ʻōlelo
/ʔoːˈle.lo/
To speak (to be able to communicate in a language) in Hawaiian is ʻōlelo.
The term ʻōlelo is used to express the ability to communicate in a language. To indicate that you speak a specific language, place the name of that language directly after the verb, such as ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi for 'to speak Hawaiian'.
Meaning: to be able to communicate in a language (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ʻōlelo means language, speech or word.
How does it change in a sentence?
In its base form, ʻōlelo can function as both a noun (language) and a verb (to speak).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /ʔoːˈle.lo/.
Did you know?
- The word ʻōlelo is a cognate with the Tagalog word dila and the Malay word lidah, both of which mean 'tongue'.
- In ancient Hawaii, certain types of ʻōlelo were restricted to the nobility or priests, meaning that 'speaking' was governed by a strict social hierarchy.
- While ʻōlelo describes the ability to communicate, a different word, wehe, is often used when specifically talking about 'opening' a speech or beginning a formal oration.
Examples in context
- E ʻōlelo, e Kawika.Speak, Kawika.This example shows how to use ʻōlelo as a command to speak.Tatoeba #7265272 by azraelgnosis, translation #7265273 by azraelgnosis
- E ʻōlelo ana au i ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.I am speaking the Hawaiian language.
- E kamaʻilio kakou ma ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.Let's speak in the Hawaiian language.
- Hōʻike aku iā ia e ʻōlelo pū ana mākou.Show him that we speak together.
- E ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi ʻoe?Do you speak Hawaiian?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their language skills.
- KaiHiki iā ʻoe ke ʻōlelo ma ka ʻōlelo Japan?Can you speak in the Japanese language?
- NoelaniʻAe, hiki iaʻu ke ʻōlelo.Yes, I can speak it.
- KaiMaikaʻi kēlā, e Noelani!That is great, Noelani!
- NoelaniMahalo, e Kai.Thank you, Kai.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ʻōlelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ʻōlelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
