keiki
In Hawaiian, "little one" is keiki.
The word keiki is one of the most common Hawaiian words used to refer to a child or a little one.
Meaning: young child (noun)
Which one should you use?
While keiki is the standard term for a child, pēpē is an informal term used specifically for a baby or a little one.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word keiki is used for both the singular "child" and the plural "children".
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, keiki refers not only to biological children but also to anyone who is a beginner or a novice in a particular skill or practice.
- In traditional Hawaiian social structures, children were often raised by extended family members, meaning a keiki might be referred to as the child of several adults in a household.
- While keiki is the general term, a child's status can change based on their role in the family, such as the keiki nui, the eldest child, who carries specific responsibilities.
Examples in context
- He keiki kēlā.That is a child.
- Hiamoe ka keiki.The child is sleeping.
- He keiki nani kēia.This is a beautiful child.
Example conversation
Keanu and Kiana are looking at a baby.
- KeanuHe nani loa kēia keiki.This little one is very beautiful.
- KianaʻAe, he lei nani kēlā.Yes, that is a beautiful lei.
- KeanuE nānā i ka keiki e hīnaʻi ana.Look at the little one smiling.
- KianaHauʻoli loa ʻoe, Keanu.You are very happy, Keanu.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry keiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
