e hoʻouna ana i ke aloha a me nā pule
The English phrase "sending love and prayers" is translated into Hawaiian as e hoʻouna ana i ke aloha a me nā pule.
This phrase is used to express sympathy, solidarity or spiritual support during times of grief or hardship.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of e hoʻouna ana (sending), i ke aloha (the love), a me (and) and nā pule (the prayers).
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle i is required after the verb hoʻouna to indicate the object being sent. Additionally, the word pule (prayer) uses the plural marker nā to match the English plural prayers.
Did you know?
- While pule means 'prayer' today, in other Polynesian languages the same root word refers to a 'cowrie shell', which was once a symbol of high value and status.
- Expressions of sympathy in Hawaii often incorporate a sense of 'ohana' or extended family, meaning this phrase can be used for people who are not blood relatives but are treated as family.
Example conversation
Ikaika is talking to Noelani after she lost a family member.
- IkaikaNoelani, e hoʻouna ana i ke aloha a me nā pule.Noelani, sending love and prayers.
- NoelaniMahalo nui iā ʻoe, Ikaika.Thank you very much, Ikaika.
- IkaikaE kokua mai naʻe ka ʻohana.The family will help.
- NoelaniHe mea kōkua kēlā i kēia manawa.That is helpful at this time.
