pule
/ˈpu.le/
To pray in Hawaiian is pule.
Pule means to talk to God.
Meaning: to talk to God (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
Pule can function as both a verb meaning 'to pray' and a noun meaning 'a prayer'. To express the continuous action of praying, you can use pule ana.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpu.le/, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, pule is related to the word for 'cowrie shell'. These shells were historically used as currency and symbols of high status throughout the Pacific.
- In old Hawaiian tradition, certain prayers were restricted to the kahuna, or priests. Using pule in the wrong context or by the wrong person could historically be seen as a breach of kapu laws.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, prayer was not just a private act but often a public, chanted performance known as oli. These chants were used to maintain the balance of nature and society.
Examples in context
- E pule kāua.Let us pray.
- Ke pule nei au.I am praying now.
Example conversation
Leilani and Ikaika are preparing for a meal.
- LeilaniIkaika, e pule pono kākou ma mua o ka ʻai.Ikaika, let us pray properly before the meal.
- IkaikaʻAe, e pule kākou.Yes, let us pray.
- LeilaniE hāmau nā kānaka i kēia manawa.Everyone please be quiet now.
- IkaikaUa māmā ka naʻau i ke pule.The heart is light after prayer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
