ʻO wai kou inoa?
ʻO wai kou inoa? is the Hawaiian phrase for "what is your name?"
This phrase is a question used to ask someone for their name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Who is your name?"
When do people say it?
A natural response to this question is to use the structure ʻO [Name] koʻu inoa, which means "My name is [Name]".
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian society, some people had 'secret names' that were only shared with very close family or healers and were never used in response to ʻO wai kou inoa?
- The word wai used to ask 'who' is a homonym for the Hawaiian word for 'fresh water'.
- In Hawaiian culture, a name inoa is often believed to carry a spiritual power called 'mana' and is treated with great respect.
Examples in context
- Aloha, ʻo wai kou inoa?Hello, what is your name?
- Aloha! He aha kou inoa?Hello! What is your name?
Example conversation
Leilani and Keanu meet for the first time at a gathering.
- LeilaniAloha! ʻO wai kou inoa?Hello! What is your name?
- KeanuʻO Keanu koʻu inoa.My name is Keanu.
- LeilaniʻO Leilani koʻu inoa.My name is Leilani.
- KeanuHauʻoli i ka ēike ʻoe, Leilani.Nice to meet you, Leilani.
