nā mea
The Hawaiian phrase for "things" is nā mea.
nā mea is used to refer to physical objects or general items.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nā (the, plural) and mea (thing, object or item).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is mea. To indicate more than one thing, the plural marker nā must be used to form nā mea.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'things' for almost anything, in Hawaiian, the choice of word for 'thing' can change based on whether the object is considered sacred or common.
- In many other Polynesian languages, such as Māori and Tongan, the word for 'thing' is also mea, showing a deep linguistic connection across the Pacific.
- In Hawaiian, the word for 'thing' can sometimes be used as a filler in speech, similar to how English speakers use 'stuff' or 'whatnot' to end a sentence.
Examples in context
- E loaʻa ana nā mea i ka hale.The things will be found at the house.
- E hoʻomākaukau i nā mea no ka huakaʻi.Prepare the things for the trip.
Example conversation
Malia and Ikaika are cleaning the house together.
- MaliaIkaika, aia nā mea ma ka puka.Ikaika, the things are by the door.
- IkaikaHe aha nā mea kēlā?What things are those?
- MaliaNā mea no ke kauao kēlā.Those are things for the beach.
- IkaikaE hiki mai au e kōkua.I can help.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mea, nā, CC BY-SA 4.0.
