aloha
/aˈlo.ha/
In Hawaiian, hello is aloha.
The word aloha is a versatile term used to greet people, to say goodbye and to express the concept of love.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify the greeting aloha by adding pronouns to specify who is included in the greeting. Aloha kākou is used to say hello to everyone, including the speaker. Aloha kāua is used when addressing one other person to include both the speaker and the listener. Finally, Aloha ʻoukou is used to greet a group of people that does not include the speaker.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈlo.ha/. The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The aloha spirit is officially recognized in the Hawaii State Constitution as a guiding principle for government and law.
- The word aloha is not originally a sentiment of love, but rather a physical action meaning 'to beckon' or 'to wave'.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, aloha describes the presence of the divine breath of life within another person.
Examples in context
- Aloha kākou!Hello everyone!This sentence shows the use of aloha to greet a group including the speaker.
- Aloha!Hello!This sentence shows a simple use of aloha.Tatoeba #7262571 by azraelgnosis, translation #373330 by CK
- Aloha e Kaʻiulani.Hello Kaʻiulani.This sentence shows aloha used when addressing a specific person.Tatoeba #7262573 by azraelgnosis, translation #7262574 by azraelgnosis
Example conversation
Kiana and Kai meet on a hiking trail.
- KianaAloha, Kai!Hello, Kai!
- KaiAloha, Kiana.Hello, Kiana.
- KianaPehea ʻoe?How are you?
- KaiMaikaʻi nō, mahalo.Very good, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries aloha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aloha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
