hipa
/ˈhi.pa/
hipa is the Hawaiian word for sheep.
The word is used to refer to the animal.
Meaning: animal (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈhi.pa/.
Did you know?
- The word hipa is a phonetic loanword from the English word 'sheep', adapted to fit the Hawaiian phonology.
- Hawaiian uses the word hipa for any kind of sheep, as the language does not have separate terms for rams and ewes.
- Since sheep are not indigenous, hipa is rarely found in ancient Hawaiian chants or traditional folklore.
Examples in context
- He hipa kēia.This is a sheep.
- Nui nā hipa ma ka uka.There are many sheep in the uplands.
- Ke ʻike nei au i ka hipa.I see the sheep.
Example conversation
Koa and Noelani are visiting a farm.
- KoaHe hipa nui kela!That is a big sheep!
- NoelaniʻAe, he hipa nani kēlā.Yes, that is a beautiful sheep.
- KoaHiki ke pā i ka hipa?Can we touch the sheep?
- NoelaniʻAʻole, mai pā i ka hipa.No, do not touch the sheep.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sheep” translations and entries hipa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hipa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
