koʻu kaikunāne
The Hawaiian phrase for "my brother" is koʻu kaikunāne.
This phrase is used to refer to a male sibling of the same parents.
What does it mean word for word?
The term koʻu is a possessive pronoun meaning "my".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, the possessive pronoun koʻu is used for singular, much-loved or intimate relationships, which includes siblings.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, kaikunāne can refer to any male relative or close male friend, not just a biological sibling.
- Using koʻu for a brother distinguishes the relationship from 'o' class possessions, which are used for things one can actually own or control.
- Hawaiian has distinct words for brothers based on whether they are older or younger, though kaikunāne serves as a general term.
Examples in context
- E pule aku ana au no kuʻu kaikunāne i ka pō nei.I am praying for my brother tonight.
- Ua hui au me koʻu kaikunāne.I met with my brother.
- He ʻoluʻolu koʻu kaikunāne.My brother is kind.
Example conversation
Malia introduces her sibling to Ikaika.
- MaliaE nānā, ʻo ia koʻu kaikunāne.Look, he is my brother.
- IkaikaAloha e kou kaikunāne!Hello to your brother!
- MaliaHe kanaka akamai koʻu kaikunāne.My brother is a smart man.
- IkaikaHe mea maikaʻi kēlā.That is a good thing.
