Aia i hea ka lua?
The English phrase "where is the bathroom?" is translated into Hawaiian as Aia i hea ka lua?
This phrase is a question used to ask for the location of a toilet.
What does it mean word for word?
In this phrase, Aia functions as the verb meaning "is", "exists" or "there is".
Which one should you use?
While Aia i hea ka lua? is a standard way to ask, you can also use the alternative form Ma hea ka lua? to mean the same thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Aia is used to express existence or location within the sentence.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian, the word lua can also refer to the number 'two'.
- Because lua means 'hole', it is also used to describe a crater in a volcano or a pit for storing food.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the concept of a 'bathroom' was not a separate room but a designated area outdoors, which is why the terminology focuses on the hole rather than the room.
Examples in context
- E ʻoluʻolu, aia i hea ka lua?Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
Example conversation
Koa is visiting Noelani's house for the first time.
- KoaNoelani, aia i hea ka lua?Noelani, where is the bathroom?
- NoelaniAia ma luna o ka hale.It is upstairs in the house.
- KoaMahalo nui, Noelani.Thank you very much, Noelani.
- NoelaniʻOlelele, Koa.You're welcome, Koa.
