Kele
The Hawaiian word for taylor is Kele.
Kele refers to a person whose profession involves making or repairing clothes.
Did you know?
- The word kele is a loanword derived from the English word 'tailor'.
- While kele is used for a 'tailor' today, the traditional Hawaiian method of making clothing involved pounding the inner bark of the wauke plant to create 'kapa' cloth.
- In ancient Hawaii, the role of a kele did not exist because garments like the 'pāʻū' were draped or tied rather than stitched together.
Examples in context
- He kele kēia.This is a tailor.
Example conversation
Noelani asks Kai about his profession.
- NoelaniHe aha kou hana, e Kai?What is your job, Kai?
- KaiHe kele au.I am a tailor.
- NoelaniHiki iā ʻoe ke kōkua iaʻu?Can you help me?
- KaiʻAe, e lawe mai ka ʻahu.Yes, bring the clothes.
