Aloha! If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of the Hawaiian language, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “sharp” in Hawaiian, covering both formal and informal ways. While there aren’t any region-specific variations for this particular word, we’ll provide you with plenty of tips and examples to enhance your understanding. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Sharp” in Hawaiian
In formal Hawaiian, the word for “sharp” is often translated as “kīkiʻi.” This term can be used to describe sharp objects or concepts. For instance:
Ke kīkiʻi o ka ihe – The sharpness of the spear
Kēia pahi kākihi he kīkiʻi – This knife is very sharp
Informal Ways to Say “Sharp” in Hawaiian
In informal situations, native Hawaiian speakers often use the word “nīnau” to convey the idea of “sharp.” Let’s explore some examples:
He pahi nīnau kēia! – This knife is sharp!
No ke aha ka lāʻau he nīnau? – Why is the stick sharp?
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you grasp the concept of “sharp” in Hawaiian:
1. Describing a Sharp Object
If you want to describe a specific sharp object, you can combine the word for “sharp” with the object itself. For instance:
Kīkiʻi honu – A sharp turtle (referring to the beak or claws)
Nīnau niho – Sharp teeth
2. Using “Ki” as a Descriptor
Another way to express “sharpness” is to use the word “ki.” Here are a couple of examples:
He pahi ki – A knife that is sharp
Ulu ki – A sharp thorn
3. Comparing Sharpness
When comparing the sharpness of two objects, you can use the word “nui” (meaning large) to indicate a greater level of sharpness:
Pahi nui – Sharper knife
ʻEke ki nui ma lalo – A thorn with a greater sharpness below
4. Figurative Use of “Sharp”
“Sharp” can also be used in a figurative sense, describing someone who is clever or quick-witted. In such cases, the term “ʻōlapa” is commonly employed:
He keiki ʻōlapa – A sharp-witted child
Ua hana ʻōlapa ʻo ia i kāna hōʻike – He made a sharp presentation
Conclusion
Congratulations on expanding your knowledge of the Hawaiian language! In this guide, we explored how to say “sharp” in Hawaiian, providing you with both formal and informal ways to express the concept. Remember the terms “kīkiʻi” for formal situations, and “nīnau” for informal usage. Additionally, we covered various tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Hawaiian is a beautiful language, so embrace the opportunity to learn more. Mahalo for reading!
