molowā
The Hawaiian word for 'lazy' is molowā.
molowā is an adjective used to describe someone who is unwilling to work.
Meaning: unwilling to work (adj)
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian thought, a lack of productivity was often viewed not as a character flaw but as a lack of mana, the spiritual energy and power that drives action.
- The word molowā is closely linked to the concept of time, as wā means 'time' or 'period' in Hawaiian.
- What might look like being molowā can be reframed as hoʻomaha, a culturally respected way of taking a necessary rest to restore energy.
Examples in context
- Ua molowā ʻoe i kēia lā.You have been lazy today.
Example conversation
Keanu and Leilani are talking about chores at home.
- KeanuKōkua mai i ka hana, Keanu.Help with the work, Keanu.
- LeilaniʻAʻole au e hana i kēia manawa.I am not working right now.
- KeanuHe molowā loa ʻoe!You are very lazy!
- LeilaniHe manawa hoʻomaha kēia.This is resting time.
