Hawaii is a beautiful paradise full of lush tropical landscapes and friendly locals. Whether you’re visiting for a vacation or living there, it’s important to know how to communicate with the locals. One phrase that is often exchanged is ‘you’re welcome’. This article will explain how to say you’re welcome in Hawaiian.
What is the Hawaiian Language?
Hawaiian is a Polynesian language that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is spoken by around 8,000 native speakers in the United States and is considered an official language in the state of Hawaii. The Hawaiian language has a complex grammar and a unique alphabet.
How to Say You’re Welcome in Hawaiian
The way to say ‘you’re welcome’ in Hawaiian is ‘aloha nui loa’. This phrase is a combination of two Hawaiian words, ‘aloha’, which means ‘love’ and ‘nui loa’ which means ‘great’. Therefore, when you say ‘aloha nui loa’, you are expressing your love and appreciation for the gesture.
Other Ways to Say You’re Welcome in Hawaiian
Although ‘aloha nui loa’ is the most popular and direct way to say ‘you’re welcome’ in Hawaiian, there are other expressions that can be used as well. Here are a few more ways to say ‘you’re welcome’ in Hawaiian:
- E na’auao – This is a traditional Hawaiian phrase that means ‘you are wise and knowledgeable’.
- ‘A’ole pilikia – This phrase literally means ‘no trouble’ and is used to express that you are not inconvenienced by what was done.
- ‘A’ole wale no – This is a phrase that means ‘no problem’ and is used to express that there is no need to worry.
How to Respond to 'Thank You' in Hawaiian
When someone says ‘thank you’ in Hawaiian, you can use one of the phrases above or you can say ‘mahalo’. This is the most common way to say ‘thank you’ in Hawaiian and is used in both formal and informal situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Hawaiian language?
Hawaiian is a Polynesian language that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is spoken by around 8,000 native speakers in the United States and is considered an official language in the state of Hawaii. The Hawaiian language has a complex grammar and a unique alphabet.
2. How do you say 'you're welcome' in Hawaiian?
The way to say ‘you’re welcome’ in Hawaiian is ‘aloha nui loa’. This phrase is a combination of two Hawaiian words, ‘aloha’, which means ‘love’ and ‘nui loa’ which means ‘great’. Therefore, when you say ‘aloha nui loa’, you are expressing your love and appreciation for the gesture.
3. What are other ways to say 'you're welcome' in Hawaiian?
Other ways to say ‘you’re welcome’ in Hawaiian include ‘e na’auao’, ‘a’ole pilikia’ and ‘a’ole wale no’.
4. How do you respond to 'thank you' in Hawaiian?
When someone says ‘thank you’ in Hawaiian, you can use one of the phrases mentioned above or you can say ‘mahalo’. This is the most common way to say ‘thank you’ in Hawaiian and is used in both formal and informal situations.
Conclusion
Saying ‘you’re welcome’ in Hawaiian is an important part of communicating with the locals when you are visiting or living in the Hawaiian Islands. Knowing how to say ‘you’re welcome’, as well as other phrases like ‘mahalo’, will help ensure that you have a pleasant and respectful interaction with the people of Hawaii.