kūpaʻa
The Hawaiian word for loyal is kūpaʻa.
kūpaʻa is an adjective used to describe someone who is firm in their allegiance to a person or an institution.
Meaning: firm in allegiance to a person or institution (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word kūpaʻa literally conveys the sense of standing firm or being steadfast.
Did you know?
- While kūpaʻa means loyal or steadfast, it can also be used to describe objects that are fixed in place, such as a permanent structure. This linguistic connection ties the human quality of being reliable to the physical permanence of the earth.
- In a traditional Hawaiian context, being kūpaʻa was not just a personal trait but a requirement for those in the kahu or caretaker roles, who were expected to be unwavering in their protection of a chief or a sacred place.
- Because the word implies being 'unwavering', a person described as kūpaʻa might be viewed as someone who is difficult to persuade once they have made up their mind. It can describe both a virtue and a stubbornness depending on the context.
Examples in context
- He kūpaʻa nō ia i ka moku.He is loyal to the island.
- E kūpaʻa iā ia.Be loyal to her.
- He kanaka kūpaʻa ia.He is a loyal man.
Example conversation
Kai and Leilani are talking about a mutual friend.
- KaiKūpaʻa loa ʻo Lono iā kāua.Lono is very loyal to us.
- LeilaniʻAe, manaʻo au like.Yes, I feel the same.
- KaiHiki iā kāua ke hilinaʻi iā ia.We can trust him.
- LeilaniHe hoa kūpaʻa maoli ʻo Lono.Lono is a truly loyal friend.
