manawa
The Hawaiian word for time is manawa.
Manawa is used to refer to a period or quantity of time, such as a duration or a specific moment.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word manawa can literally be understood as a moment or a breath, relating to the rhythm of life.
Did you know?
- The word manawa shares an ancestral root with the words for 'belly' in Tongan and Tahitian. This reflects an ancient connection between the center of the body and the rhythm of life.
- In some traditional contexts, manawa can refer to the heart, as the heart provides the 'beat' or 'rhythm' that marks the passage of time.
- Because manawa relates to breath, it can be used to describe a 'pause' or a 'breathing space' in a conversation or activity.
Examples in context
- He nui ka manawa.There is a lot of time.
Example conversation
Kai and Leilani are planning a meeting.
- KaiHe manawa maikaʻi kēia?Is this a good time?
- LeilaniʻAe, he manawa maikaʻi kēia.Yes, this is a good time.
- KaiMahalo, Leilani.Thank you, Leilani.
- LeilaniʻO manaʻoʻu nō.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manawa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
