pule no Maui
/ˈpu.le no ˈmau̯.i/word by word
The English phrase "praying for Maui" is translated into Hawaiian as pule no Maui.
This phrase is used as an expression of hope and spiritual support for the people and the land of Maui during a time of crisis. The verb pule means to pray.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb pule (to pray) and the preposition no (for/belonging to).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈpu.le no ˈmau̯.i/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The name Maui refers to both the island and the legendary demigod who is said to have fished the islands out of the sea. Using the phrase pule no Maui evokes both the physical place and this ancestral spirit.
- In the Hawaiian language, the word pule can also mean a 'cowrie shell'. This is a homonym with a completely different historical origin from the word used for prayer.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the concept of pule is often linked to pono, the state of balance and righteousness. Praying is seen as a way to restore pono to the land and people.
Example conversation
Two friends discuss the news about the islands.
- KianaUa nānā pono ʻoe i ka nūkau?Did you see the news?
- IkaikaʻAe, ke pule no Maui au.Yes, I am praying for Maui.
- KianaHe mea pono kēlā.That is a necessary thing.
- IkaikaE pule no Maui kākou kākou.Let us all pray for Maui together.
