ipu haole
/ˈi.pu ˈhao̯.le/word by word
The Hawaiian word for watermelon is ipu haole.
ipu haole is the noun used to refer to the watermelon fruit.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'foreign gourd' or 'foreign vessel'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈi.pu ˈhao̯.le/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- A common myth claims haole comes from hā ('breath') and ʻole ('not') because foreigners did not perform the 'honi' greeting of touching noses and inhaling together.
- The term ipu was used for many round objects in Hawaiian culture, as it refers to the shape of a vessel or gourd rather than just the fruit.
- The word haole is used for many things that are 'foreign', not just people of European descent. It is a general term for anything non-native or outsider to Hawaiian culture.
Examples in context
- He ipu haole kēia.This is a watermelon.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Noelani are at a picnic.
- IkaikaNoelani, aia ka ipu haole!Noelani, there is the watermelon!
- NoelaniHe mea maikaʻi kēlā.That is a good thing.
- IkaikaE lawe mai i ka ipu haole.Bring the watermelon here.
- NoelaniʻAe, e lawe mai au.Yes, I will bring it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “watermelon” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ipu, haole) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries haole, ipu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
