kumu
/ˈku.mu/
The Hawaiian word for teacher is kumu.
The term kumu refers to a teacher, instructor or expert. While it is used for classroom teachers, it also applies to masters of specific disciplines, such as traditional arts or hula.
Meaning: person who teaches (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, kumu means foundation, base or source, which implies that a teacher is the source of knowledge.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st of 2 syllables. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈku.mu/.
Did you know?
- Because kumu means 'foundation', it is also used to describe the trunk of a tree or the base of a geological structure.
- In many Hawaiian disciplines, the kumu is responsible for passing down genealogical information, not just technical skills.
- The word kumu shares an ancestral root with the Māori word tumu and the Tahitian word tumu, illustrating a shared linguistic heritage across the Pacific.
Examples in context
- He kumu maikaʻi ʻoeYou are a good teacher
- He kumu ʻo ia.He is a teacher.
- Makemake au i ka kumu hou.I want a new teacher.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Leilani are at school.
- IkaikaHe kumu waiwai kēia kanavai.This person is a valuable teacher.
- LeilaniʻAe, he kumu akamai ʻo ia.Yes, she is a smart teacher.
- IkaikaE kōkua mai ka kumu?Will the teacher help us?
- LeilaniʻAe, e kōkua mai ʻo ia.Yes, she will help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teacher” translations and entries kumu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kumu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
