aloha
/aˈlo.ha/
Greetings in Hawaiian is expressed as aloha.
The word aloha is a versatile term that can mean hello, goodbye, love or best wishes depending on the context. Other useful expressions include e komo mai for welcome, mahalo for thank you and a hui hou to say until we meet again.
Meaning: formal way of saying "hello" (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, aloha encompasses concepts such as love, affection, presence, breath or spirit.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /aˈlo.ha/.
Did you know?
- The state of Hawaii officially recognizes the 'Aloha Spirit' through state law to encourage kindness and harmony.
- Ancient roots suggest that aloha evolved from a term meaning 'to beckon' or 'to wave'.
- The term is so spiritually significant that it describes not just a greeting, but a way of living or a state of being.
Examples in context
- Aloha iā ʻoe.Greetings to you.
- Aloha iā kākou.Greetings to all of us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aloha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aloha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
