kika
/ˈki.ka/
The Hawaiian word for tiger is kika.
kika is a noun used to refer to the mammal Panthera tigris.
Meaning: The mammal Panthera tigris (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈki.ka/.
Did you know?
- Hawaiian has no native words for large predatory cats like the kika because the islands have no native land mammals.
- Because tigers are not native to the Hawaiian Islands, the word kika is a loanword from the English word 'tiger'.
- The sound k in kika is one of the most versatile consonants in Hawaiian, often serving as the primary substitute for several English consonants including 't', 'g' and 'd'.
Examples in context
- He kika.It is a tiger.
Example conversation
Leilani and Keanu are visiting a zoo.
- LeilaniKeanu, e nānā i ka kika!Keanu, look at the tiger!
- KeanuHe kika nani kēlā.That is a beautiful tiger.
- LeilaniHe kika kēlā i ka puke.That is the tiger from the book.
- KeanuʻAe, he kika kēlā.Yes, that is a tiger.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kika, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
