pule
/ˈpu.le/
The English word 'prayer' is translated into Hawaiian as pule.
pule is a noun used to describe the practice of communicating with one's God.
Meaning: practice of communicating with one's God (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈpu.le/.
Did you know?
- The word pule is a homonym that can mean either 'prayer' or 'cowrie shell'.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the act of pule was often integrated with the 'oli' or chant, blurring the line between music and prayer.
- Because pule also refers to cowrie shells, which were historically used as currency or ornaments, the word links the spiritual world with material value.
Examples in context
- Ke pule nei mākou no ka maluhia o ka honua.We are praying for world peace.
- Hoʻopule kākou no ka pōmaikaʻi o kākou lāhui.Let us pray for the blessings of our nation.
- E pule kākou!Let us pray!
- He pule kēia.This is a prayer.
- Ua hoʻomaka ka pule.The prayer has started.
Example conversation
Koa and Noelani are preparing for a meal.
- KoaE pule pū kākou i mua o ka ʻai.Let us pray together before eating.
- NoelaniʻAe, e pule mai, Koa.Yes, please lead the prayer, Koa.
- KoaE hoʻomaikaʻi kēia pule i kākou.May this prayer bless us.
- NoelaniAmen, ua holoʻokoʻa ka pule.Amen, the prayer is complete.
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.
