kumu niu
/ˈku.mu ˈni̯u/word by word
The Hawaiian word for "palm tree" is kumu niu.
kumu niu is used to refer specifically to the tropical palm tree.
Meaning: tropical tree (noun)
Which one should you use?
While kumu niu refers to the tree, the word niu alone is often used to refer to the coconut fruit itself.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables. The stress is on the 1 of 3 syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈku.mu ˈni̯u/.
Did you know?
- The word kumu in kumu niu also means 'teacher' or 'source' in Hawaiian. This creates a poetic link between the tree that provides life and the person who provides knowledge.
- The word niu for the coconut shares the same root as the Proto-Polynesian word liu, which means 'to turn round'.
- The term niu appears in Māori, Samoan and Tongan, showing how the coconut palm traveled with early voyagers across the Pacific.
Examples in context
- He kumu niu kēia.This is a palm tree.
- Nui ka kumu niu.The palm tree is large.
Example conversation
Koa and Kiana are walking along a tropical beach.
- KoaHe kumu niu nani kēia!This is a beautiful palm tree!
- KianaʻAe, he kiʻi nani ia.Yes, it is a beautiful sight.
- KoaHiki pū mākou ke noho i ka liliko o ka kumu niu.We can also sit in the shade of the palm tree.
- KianaHe manaʻo maikaʻi kēlā, e Koa.That is a good idea, Koa.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (kumu, niu) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kumu, niu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
