aloha
/aˈlo.ha/
In Hawaiian, hello is aloha.
aloha is used both as a greeting (hello) and a farewell (goodbye).
Meaning: greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word aloha literally refers to presence, affection or the breath of life.
How does it change in a sentence?
The way you greet others changes depending on how many people are involved and whether you are included in the group. To greet a single person, use aloha ʻoe. To greet exactly two people including yourself, use aloha kāua. To greet a group of people that does not include you, use aloha ʻoukou. To greet a group of people that includes both the speaker and the listeners, use aloha kākou.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /aˈlo.ha/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- While aloha is a greeting, it is also a complex philosophical concept involving compassion and mutual respect. In Hawaii, it is sometimes used as a legal principle to guide government decisions.
- The root of aloha is linked to the act of beckoning or waving. It shares a common ancestor with the Māori word aroha and the Samoan word alofa.
- The word aloha is often paired with a gesture of the hand over the heart or a gentle kiss on the cheek known as 'honi'. This physical connection emphasizes the 'breath of life' meaning of the word.
Examples in context
- Aloha kākou!Hello everyone!This sentence is useful for practicing the greeting aloha with a group of people.
- Aloha!Hello!This sentence demonstrates the use of aloha as a standalone greeting.Tatoeba #7262571 by azraelgnosis, translation #373330 by CK
- Aloha e Kaʻiulani.Hello Kaʻiulani.This sentence shows how to use aloha when addressing a specific person.Tatoeba #7262573 by azraelgnosis, translation #7262574 by azraelgnosis
- Aloha, e komo mai!Hello, welcome!
- Aloha mai kākou, e nā hoa!Hello, friends!
- E komo mai! A'ole pilikia!Welcome! No problem!
Example conversation
Koa and Leilani meet on a walking path.
- KoaAloha, Leilani.Hello, Leilani.
- LeilaniAloha, Koa.Hello, Koa.
- KoaPehea ʻoe?How are you?
- LeilaniMaikaʻi nō, mahalo.Very well, thank you.
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.
