"Getting to know you, getting to know all about you…"

Source: Pukui, Mary Kawena & Elbert, Samuel H., Hawaiian Dictionary, Revised
and Enlarged Edition, University Of Hawai`i Press, Honolulu, 1986.
Pronunciation Guide

`O wai kou inoa?

What is your name?

`O (Inoa) ko`u inoa.

My name is (Name).

Wai is the word that asks the question, who? Note that kou means your and ko`u means my.

`O (Inoa) kou inoa?

Is (Name) your name?

`Ae, `o (Inoa) ko`u inoa.

`A`ole, `o (Inoa) ko`u inoa.

Yes, my name is (Name).

No, my name is (Name).

E kala mai ia`u, ua poina au, `o wai kou inoa?

Excuse me, I've forgotten, what is your name?

No hea mai `oe?

Where are you from (originally)?

No Hawai`i mai au.

I am from Hawai`i.

`Oia kâ? `O wau kekahi!

For real / Really? Me, too.

Akâ, i kêia manawa, noho au i Moloka`i.

But now, I live on Moloka`i.

He aha kâu hana?

What is your work / occupation?

/ What do you do?

He (hana) au.

  • mea hula / mea oli / mea mele / haku mele
  • malihini
  • kumu / haumâna
  • lawai`a / mahi`ai
  • mâka`i / kinai ahi
  • kauka / kahunapule

I am a (occupation).

  • hula dancer / chanter / singer / composer
  • visitor (also, newcomer)
  • teacher / student
  • fisherman / farmer
  • policeman / fireman
  • doctor / minister

He haumâna `oe?

  • `Ae, he haumâna au.
  • `A`ole, he kumu au.

Are you a student?

  • Yes, I am a student.
  • No, I am a teacher.

He kama`âina `oe?

Are you a local person?

He Hawai`i `oe?

  • `Ae, he Hawai`i au.
  • `A`ole, akâ he Hawai`i-i-ka- pu`uwai.
  • `Ae, he kanaka maoli au.
  • `Ae, keiki o ka `âina wau.

Are you Hawaiian?

  • Yes, I am Hawaiian.
  • No, but I am Hawaiian-at-heart.
  • Yes, I am an indigenous Hawaiian.
  • Yes, I am a child of the land (native born).

You are at: http://www.oocities.org/TheTropics/Shores/6794/
Aloha a hui hou, Leilani

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