mea pale
The English word "protector" is translated into Hawaiian as mea pale.
The term mea pale is used as a noun to describe someone who performs the action of protecting or guarding.
Meaning: someone who protects or guards (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mea, meaning thing or person and pale, meaning to protect or to guard.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, mea pale functions as a noun to identify the individual responsible for protection.
Did you know?
- In many Polynesian languages, the root of pale relates to items worn around the head, such as a wreath or headband, suggesting a historical connection between 'crowning' something and 'protecting' it.
- Because mea can mean 'thing', 'person' or 'matter', the phrase mea pale can describe both a human guardian and a physical object that provides protection.
Examples in context
- He mea pale iaʻu.He is my protector.
- He mea pale ka ʻohana.The family is a protector.
- E lilo kēia i mea pale.This will become a protector.
Example conversation
Keanu and Kiana are discussing the importance of guardianship.
- KeanuHe mea pale maikaʻi ʻoe, Kiana.You are a good protector, Kiana.
- KianaMahalo, Keanu.Thank you, Keanu.
- KeanuE mālama i ka ʻāina.Take care of the land.
- KianaʻAe, ʻo kēlā ka hana a ka mea pale.Yes, that is the work of a protector.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mea, pale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
