lauʻai
The Hawaiian word for vegetable is lauʻai.
lauʻai refers to a plant that is raised for its edible parts.
Meaning: a plant raised for some edible part of it (noun)
Did you know?
- The word lauʻai is derived from lau, meaning 'leaf', and ʻai, meaning 'to eat'. It literally describes a leaf that is eaten.
- While lauʻai is the general term, many specific vegetables in Hawaii are referred to by their English names modified to fit Hawaiian phonetics.
- While lauʻai is the general term, many specific edible plants are categorized by their type, such as 'kalo' (taro), rather than under a single broad botanical umbrella.
Example conversation
Leilani and Keanu are preparing a meal together.
- LeilaniHe aha ka lauʻai i kēia?What vegetable is this?
- KeanuHe kikiʻala kēia, Leilani.This is a squash, Leilani.
- LeilaniHiki mai e kōkua i ka lauʻai.Come help with the vegetables.
- KeanuʻAe, e kōkua au, Leilani.Yes, I will help, Leilani.
