ʻalala
The Hawaiian word for raven is ʻalala.
ʻalala refers to any of the large bird species within the genus Corvus, characterized by their lustrous black plumage.
Meaning: any of several, generally large, species of birds in the genus Corvus with lustrous black plumage (noun)
Did you know?
- The Hawaiian word ʻalala is an onomatopoeia, intended to mimic the harsh and grating call of the bird itself.
- In Hawaiian mythology, the ʻalala is often seen as a messenger or an omen, sometimes appearing in legends to warn of coming danger.
- The name ʻalala uses an ʻokina, which is a glottal stop that functions as a consonant in the Hawaiian language.
Examples in context
- Ua ʻike ʻia ka ʻalala ma luna o ka pali.A raven was seen above the cliff.
Example conversation
Kai and Noelani are walking in the forest.
- KaiNoelani, e nānā i ka ʻalala!Noelani, look at the raven!
- NoelaniHe ʻalala nani loa ia.That is a very beautiful raven.
- KaiHe ʻeleʻele loa kona hulu.Its feathers are very black.
- NoelaniʻAe, he ʻalala manaʻo ia.Yes, it is a thoughtful raven.
