heʻenalu
The Hawaiian word for "surfer" is heʻenalu.
The term refers to a person who rides a surfboard.
Meaning: person who rides a surfboard (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb heʻe (to slide/ride) and nalu (wave), literally meaning "one who rides waves".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Oahu, the term wahine nalu is often used in reference to a female surfer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word heʻenalu functions as both the verb "to surf" and the noun "surfer" depending on the context of the sentence.
Did you know?
- The word nalu is also used in Hawaiian to describe a 'rumor' or a 'story' that spreads, much like the way a wave travels across the ocean.
- Ancient Hawaiian laws reserved the largest and highest quality surfboards exclusively for the aliʻi or nobility.
- The word heʻe used in heʻenalu was originally used to describe the specific sliding movement of an eel.
Examples in context
- He heʻenalu kēia.This is a surfer.
Example conversation
Keanu and Kiana are watching the waves at the beach.
- KeanuHe heʻenalu paha ʻoe, Kiana?Are you perhaps a surfer, Kiana?
- KianaʻAe, he heʻenalu au.Yes, I am a surfer.
- KeanuMaikaʻi loa! He heʻenalu nō au.That's great! I am also a surfer.
- KianaE hele kākou i ke kai!Let's go to the ocean!
