How to Say “I Love You” in Hawaiian

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aloha wau iā ʻoe
The Hawaiian phrase for "I love you" is aloha wau 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 word ʻoe means "you".

How does it change in a sentence?

The particle iā is used to mark the person being loved as the object of the sentence. You may also use the alternative form aloha au iā ʻoe, which uses the pronoun au instead of wau.

Did you know?

  • The word aloha originally meant 'to beckon' or 'to wave'.
  • In Hawaiian culture, aloha is not just a romantic 'love' or a 'hello' but a way of life representing compassion and mutual respect.
  • The word aloha functions as a 'contronym' because it is used for both arriving and departing.

Examples in context

  • Aloha wau iā ʻoe, e kuʻu hoa pili.
    I love you, my dear companion.

Example conversation

Malia and Koa are saying goodbye for the day.

  1. Malia

    E nāna mai, Koa.
    Goodbye, Koa.
  2. Koa

    E nāna mai, Malia.
    Goodbye, Malia.
  3. Malia

    Aloha wau iā ʻoe.
    I love you.
  4. Koa

    Aloha wau iā ʻoe pū.
    I love you too.

Sources

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Leanne Judith
Leanne JudithHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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