Quick Answer
"Moʻopuna" (often written "moopuna," pronounced "moh-oh-POO-nah") is the Hawaiian word for "grandchild" or "grandchildren." In Hawaiian culture, moʻopuna carry the family's lineage (moʻokūʻauhau) and traditions into the future, and the word is used across Hawaii with pride: "Dis my moʻopuna, Kainoa" (This is my grandchild, Kainoa), "I get five moʻopuna."
Breakdown:
- "Mo" - sounds like "moh"
- "'o" - the 'okina (glottal stop) creates a brief pause, then "oh"
- "pu" - sounds like "poo"
- "na" - sounds like "nah"
Proper spelling: Mo'opuna (with an 'okina between the two o's)
Note: The 'okina (') represents a glottal stop - a brief catch in your throat, like the sound in "uh-oh"
Literal Meaning
"Mo'opuna" literally means "grandchild" in Hawaiian. The word can refer to grandchildren of any gender. It's derived from Hawaiian linguistic roots that emphasize lineage and generational connections - concepts that are fundamental to Hawaiian culture and identity.
Related Family Terms
Understanding mo'opuna in context of Hawaiian family words:
- Kupuna - Grandparent, elder, ancestor
- Mo'opuna - Grandchild
- Mo'opuna kuakahi - Great-grandchild
- Keiki - Child
- 'Ohana - Family
Cultural Significance
In Hawaiian culture, mo'opuna are treasured not just as beloved grandchildren but as the living legacy of the family. They represent hope, continuity, and the future of the 'ohana. Kupuna (grandparents) traditionally play a vital role in raising mo'opuna, passing down language, traditions, stories, hula, and cultural knowledge. This intergenerational bond is considered sacred and essential to Hawaiian identity.
"This is my mo'opuna, Kainoa."
Translation: "This is my grandchild, Kainoa."
"My mo'opuna stay so smart!"
Translation: "My grandchild is so smart!"
"I get five mo'opuna - three boys, two girls."
Translation: "I have five grandchildren - three boys, two girls."
"I stay teaching my mo'opuna how fo make poi."
Translation: "I'm teaching my grandchild how to make poi."
In Hawaiian tradition, the relationship between kupuna (grandparents) and mo'opuna (grandchildren) is especially significant:
- • Hawaiian language ('Ōlelo Hawai'i)
- • Family genealogy (mo'okū'auhau)
- • Traditional stories and legends
- • Hula and mele (songs)
- • Cultural practices and values
- • Connection to 'āina (land)
- • Hope for the future
- • Continuation of family line
- • Living legacy
- • Carriers of tradition
- • Joy and purpose for kupuna
- • Future cultural stewards
Kupuna
Grandparent, elder, ancestor
Tūtū
Grandma/Grandpa (affectionate)
Keiki
Child, offspring
'Ohana
Family (including extended)
Makua
Parent
Hānai
Adopted/raised (as family)
What does moʻopuna (moopuna) mean in Hawaiian?
Moʻopuna (often written moopuna, pronounced moh-oh-POO-nah) is the Hawaiian word for grandchild or grandchildren, regardless of gender.
How do you pronounce moʻopuna?
Moʻopuna is pronounced moh-oh-POO-nah with four syllables and a slight glottal pause (ʻokina) between the two "o" sounds, with primary stress on "POO."
What is the difference between kupuna and moʻopuna?
Kupuna means grandparent, elder, or ancestor, while moʻopuna means grandchild. Together they represent the sacred intergenerational bond in Hawaiian ʻohana (family).
How do you say grandson or granddaughter in Hawaiian?
Moʻopuna is used for any grandchild, or you can specify moʻopuna kāne for grandson and moʻopuna wahine for granddaughter.
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