kai
/ˈkai̯/
The English word sea is translated into Hawaiian as kai or moana.
Meaning: body of water (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hawaiian | IPA |
|---|---|
| kai | /ˈkai̯/ |
| moana | /moˈa.na/ |
kai is the standard term for the sea or saltwater. It is frequently used in compound words to describe things related to the sea, such as sea creatures or sea breezes.
What does it mean word for word?
The word kai literally means saltwater or the sea.
Which one should you use?
While kai refers to the sea or saltwater, moana is used specifically to refer to the vast, open ocean.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkai̯/
Did you know?
- While kai refers to the sea, it is also used in some contexts to mean 'sauce' or 'condiment'.
Examples in context
- i kaiTowards the seaThis sentence shows how to express movement towards the sea using kai.
- o kaiOf the lowland, of the sea, seawardThis sentence demonstrates the various meanings of kai, such as seaward or of the sea.
- E kipa mai i ke kai nui loa.Come visit the vast sea.
- Ke kai ke ala nui e ola ai nā kaiāulu.The sea is the life source for communities.
- He nui ka kai.The sea is large.
Example conversation
Leilani and Koa are standing on the beach.
- LeilaniE nānā i ka kai!Look at the sea!
- KoaHe polū loa ka kai.The sea is very blue.
- LeilaniMakemake au e holo i loko.I want to go inside.
- KoaHolo kāua i ka kai.Let's both go to the sea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sea” translations and entries kai, moana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kai, moana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
