aloha au iā ʻoe
The phrase "i love you" in Hawaiian is aloha au iā ʻoe.
This phrase is used as an affirmation of romantic feeling.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of aloha (love/affection), au (I), iā (a particle used before names or pronouns) and ʻoe (you).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, the expression of feeling or verb typically precedes the subject au (I).
Did you know?
- The word aloha originally meant 'to beckon' or 'to wave'. It describes a physical gesture of greeting rather than just an internal emotion.
- Expressions of love in Hawaiian are often accompanied by the 'honi', a traditional greeting where two people touch noses and foreheads.
- While aloha is used in aloha au iā ʻoe to mean romantic love, it is also the universal word for 'hello' and 'goodbye'.
Examples in context
- Aloha au iā ʻoe.I love you.
- E kuʻu meaaloha, aloha au iā ʻoe.My beloved, I love you.
Example conversation
A couple is watching the sunset on a beach.
- KianaKeanu, aloha au iā ʻoe.Keanu, I love you.
- KeanuAloha nō iā ʻoe, Kiana.I love you too, Kiana.
- KianaHe mea nani kēia.This is beautiful.
- KeanuʻAe, he mea nani loa.Yes, it is very beautiful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aloha, au, ʻoe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
