keikikāne
The Hawaiian word for son is keikikāne.
The term keikikāne is used to refer to a male person in relation to his parents. In certain formal or ceremonial contexts, the word kāne can also be used to mean son or man.
Meaning: a male person in relation to his parents (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
keikikāne is a compound word made of keiki, meaning child and kāne, meaning male.
Did you know?
- The word kāne does not just mean 'male' or 'son', but is also the name for the ancient Hawaiian god of creation and procreation.
- Historically, the status of a keikikāne in royal lineages depended heavily on whether the mother was of higher rank than the father, which could override the father's status.
- In Hawaiian culture, the term keiki is often used for any child regardless of age, meaning an adult son might still be referred to as a keiki by his parents.
Examples in context
- Aloha, e kuʻu kāne.Hello, my son.
- Mahalo nui iā ʻoe, keiki kāne, no kou kōkua.Thank you so much, son, for your help.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Kiana are talking about Ikaika's family.
- IkaikaHe nani kou keikikāne.Your son is handsome.
- KianaMahalo, Ikaika.Thank you, Ikaika.
- IkaikaHe pololei loa ʻo ia.He is very well-behaved.
- KianaʻAe, he keikikāne maikaʻi ʻo ia.Yes, he is a good son.
