pōhaku
/poːˈha.ku/
The Hawaiian word for stone is pōhaku.
The word pōhaku refers to a small piece of stone, but it is also used to describe larger rocks.
Meaning: small piece of stone (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /poːˈha.ku/.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, pōhaku are not just rocks but are often seen as living entities or containers for spiritual power known as 'mana'.
- The word pōhaku descends from the Proto-Central Polynesian term *poo-fatu.
- The word pōhaku is used in the term pōhaku kō, which refers to the specific stones used as grinding tools to make poi.
Examples in context
- He pōhaku kēlā.That is a stone.
- He pōhaku nani kēia.This is a beautiful stone.
Example conversation
Leilani and Kai are walking along a beach.
- LeilaniHe pōhaku nani kēia, Kai.This is a beautiful stone, Kai.
- KaiʻAe, he lanakila kēlā.Yes, that is a find.
- LeilaniE nānā i kēia pōhaku ʻē aʻe.Look at this other stone.
- KaiHe liʻiliʻi loa ia.That one is very small.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stone” translations and entries pōhaku, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pōhaku, CC BY-SA 4.0.
