aniani
/ˌa.niˈa.ni/
The Hawaiian word for mirror is aniani. If unsure, use aniani. Wiktionary also lists aniani kilo.
Meaning: smooth reflecting surface (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hawaiian | IPA |
|---|---|
| aniani | /ˌa.niˈa.ni/ |
| aniani kilo |
The word aniani refers to a smooth reflecting surface. You may also use the specific phrase aniani kilo when referring to a mirror used for the purpose of looking or observing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase aniani kilo literally means a mirror that looks or sees.
Which one should you use?
While aniani is the general term for a mirror, aniani kilo is used to describe a mirror specifically intended for looking or observing.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˌa.niˈa.ni/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word aniani shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the Malay word angin and the Tagalog word hangin, both of which mean 'wind'.
- In Hawaiian, the word aniani is used generally for glass. Therefore, calling a mirror an aniani is essentially describing it as a 'glass object'.
- The word aniani is a reduplicated form, a common linguistic pattern in Polynesian languages used to create new meanings or emphasize qualities.
Example sentences for Hawaiian are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Koa and Noelani are getting ready in the bathroom.
- KoaNoelani, aia ʻoe i mua o ka aniani.Noelani, you are in front of the mirror.
- NoelaniʻAe, e nānā ana au i kaʻu maka.Yes, I am looking at my face.
- KoaHe aniani pōʻino paha kēia?Is this perhaps a bad mirror?
- NoelaniʻAʻole, he aniani maikaʻi kēia.No, this is a good mirror.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mirror” translations and entries aniani, aniani kilo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aniani, aniani kilo, kilo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
