Kuʻuipo
The Hawaiian word for sweetheart is Kuʻuipo.
Kuʻuipo is a noun used to refer to a person who is very much liked or loved by someone, similar to terms like darling or cutie.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a contraction of kuʻu i po, which literally means "my [one] in the darkness" or "my beloved in the night/darkness".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word includes the possessive pronoun kuʻu (my), which makes it a term of endearment that implies a personal relationship.
Did you know?
- While 'sweetheart' is used as a common noun in English, Kuʻuipo often functions as a formal part of a person's given name in Hawaii.
- The possessive kuʻu is specifically used for things very close to the speaker, like a child or a spouse, rather than general ownership.
- Kuʻuipo can be used to refer to a romantic partner, a beloved child, or even a very dear friend.
Example conversation
Koa and Kiana are greeting each other at home.
- KoaAloha, kuʻuipo!Hello, sweetheart!
- KianaAloha e Koa.Hello, Koa.
- KoaPehea kou lā?How was your day?
- KianaMaikaʻi kēlā, mahalo.It was good, thank you.
