unikona
The Hawaiian word for unicorn is unikona.
unikona is a noun used to refer to a mythical horselike creature.
Meaning: mythical horselike creature (noun)
Did you know?
- While 'unicorn' refers to a single-horned creature, the Hawaiian word unikona is a transliteration that prioritizes sound over the literal meaning of 'one horn'.
- While unikona describes the Western mythical beast, traditional Hawaiian stories focus on spirits and deities like Menehune rather than European-style unicorns.
- In Hawaiian, words cannot end in a consonant, so the 'n' at the end of 'unicorn' requires the addition of a final vowel to become unikona.
Examples in context
- He unikona ka mea i loko o ka moʻo.The thing in the story is a unicorn.
- Ke ʻimi nei ka keiki i ka unikona.The child is looking for the unicorn.
- Ua ʻike ʻia ka unikona ma ka lole.The unicorn was seen on the shirt.
Example conversation
Keanu and Noelani are looking at a children's book.
- KeanuHe aha kēia mea, Noelani?What is this thing, Noelani?
- NoelaniHe unikona ia.That is a unicorn.
- KeanuHe mea nani ia.It is a beautiful thing.
- NoelaniʻAe, he unikona nani ia.Yes, it is a beautiful unicorn.
