aha
/ˈa.ha/
In Hawaiian, aha is the word for 'what'.
aha is an interrogative pronoun.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Which one should you use?
While aha is used for the question 'what?', placing the article ka before it changes the meaning to 'the what' or 'the thing that'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to ask 'what is…?' (such as 'what is that?'), the pronoun aha is often preceded by the particle he, forming the phrase he aha. Additionally, if you are using it as a noun to mean 'the thing', you precede it with the article ka to form ka aha.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈa.ha/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word aha belongs to a lineage of words that traces back to Proto-Malayo-Polynesian, linking Hawaiian to languages spoken in Southeast Asia.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, asking 'what' too directly could be seen as abrupt, so speakers often use softening particles to make the question more polite.
- While aha asks for information, using it in a way that mimics the English 'what!' can be seen as a way to show sudden realization or shock in a conversation.
Examples in context
- He aha kēlā?What is that?This sentence is useful for asking 'What is that?' using the form aha.
- Pehea ke ano o ia mea?What is the nature of that thing?
- Aha kēia?What's this?
Example conversation
Ikaika and Leilani are talking about a gift.
- IkaikaHe aha kēia?What is this?
- LeilaniHe puaʻa kēlā.That is a pig.
- IkaikaʻO aha ka mea i loko?What is the thing inside?
- LeilaniHe pāʻani ia.It is a toy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what” translations and entries aha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
