humuhumu
/ˌhu.muˈhu.mu/
The English phrase "trigger fish" is humuhumu in Hawaiian.
humuhumu refers to a type of marine fish recognized by its distinctive shape and the spine it utilizes for defense.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˌhu.muˈhu.mu/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
When do people say it?
humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa is the official state fish of Hawaii.
Did you know?
- While humuhumu refers to a trigger fish, the full name of the state fish is humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, which translates to 'humuhumu with a pig's snout'.
- The word humuhumu is an example of reduplication, a common feature in Hawaiian where words are repeated to change or intensify meaning.
- Because the official name humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa is so long and rhythmic, it is frequently used in Hawaii as a playful tongue-twister for both locals and tourists.
Examples in context
- He humuhumu kēia.This is a trigger fish.
- Nui ka humuhumu i kēia loko.There are many trigger fish in this lagoon.
Example conversation
Kiana and Koa are snorkeling in a coral reef.
- KianaKoa, e nānā i ka humuhumu!Koa, look at the trigger fish!
- KoaHe mea ʻakaʻaka kēlā iwana.That fish is very colorful.
- KianaʻAe, he humuhumu nani kēlā.Yes, that is a beautiful trigger fish.
- KoaE nānā pono kākou.Let's watch it closely.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry humuhumu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
