kamāliʻiwāhine
The Hawaiian word for princess is kamāliʻiwāhine.
This noun refers to a female member of a royal family.
Meaning: female member of royal family (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of kamaliʻi, meaning chief or noble and wahine, meaning woman.
Did you know?
- Ancient Hawaiian royalty used specific 'kapu' or sacred laws to protect the sanctity of a kamāliʻiwāhine, meaning commoners could not touch her or her shadow.
- The word kamaliʻi is also used in a much more common, everyday way to describe a 'child' or 'little one' in certain contexts.
- In traditional Hawaiian society, the concept of a 'princess' was often tied to 'mana', a divine spiritual power that flowed through the bloodline of the high chiefs.
Examples in context
- He kamāliʻiwāhine lā.She is a princess.
- He kamāliʻiwāhine kēlā.That is a princess.
Example conversation
Kai and Noelani are looking at an old photograph.
- KaiO wai kēia wahine?Who is this woman?
- NoelaniʻO ia he kamāliʻiwāhine o ka ʻohana.She is a princess of the family.
- KaiUa nani loa ʻo ia.She is very beautiful.
- NoelaniʻAe, he kamāliʻiwāhine aloha ʻo ia.Yes, she is a loving princess.
