Aia koʻu puʻuwai me ʻoe
/ˈai̯.a ˈko.ʔu pu.ʔuˈwai̯ me ˈʔo.e/word by word
In Hawaiian, "my heart is with you" is expressed as Aia koʻu puʻuwai me ʻoe.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "There is my heart with you".
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive form koʻu is used specifically because the object being possessed, the heart, is singular.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase consists of 8 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈai̯.a ˈko.ʔu pu.ʔuˈwai̯ me ˈʔo.e/.
Did you know?
- While Aia koʻu puʻuwai me ʻoe is a heartfelt sentiment, Hawaiians often accompany expressions of deep love or kinship with a honi, a traditional greeting where two people touch noses and foreheads.
- The word puʻuwai for 'heart' is a cognate of the word for 'belly' in some other Polynesian languages, reflecting a cultural view where the center of emotion is located in the torso rather than the chest.
- The phrase uses the word me to denote accompaniment, but in other contexts, me can be used to mean 'must', showing a versatility not found in the English word 'with'.
Examples in context
- E hoʻomau i kāu huakaʻi, aia koʻu puʻuwai me ʻoe.Continue your journey, my heart is with you.
Example conversation
Kai is comforting Noelani after she experienced a loss.
- KaiHaʻahaʻa nō kou puʻuwai, Noelani.Your heart must be heavy, Noelani.
- NoelaniʻAe, ua haʻamaha ʻole au.Yes, I have had no rest.
- KaiE hoʻomanaʻo, aia koʻu puʻuwai me ʻoe.Remember, my heart is with you.
- NoelaniMahalo nui iā ʻoe, e Kai.Thank you very much, Kai.
