maʻaneʻi
The Hawaiian word for 'here' is expressed through several forms, primarily maʻaneʻi. Wiktionary also lists neʻi and ʻaneʻi.
Meaning: in, on, or at this place (adv)
Ways to say it
| Hawaiian |
|---|
| maʻaneʻi |
| neʻi |
| ʻaneʻi |
All forms of this word are used to indicate that something is in, on or at this place.
Which one should you use?
The word maʻaneʻi is the complete version of the term. The forms neʻi and ʻaneʻi are shortened, colloquial versions of maʻaneʻi.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the concept of 'here' can encompass not just a physical spot, but the spiritual presence of ancestors associated with a specific land.
- The word maʻaneʻi is part of a complex system of 'deictic' markers that change based on whether the object is visible or hidden from the speaker.
- The glottal stop, represented by the symbol ʻ in maʻaneʻi, is a full consonant in Hawaiian. If omitted, the word's rhythm and meaning can change entirely.
Examples in context
- Kūkulu i ka hale ma kēia wahi.Build the house here.
- E hele mai maʻaneʻi.Come here.
- E noho mau maʻaneʻi.Stay here for a while.
Example conversation
Noelani and Kai are meeting at a park.
- NoelaniAloha Kai, e noho maʻaneʻi.Hello Kai, sit here.
- KaiMahalo, Noelani.Thank you, Noelani.
- NoelaniHe hola lani maʻaneʻi.It is sunny here.
- KaiʻAe, he lā maikaʻi.Yes, it is a good day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “here” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
