hauʻoli
/hau̯ˈʔo.li/
The Hawaiian word for happy is hauʻoli.
hauʻoli is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is contented or joyous.
Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /hau̯ˈʔo.li/.
Did you know?
- The word ʻoli on its own can refer to various forms of melodic or joyful sounds, linking the feeling of happiness to auditory beauty.
- In Hawaiian culture, expressing happiness is often tied to the concept of 'aloha', where joy is shared between people rather than just being an internal feeling.
- The word hau can also refer to a native Hawaiian tree, creating a homonym that distinguishes between a 'temperament' and a piece of nature.
Examples in context
- Hauʻoli lā hānau!Happy birthday!
- Hauʻoli lā hānau me ka pomaikaʻi!Happy birthday with blessings!
- Hauʻoli au.I am happy.
- Hauʻoli kēia lā.This is a happy day.
- Hauʻoli wale nō au.I am just happy.
- He kanaka hauʻoli ʻo ia.He is a happy man.
Example conversation
Kiana and Keanu are talking about their weekend.
- KianaHauʻoli anei ʻoe i kēia lā, Keanu?Are you happy today, Keanu?
- KeanuʻAe, hauʻoli loa au.Yes, I am very happy.
- KianaMaikaʻi kēlā.That is good.
- KeanuPehea ʻoe, Kiana?How about you, Kiana?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy” translations and entries hauʻoli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
