ānuenue
/aːˌnu.eˈnu.e/
The Hawaiian word for rainbow is ānuenue.
ānuenue is used to refer to a multicolored arch appearing in the sky.
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Which one should you use?
The capitalized form Ānuenue is a simplified version of ānuenue used in some areas or informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /aːˌnu.eˈnu.e/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian-speaking contexts, a rainbow is often seen as a physical manifestation of a deity's presence or a sign of divine connection.
- The word ānuenue originates from a Proto-Eastern Oceanic root nua-nua, tracing its history back thousands of years across the Pacific.
- The repetitive structure of the syllables in ānuenue follows a pattern found in many Oceanic languages where reduplication is used to express intensity or plurality.
Examples in context
- Anuenue o ka laniRainbow of the heavens
- He ānuenue kēlā.That is a rainbow.
- Ua ʻike ʻia ka ānuenue.A rainbow was seen.
- Nui ka ānuenue i kēia lā.The rainbow is big today.
Example conversation
Keanu and Kiana are walking outside after a rainstorm.
- KeanuHe ānuenue kēlā, Kiana!That is a rainbow, Kiana!
- KianaʻAe, he nani loa ia.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- KeanuMakemake au e nānā i ka ānuenue.I want to look at the rainbow.
- KianaE nānā kākou!Let's look!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations and entries ānuenue, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ānuenue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
