pōhaku
/poːˈha.ku/
The English word 'rock' is translated into Hawaiian as pōhaku.
pōhaku is used to refer to any large stone, a boulder or even a stone monument.
Meaning: large stone or boulder (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /poːˈha.ku/.
Did you know?
- Because of the deep spiritual connection to the land, certain pōhaku are treated as living entities or ancestors in traditional storytelling.
- The word pōhaku has a linguistic cousin in many other Pacific languages, such as the Samoan word 'pōhatu', both descending from the same ancient root.
- In Hawaiian tradition, specific pōhaku served as boundary markers between different land divisions, known as ahupuaʻa.
Examples in context
- He pōhaku kēlā.That is a rock.
- Nui ka pōhaku.The rock is large.
- E noho i luna o ka pōhaku.Sit on the rock.
Example conversation
Noelani and Koa are walking on a beach.
- NoelaniHe pōhaku nani kēia.This is a beautiful rock.
- KoaʻAe, he pōhaku ikeleke kēlā.Yes, that is a smooth rock.
- NoelaniE huki mai i ka pōhaku.Pull the rock over here.
- KoaHe pōhaku kaumaha loa kēia!This rock is very heavy!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pōhaku, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pōhaku, CC BY-SA 4.0.
