hoʻokalakupua
The English word "magic" is translated into Hawaiian as hoʻokalakupua.
hoʻokalakupua is a noun used to describe the performance of illusions or feats that appear to be powered by supernatural or divine forces.
Meaning: illusion performed to give the appearance of magic or the supernatural (noun)
Did you know?
- The term hoʻokalakupua is composed of the words for 'to make' and 'kupua', which refers to a demigod or a child with supernatural powers. Therefore, the word literally means 'to make oneself a demigod'.
- The word 'pua' inside hoʻokalakupua means 'flower' or 'blossom', framing the act of magic as a sudden blossoming of the extraordinary.
- Because hoʻokalakupua implies spiritual authority, a practitioner was historically viewed as a leader or a person of power rather than a mere entertainer.
Example conversation
Keanu is showing Leilani a card trick.
- KeanuE nānā mai, he hoʻokalakupua kēia!Look, this is a magic trick!
- LeilaniPehea kāu hana i kēlā?How did you do that?
- KeanuHe mea hūnā ka hoʻokalakupua.Magic is a secret.
- LeilaniMaikaʻi loa kēlā!That is very good!
