aloha
/aˈlo.ha/
The Hawaiian word for love is aloha.
aloha is a polysemous word used to express a wide range of sentiments. While it means love or affection, it is also commonly used to mean hello, goodbye, peace or compassion.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
In the expression Aloha wau iā ʻoe (I love you), aloha functions as a noun meaning 'love' rather than a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /aˈlo.ha/.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture the 'Aloha Spirit' is a legally recognized state law that encourages residents to treat others with love and kindness.
- The word aloha refers to the sharing of 'ha' which is the breath of life.
- The word aloha is actually rooted in the ancient action of beckoning or waving to someone.
Examples in context
- Aloha wau iā ʻoeI love you.This sentence is useful for learning how to use aloha to say 'I love you'.
- He aloha nui kēia.This is great love.
Example conversation
Kai and Leilani are talking about their children.
- KaiNui kou aloha no nā keiki.Your love for the children is great.
- LeilaniʻAe, aloha wau iā lākou.Yes, I love them.
- KaiHe mea kōkua ka aloha.Love is a helpful thing.
- LeilaniʻOia au, Kai.That is true, Kai.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries aloha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aloha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
