aloha e nā hoa
/aˈlo.ha e ˈnaː ˈho.a/word by word
The Hawaiian phrase for "hello friends" is aloha e nā hoa.
aloha e nā hoa is a friendly greeting used when addressing a group of friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of aloha (love/greeting), e (a vocative particle used when addressing someone directly), nā (the plural marker for nouns) and hoa (friend).
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle e is required in Hawaiian when you are addressing a person or a group of people directly by name or title. Additionally, nā serves as the plural definite article, which is necessary here because hoa is being used in the plural sense. The addition e nā hoa translates to "to friends" or "to the friends."
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈlo.ha e ˈnaː ˈho.a/. The word has 6 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word hoa has two different ancient roots, one meaning 'partner' and another meaning 'to break into several large pieces'.
- In Hawaiian culture, aloha describes a spiritual connection and a way of life, not just a word for 'hello' or 'goodbye'.
- While aloha is used for greetings, it is also the standard word used to express deep love and affection for family.
Examples in context
- E ʻae, aloha e nā hoa.Yes, hello friends.
Example conversation
Koa walks into a small gathering at the park.
- KoaAloha e nā hoa!Hello friends!
- MaliaAloha, e Koa!Hello, Koa!
- KoaPehea ʻoe, Malia?How are you, Malia?
- MaliaMaikaʻi nō au, mahalo.I am well, thank you.
