hana mana
The English word "miracle" is translated into Hawaiian as hana mana.
hana mana refers to a wonderful event that is attributed to supernatural powers.
Meaning: wonderful event attributed to supernatural powers (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hana, meaning work or deed and mana, meaning spiritual power or supernatural force.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, hana mana does not change its form to indicate whether it is singular or plural.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian belief, mana is not just a supernatural force but a tangible energy that can be increased, decreased or transferred between people and objects.
- The word hana can mean 'work', 'deed' or even 'to bloom', depending on the context of the sentence.
- Some linguistic theories suggest the word mana may have evolved from a Proto-Polynesian word meaning 'branch' or 'fork'.
Example sentences for Hawaiian are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Kai and Kiana are discussing a sudden recovery in their family.
- KaiUa ola kēia kanaka!This person is healed!
- KianaHe hana mana kēia.This is a miracle.
- KaiʻAe, he mea kupaianaha kēia.Yes, this is a wonderful thing.
- KianaE hoʻomaikaʻi kākou.Let us give thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “miracle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hana, mana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
