How to Say “Sorry for Your Loss” in Hawaiian

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aloha nui loa
/aˈlo.ha ˈnu.i ˈlo.a/word by word
The Hawaiian phrase for "sorry for your loss" is aloha nui loa.
This phrase is used to express sympathy and condolences to someone whose loved one has died. It is used to convey much love or compassion to the bereaved.

How do you pronounce it?

The pronunciation is /aˈlo.ha ˈnu.i ˈlo.a/. The second of seven syllables is stressed.

When do people say it?

In Hawaiian culture, expressing sympathy for a death is often done by offering aloha (love/compassion/presence) rather than a literal translation of 'sorry for your loss'.

Did you know?

  • Hawaiian lacks a single word that directly translates to the English 'sorry' in the sense of expressing regret or condolences.
  • The word aloha is a cognate of the Māori word aroha and the Samoan word alofa.

Example conversation

Keanu and Malia are at a funeral service.

  1. Keanu

    Aloha nui loa, Malia.
    I am so sorry for your loss, Malia.
  2. Malia

    Mahalo nui, Keanu.
    Thank you very much, Keanu.
  3. Keanu

    He mea kōkua au.
    I am here to help.
  4. Malia

    Mahalo i kou aloha.
    Thank you for your love.

Sources

  • IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (aloha, nui, loa) and can differ in connected speech.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries aloha, loa, nui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Steven Owen
Steven OwenHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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