ʻohana
/ʔoˈha.na/
ʻohana is the Hawaiian word for extended family unit.
The term refers to a social unit that extends beyond the nuclear family to include relatives, close friends and community members who are bound together by shared values or obligations.
Meaning: extended Hawaiian family unit (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /ʔoˈha.na/.
Did you know?
- The word ʻohana has an unexpected connection to the natural world, as its ancient Proto-Polynesian root refers to a 'nest'.
- The glottal stop represented by the symbol ʻ at the start of ʻohana is a full consonant in Hawaiian, and omitting it changes the word's identity.
Examples in context
- He ʻohana nui kēia.This is a large extended family.
- He mea koʻikoʻi ka ʻohana.The extended family is important.
- E hui pū ana ka ʻohana.The extended family is gathering together.
Example conversation
Two friends talk about a weekend gathering.
- MaliaE hele mai mai naʻau i ka pule.Come over this weekend.
- KeanuE hele mai ana ka ʻohana?Will the family be coming?
- MaliaʻAe, e hele mai nā kumu.Yes, the elders are coming.
- KeanuMaikaʻi kēlā, e ʻike au iā lākou.That is good, I will see them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ohana” translations and entries ʻohana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ʻohana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
