ʻākau
/ʔaːˈkau̯/
The Hawaiian word for the direction ʻākau means right (the opposite of left).
Use ʻākau specifically when referring to a direction or side. If you mean 'right' in the sense of being correct, appropriate or accurate, you should instead use terms like kūpono or pono.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
ʻākau is used for physical direction, whereas kūpono or pono are used to express that something is correct or appropriate.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaːˈkau̯/
Did you know?
- In the context of traditional Hawaiian navigation, ʻākau does not just mean 'right' but is also used to refer to the 'north' direction.
- The word ʻākau is a cognate with the Māori word katau, showing how the term for 'right' traveled across the Pacific.
- Because pono is used for 'right' in a moral sense, a person can be described as pono to mean they are in a state of harmony with the universe.
Examples in context
- Hoʻokūpono i kāu ʻōleloMake your speech right or Speak correctly
- Hoʻoponopono iā ia i kona hanaCorrect him in his work
Example conversation
Two friends are walking and looking for a store.
- NoelaniAia ka hale kūʻai?Where is the store?
- IkaikaAia ia i ka ʻākau.It is to the right.
- NoelaniMahalo, e Ikaika.Thank you, Ikaika.
- IkaikaʻO nāu, e Noelani.You're welcome, Noelani.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries ʻākau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ʻākau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
