lei
/ˈlei̯/
In Hawaiian, lei means a garland of flowers.
A lei is a garland of flowers.
Meaning: garland of flowers in Hawaii (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlei̯/
Did you know?
- In ancient Hawaii, certain types of lei were reserved exclusively for royalty, or aliʻi, and commoners could be punished for wearing them.
- In some traditional ceremonies, the 'lei' is not just an accessory but a sacred object that carries the 'mana', or spiritual power, of the person who made it.
- While most people think of flowers, a lei can be made of shells, feathers, ivory, pine needles or even candy.
Examples in context
- He lei kēia.This is a lei.
- Makemake au i kahi lei.I want a lei.
- He lei nani kēia.This is a beautiful lei.
Example conversation
Keanu gives Leilani a gift of flowers.
- KeanuAloha Leilani, he lei kēia no ʻoe.Hello Leilani, this is a lei for you.
- LeilaniMahalo, Keanu! He lei nani loa kēia.Thank you, Keanu! This is a very beautiful lei.
- KeanuNaʻu ia e hana.I made it.
- LeilaniKe aloha nui nei au iā ʻoe.I love you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lei” translations and entries lei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
