mea huna
The Hawaiian word for secret is mea huna.
mea huna refers to knowledge that is hidden.
Meaning: knowledge that is hidden (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mea (thing or object) and huna (to hide or conceal).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the word huna functions as an adjective describing the noun mea to create the concept of a secret.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, certain types of mea huna were traditionally guarded by specialists called kahuna to protect the spiritual power of the knowledge.
- The word mea is a linguistic relative of the word used in Māori and Tongan for 'thing' or 'matter', showing the deep connection across the Polynesian triangle.
- The term mea huna can refer to both a secret piece of information and a physical object that has been hidden.
Examples in context
- He mea huna kēia.This is a secret.
- E loaʻa ana iā ʻoe ka mea huna.You will obtain the secret.
- Ua huna ʻia ka mea huna.The secret was hidden.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a surprise party.
- IkaikaHe mea huna kēia pāʻina.This party is a secret.
- LeilaniEia nō, ʻaʻole e ʻike ʻo ia.Right, he will not know.
- IkaikaE mālama pono i kēlā mea huna.Keep that secret well.
- LeilaniMai hopohopo, e mālama au.Don't worry, I will keep it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries huna, mea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
