Aloha! If you’re curious about how to say numbers in Hawaiian, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you plan to visit the beautiful islands of Hawaii or simply want to learn about the local language and culture, understanding how to express numbers in Hawaiian can be both useful and fascinating. In this guide, we’ll cover the formal and informal ways of saying numbers, while also delving into some tips, examples, and even regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying Numbers
In formal contexts, such as official announcements, speeches, or when speaking with elders or strangers, it is best to use the formal way of saying numbers. Here is a list of cardinal numbers (whole numbers) from zero to ten in Hawaiian:
- 0 – “ʻAʻole” (ah-oh-leh)
- 1 – “ʻekahi” (eh-kah-hee)
- 2 – “ʻelua” (eh-loo-ah)
- 3 – “ʻekolu” (eh-koh-loo)
- 4 – “ʻehā” (eh-hah)
- 5 – “ʻelima” (eh-lee-mah)
- 6 – “ʻeono” (eh-oh-noh)
- 7 – “ʻehiku” (eh-hee-koo)
- 8 – “ʻewalu” (eh-wah-loo)
- 9 – “ʻeiwa” (eh-ee-vah)
- 10 – “ʻumi” (oo-mee)
When saying numbers above ten, you simply combine the words for the individual digits. For instance, to say “15” in Hawaiian, you would say “ʻelima ʻumi” (eh-lee-mah oo-mee). Here are a few more examples:
- “27” – “ʻehiku iwakālua ʻelua” (eh-hee-koo ee-vah-kah-loo-ah eh-loo-ah)
- “43” – “ʻehā kenekolu” (eh-hah keh-neh-koh-loo)
- “68” – “ʻeono kenawalu” (eh-oh-noh keh-nah-wah-loo)
Informal Ways of Saying Numbers
In informal situations or casual conversations with friends and family, you may come across slightly different pronunciations and variations in number expressions. Here are some informal variations of the numbers listed above:
- 1 – “kahi” (kah-hee)
- 2 – “lua” (loo-ah)
- 3 – “kolu” (koh-loo)
- 4 – “hā” (hah)
- 5 – “lima” (lee-mah)
- 6 – “ono” (oh-noh)
- 7 – “hiku” (hee-koo)
- 8 – “walu” (wah-loo)
- 9 – “iwa” (ee-vah)
- 10 – “umi” (oo-mee)
Using the informal variations creates a more relaxed and casual tone in conversation. For example, instead of saying “ʻelima ʻumi” (eh-lee-mah oo-mee) for “15,” you can say “lima umi” (lee-mah oo-mee). Here are a few more examples:
- “27” – “hiku wakālua lua” (hee-koo wah-kah-loo-ah loo-ah)
- “43” – “hā kanekolu” (hah kah-neh-koh-loo)
- “68” – “ono kanawalu” (oh-noh kah-nah-wah-loo)
These informal variations are commonly used in everyday conversations among locals.
Tips and Cultural Insights
Learning the numbers in Hawaiian is not just about the words themselves; it also provides insight into the culture and history of the Hawaiian people. Here are some tips and cultural insights to enhance your understanding of numbers in Hawaiian:
1. Importance of ʻAʻole (Zero)
While zero is simple to understand in the context of numbers, the Hawaiian word for zero, “ʻaʻole,” has a deeper cultural meaning. It represents the concept of infinity or eternity in the Hawaiian culture, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things.
2. Numerical Values in Name Counting
In the Hawaiian language, counting names usually begins with the number ʻekahi (one) and continues accordingly. For example, if someone has the given name “Nālani” (sky/heaven), they would be referred to as “Nālani ʻekahi” (Nālani one) in a name counting context.
3. Regional Variations
Hawaiian is spoken by diverse communities across the Hawaiian Islands and sometimes there are regional variations in pronunciation or word usage. These variations add richness to the language and might be encountered when interacting with locals from different parts of the islands.
Expanding Your Vocabulary
Now that you have a good grasp of basic numbers in Hawaiian, you can continue expanding your vocabulary by learning how to say larger numbers, fractions, and even decimal numbers. This will allow you to express more complex ideas and engage in deeper conversations in Hawaiian.
In Summary
Learning how to say numbers in Hawaiian is an exciting way to deepen your understanding of the local culture and language. Remember to use the formal versions for official or respectful situations, and feel free to use informal variations when speaking casually with friends and family. Embrace the importance of zero (ʻaʻole), appreciate the unique cultural insights connected with counting names, and be open to regional variations you may encounter. Keep expanding your Hawaiian vocabulary, and soon you’ll be confidently expressing numbers in Hawaiian in a way that brings warmth and appreciation to your conversations!
