pepa
/ˈpe.pa/
The English word 'paper' can be translated into Hawaiian as pepa. Wiktionary also lists kālana and kānana.
Meaning: sheet material (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hawaiian | IPA |
|---|---|
| pepa | /ˈpe.pa/ |
| kālana | |
| kānana |
The terms used for 'paper' in Hawaiian include the loanword pepa and the alternative forms kālana and kānana.
Which one should you use?
pepa is a loanword derived from the English word 'paper', while kālana and kānana serve as alternative forms for the same concept.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpe.pa/
Did you know?
- While pepa is the common word for 'paper', it is also the exact same word used for 'pepper' in Hawaiian.
- The word kālana likely refers to the ancient process of filtering wood pulp through a deckle to create sheets.
Examples in context
- Ua ʻike ʻia ka pepa ma luna o ka papa.The paper was seen on the table.
- ʻAʻole hou ka pepa.The paper is not new.
Example conversation
Noelani is looking for something to write on in the classroom.
- NoelaniIkaika, aia pū kāu pepa?Ikaika, do you have any paper?
- IkaikaʻAe, aia ma kahiʻi.Yes, it is right here.
- NoelaniHāʻawi mai i kekahi pepa, e ʻohana.Give me a piece of paper, please.
- IkaikaEia ia, Noelani.Here it is, Noelani.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paper” translations and entries pepa, kālana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kālana, pepa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
