keiki aliʻi
The Hawaiian word for prince is keiki aliʻi.
keiki aliʻi refers to a son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch.
Meaning: son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of keiki (child/offspring) and aliʻi (chief/noble/aristocrat).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Maui, the term Keiki Aliʻi is used to refer to a 'Prince' or 'Princess'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify 'the prince' rather than just 'a prince' or 'prince' in a general sense, the article ka is placed before the phrase to form ka keiki aliʻi.
Did you know?
- High-ranking aliʻi were once considered so sacred that commoners were forbidden from stepping on their shadows.
- While aliʻi translates to 'noble' or 'prince', it historically described a complex system of social hierarchy based on spiritual power called 'mana'.
- The word keiki is now frequently used in 'loan-phrase' contexts in Hawaii, such as 'keiki menu' for a children's menu in restaurants.
Examples in context
- Ke hoʻomaikaʻi nei au i ka ʻAliʻi ʻōpio o Hawaiʻi.I congratulate the Prince of Hawaii.
- Keānuenue i ka lani, Keiki Aliʻi o Maui.The rainbow in the sky, a Prince/Princess of Maui.
Example conversation
Noelani and Koa are looking at a history book.
- NoelaniO wai kēia kanaka?Who is this person?
- KoaHe keiki aliʻi ʻo ia.He is a prince.
- NoelaniHe nani loa kona mōʻaukupupuna.His ancestry is very noble.
- KoaʻAe, he keiki aliʻi koʻikoʻi ʻo ia.Yes, he is an important prince.
