ʻelemakule
/ˌʔe.le.maˈku.le/
The Hawaiian word for "old man" is ʻelemakule.
ʻelemakule is a noun used to refer to an elderly man.
Meaning: elderly man (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌʔe.le.maˈku.le/ (5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable)
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, an ʻelemakule was not just an elderly man, but a highly respected figure often serving as a repository of genealogical and historical knowledge for the community.
- The spelling of ʻelemakule includes an okina, the glottal stop ʻ, which is a full consonant in the Hawaiian alphabet and essential for correct pronunciation.
- The term makule is used in Hawaiian poetry to evoke themes of passing time and the cycle of life.
Examples in context
- He ʻelemakule kēia.This is an elderly man.
- He ʻelemakule kēlā.That is an elderly man.
- Ua ʻelemakule ka mākua.The father is an elderly man.
Example conversation
Kiana and Keanu see a neighbor walking down the street.
- KianaHe aha kēlā ʻelemakule?Who is that old man?
- KeanuʻO ia ka mea e noho ana ma kēlā hale.He is the one who lives in that house.
- KianaHiki mai kēlā ʻelemakule i kēia kaʻa.That old man can get into this car.
- KeanuʻAe, e kōkua kākou iā ia.Yes, let us help him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ʻelemakule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
