keiki kāne a ka hoahānau
The English word 'nephew' is translated into Hawaiian as keiki kāne a ka hoahānau.
This phrase is used to refer to a nephew, specifically a fraternal or sororal nephew (the son of one's brother or sister).
Meaning: fraternal or sororal nephew (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'boy child of the sibling'.
Which one should you use?
While keiki kāne a ka hoahānau is the full term for a nephew, you might use keiki kāne (boy child) in casual conversation if the sibling relationship is already understood from the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term hoahānau is gender-neutral and refers to a sibling, meaning this single phrase covers both a brother's son and a sister's son.
Did you know?
- The root for kāne can be traced back as far as Proto-Malayo-Polynesian, linking Hawaiian kinship terms to languages across Southeast Asia.
- Because the phrase is descriptive, it treats the identity of the 'nephew' as a connection to a person rather than an isolated category.
Example conversation
Noelani is showing Koa a photo on her phone.
- NoelaniE nānā i kēia keiki kāne a ka hoahānau.Look at this nephew.
- KoaHe nani loa ʻo ia!He is very handsome!
- NoelaniʻAe, he akamai hoʻi koʻu keiki kāne a ka hoahānau.Yes, my nephew is also smart.
- KoaHe mea maikaʻi kēlā.That is a good thing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ka, keiki, kāne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
