aloha e ka hoa
/aˈlo.ha e ka ˈho.a/word by word
The Hawaiian phrase for "hello friend" is aloha e ka hoa.
aloha e ka hoa is a friendly greeting used to address a companion or a peer.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "love/greeting [vocative particle] the friend".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, the particle e is used to set off a person's name or a title when you are speaking directly to them, as seen in the phrase e ka hoa (oh friend).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /aˈlo.ha e ka ˈho.a/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word aloha originally meant 'to beckon' or 'to wave' in its earliest forms. It transitioned from a physical gesture of waving to the profound concept of 'love' used today.
- While aloha is globally known as a greeting, in traditional Hawaiian culture it represents a spiritual law of harmony and reciprocity.
- In Hawaiian, hoa can refer to a friend, but it historically also meant a partner or companion in a specific task.
Examples in context
- Aloha e ka hoa, pehea ʻoe?Hello friend, how are you?
Example conversation
Kiana and Kai meet on a walking path.
- KianaAloha e ka hoa!Hello friend!
- KaiAloha, Kiana!Hello, Kiana!
- KianaPehea ʻoe, Kai?How are you, Kai?
- KaiMaikaʻi nō au.I am doing well.
