hānai
The Hawaiian word for 'pet' (an animal kept as a companion) is hānai.
The word hānai is used to refer to an animal kept as a companion.
Meaning: an animal kept as a companion (noun)
Did you know?
- The word hānai is more commonly used to describe the traditional Hawaiian practice of adopting or fostering a child.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, hānai relationships were fluid and not viewed as a permanent legal severance from birth parents.
- The word hānai is linguistically related to the Rapa Nui word angai and the Tahitian word fa'a'amu, showing connections across the Polynesian triangle.
Example conversation
Keanu and Leilani are talking about their animals.
- KeanuHe hānai kou, Leilani?Do you have a pet, Leilani?
- LeilaniʻAe, he pōpoki koʻu hānai.Yes, I have a pet cat.
- KeanuHe hānai nō koʻu ʻīlio.My dog is also a pet.
- LeilaniHe hānai maikaʻi kēlā!That is a good pet!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hānai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
