ihu
/ˈi.hu/
The Hawaiian word for "nose" is ihu.
ihu is used to refer to the protuberance on the face.
Meaning: protuberance on the face (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈi.hu/.
Did you know?
- The phrase ihu nui, which literally translates to 'big nose', is used idiomatically to describe a person who is arrogant.
- The ihu is traditionally viewed as a sacred part of the human body because it is the gateway for the breath of life.
- If you were to study the ancient roots of the word, you would find it belongs to the massive Austronesian language family, which spans from Madagascar to Easter Island.
Examples in context
- He mea nui ka ihu.The nose is an important feature.
- Lōʻihi ka ihu o ka liona.The lion has a long nose.
Example conversation
Kai and Kiana are looking at a photo of a cute puppy.
- KaiE nānā i ka ihu o ka ʻīlio!Look at the puppy's nose!
- KianaʻAe, he liliʻi ka ihu.Yes, the nose is small.
- KaiHe nani kēlā ihu.That nose is beautiful.
- KianaʻAe, he mea nani ia.Yes, it is a beautiful thing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nose” translations and entries ihu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
