.
Example conversation
Kiana and Kai are talking about a meal they just shared.
- KianaNui ka ʻono o ka meaʻai!The food was great!
- KaiʻAe, ua nui ka ʻono.Yes, it was great.
- KianaMahalo e Kai.Thank you, Kai.
- KaiʻAʻole pilikia, Kiana.No problem, Kiana.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nui, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
