nani
/ˈna.ni/
nani is the Hawaiian word for beautiful or beauty.
The word nani is used to describe something that is beautiful or lovely.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ho'onani means to beautify or to praise.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈna.ni/ with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Hawaiian utilizes 'reduplication' for emphasis, so saying nani nani can intensify the beauty or suggest a shimmering, repetitive pattern of loveliness.
- In Hawaiian, the concept of 'nani' can extend beyond visual aesthetics to describe the excellence or perfection of a person's character.
- In some older poetic forms, nani can be used to describe the splendor of the heavens or the gods.
Examples in context
- He nani kēia pua.This flower is beautiful.
- He nani kēia hale.This house is beautiful.
Example conversation
Noelani and Ikaika are looking at a sunset on the beach.
- NoelaniE nānā, nani ka lā!Look, the sun is beautiful!
- IkaikaʻAe, nani loa ia.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- NoelaniMakemake au i kēia kuleana.I love this view.
- IkaikaHe lā nani kēia, Noelani.This is a beautiful day, Noelani.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nani, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
