mau huaʻōlelo
The English phrase "words" is translated into Hawaiian as mau huaʻōlelo.
The phrase refers to the individual elements of a language used for speaking or writing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the plural marker mau and the compound huaʻōlelo, which means word or speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, plurality is often indicated by the particle mau preceding the noun. The singular form of the word is huaʻōlelo.
Did you know?
- The word hua can also refer to an egg, suggesting that words are the 'contents' or 'beginnings' of communication.
- In Hawaiian culture, the concept of ʻōlelo extends beyond just speech to encompass the spiritual power of the spoken word.
- The concept of a word is metaphorically linked to nature in Hawaiian, as huaʻōlelo translates literally to 'fruit of speech' or 'seed of speech'.
Examples in context
- He mau huaʻōlelo hou kēia.These are new words.
- E ʻoluʻolu e heluhelu i nā mau huaʻōlelo.Please read the words.
Example conversation
Kiana is helping Koa study for a language test.
- KianaKoa, he mau huaʻōlelo aha kāu e aʻo?Koa, how many words are you studying?
- KoaE ono mau huaʻōlelo nō ia.It is only six words.
- KianaHiki mai nā mau huaʻōlelo i kēia papapapa.The words fit on this page.
- KoaʻAe, maikaʻi kēlā.Yes, that is good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries huaʻōlelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
