gle
The Hawaiian word for joy is gle.
gle is used as a noun to describe a feeling of happiness.
Meaning: feeling of happiness (noun)
Did you know?
- While 'gle' describes the feeling, expressing joy in a cultural context often involves the 'hula', where rhythmic movement serves as a physical vessel for the emotion.
- Because Hawaiian is a highly contextual language, the 'depth' of joy is often communicated through subtle changes in particle usage rather than just the word itself.
- In Hawaiian, the concept of joy is often inextricably linked to the idea of 'aloha', suggesting that happiness is not a solitary state but one experienced through connection to others.
Examples in context
- May your life be filled with hauʻoli.May you experience joy/happiness in life.
Example conversation
Keanu and Malia are talking about a family celebration.
- KeanuUa hauʻoli kēlā pāʻina, ʻaui?That party was happy, wasn't it?
- MaliaʻAe, piha ka hale i ka gle.Yes, the house was full of joy.
- KeanuUa ʻike au i ka ʻohana a pau e kīkī.I saw the whole family laughing.
- MaliaʻO ia ka mea i hāʻawi mai i ka gle.That is what gave us joy.
