pehea
The Hawaiian word for "how" is pehea.
pehea is used as an interrogative adverb to ask about the manner or state of something.
Meaning: in what manner (adv)
Did you know?
- The word pehea is a cognate of the Māori word pēhea and the Rapa Nui word pehea, showing the shared linguistic roots across the Polynesian Triangle.
- Depending on the context and the speaker's tone, pehea can be used to express disbelief or skepticism, similar to saying 'How on earth?' in English.
- In some contexts involving Polynesian languages, asking 'how' can be a way to initiate a formal check on one's relationship with the listener, rather than just a casual greeting.
Examples in context
- Pehea ʻoe?How are you?This sentence is useful for asking someone how they are using pehea.Tatoeba #4913111 by nonong, translation #373320 by CK
- Pehea kēia?How is this?
- Pehea ka wai?How is the water?
- Pehea kēia papa?How's the class?
- Pehea ka hana?How is the work?
Example conversation
Kiana and Keanu are discussing a new project.
- KianaPehea ka hana hou?How is the new work?
- KeanuMaikaʻi loa ia.It is very good.
- KianaHiki iā ʻoe ke kōkua?Can you help?
- KeanuʻAe, e kōkua ana au.Yes, I will help.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pehea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
