Aloha! Learning how to say time in Hawaiian can greatly enhance your experience while visiting or living in the beautiful islands. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of both formal and informal ways to express time in Hawaiian. We’ll also explore any necessary regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Time Expressions
Formal time expressions in Hawaiian are typically used when communicating in official settings or with people you are not familiar with. Here are some key phrases:
1. Keia La (Current Time)
To give the current time in Hawaiian, say:
“O ka hola `ehia keia la?” (What hour is it today?)
The response would typically include the current hour and minutes, for example:
“O ka `eono o ka hola `ekahi mau minute keia la.” (It is six o’clock and one minute today.)
Note that Hawaiian uses the 24-hour clock system, unlike the 12-hour system in English.
2. “A.M.” and “P.M.”
In Hawaiian, “A.M.” is expressed as “kumakahiki” (before sunrise) and “P.M.” as “auinala” (after sunrise until sunset). For example, you can say:
“O ka hola `eono kumakahiki keia la.” (It is six o’clock A.M. today.)
“O ka hola `eono auinala keia la.” (It is six o’clock P.M. today.)
3. Specific Hours and Minutes
When referring to specific hours and minutes, you can simply state the hour followed by the minutes. For example:
“O ka hola `ewalu kanakolu keia la.” (It is eight thirty today.)
“O ka hola `umikumamalua `ekolu keia la.” (It is twelve three today.)
Informal Time Expressions
Informal time expressions in Hawaiian are generally used among friends, family, or in casual conversations. Here are some commonly used phrases:
1. Keia Manawa (Current Time)
To ask for the current time casually, say:
“He aha ka manawa o keia manawa?” (What’s the time right now?)
The response can be similar to the formal expression, but in a more relaxed manner:
“`Ekolu kanakolu keia manawa.” (It’s 3:30 right now.)
2. Descriptive Phrases
Informally, Hawaiians sometimes use descriptive phrases to indicate the time of day. Here are a few examples:
a. “Ao Ao” (Morning)
To describe the morning hours:
“Ao Ao” or “Ao Akua.” (Morning)
b. “Ahiahi” (Afternoon/Evening)
To refer to the afternoon or evening:
“Ahiahi Owau.” (I am in the afternoon/evening.)
c. “Pō” (Night)
When it is nighttime:
“Pō Nōwau.” (It is night indeed.)
Regional Variations
Hawaiian language can have some regional variations, especially when it comes to specific areas or islands. However, time expressions generally remain consistent across the islands. It’s important to note that some native Hawaiian speakers might use variations depending on their individual preferences, local dialects, or personal style of speech.
Key Tips for Learning Hawaiian Time Expressions
Here are some valuable tips to help you master the art of expressing time in Hawaiian:
1. Practice Pronunciation
Hawaiian is a language with unique sounds. It’s essential to practice pronunciation to accurately represent the time expressions. Pay special attention to glottal stops (‘) and correctly stressing syllables.
2. Immerse Yourself
Take every opportunity to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. Engage with native speakers, listen to local music, and watch movies or documentaries in Hawaiian. Familiarizing yourself with the language and cultural context will greatly aid your understanding and usage of time expressions.
3. Use Hawaiian Language Resources
Utilize online resources, language apps, or textbooks specifically designed to teach Hawaiian. These resources often provide interactive exercises and audio examples to improve your language skills.
4. Practice Dialogues
Engage in role-playing scenarios with native speakers or language partners. Practice asking and responding to questions about time to build confidence and fluency.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say time in Hawaiian. Remember that language is a living entity, and variations may exist across individuals and regions. By learning and embracing the beautiful language of Hawaii, you’ll not only express time with finesse but also deepen your connection to the local culture and people. E kūlia i ka nu‘u! (Strive for the summit!)
