loko
/ˈlo.ko/
In Hawaiian, the word for lake is loko.
The term loko refers to a body of water. To specifically denote a lake or a freshwater pond, it is frequently paired with the word wai (water) to form the phrase loko wai, which literally translates to 'water enclosure'.
Meaning: body of water (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word loko literally means an enclosure, the inside of something or a pool.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈlo.ko/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian, you can describe someone as being loko, which in certain contexts implies they are 'naive' or 'simple-minded' because they are 'inside' a limited view.
- The word loko shares an ancient root with the Tongan word loto, which also refers to a 'pool' or a 'heart'.
- While loko means enclosure, when combined with other words it can refer to the 'depths' of the ocean, treating the sea as a giant basin.
Examples in context
- He loko nui kēia.This is a large lake.
Example conversation
Malia and Keanu are looking at a map.
- MaliaAia ka loko ma ke kumu.The lake is at the base.
- KeanuHāʻawi mai i ka peta, e Malia.Give me the map, Malia.
- MaliaʻAe, aia ia.Yes, here it is.
- KeanuE hele kākou i kēlā loko.Let's go to that lake.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry loko, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries loko, CC BY-SA 4.0.
