haʻahaʻa
The Hawaiian word for humility is haʻahaʻa.
haʻahaʻa is used to describe the characteristic of being humble.
Meaning: characteristic of being humble (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the word means low, a concept that roots the notion of humility in the idea of being low in status or position.
Did you know?
- Hawaiian uses a system of 'kaona', or hidden meanings, where a word like haʻahaʻa can carry deeper poetic or metaphorical layers depending on the context of a song or chant.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the value of haʻahaʻa is closely tied to the concept of 'pono', meaning balance and righteousness. True humility is seen as a way to maintain harmony within a community.
- The word haʻahaʻa is formed by repeating the word haʻa, which means 'low', doubling the word to intensify the meaning.
Examples in context
- He mea nui ka haʻahaʻa.Humility is an important thing.
- E loaʻa iā ʻoe ka haʻahaʻa.May you have humility.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Kiana are discussing a leader's traits.
- IkaikaMakemake au i ka haʻahaʻa o kēlā kanaka.I like that person's humility.
- KianaʻAe, he kī ia no ka holomua.Yes, it is a key to success.
- IkaikaHe mea kōkua ia i ka hui.It is helpful to the group.
- KianaHe mea pono kēlā, e Ikaika.That is a necessary thing, Ikaika.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries haʻahaʻa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
