hanai
Meaning: to adopt
Usage: Hanai refers to the informal practice of adoption within Hawaiian families, often involving extended family members. It's a deeply rooted cultural practice.
"They hanai the baby"
"Dey hanai da keiki, treat him like one of dey own."
"She was hanai by her grandparents."
Origin: Hanai is a traditional Hawaiian practice of raising a child who is not one's biological offspring, strengthening family bonds.
What does "hanai" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"hanai" means "to adopt" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Hanai refers to the informal practice of adoption within Hawaiian families, often involving extended family members. It's a deeply rooted cultural practice..
How do you pronounce "hanai"?
"hanai" is pronounced "hah-NYE". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "hanai" in a sentence?
Example: "They hanai the baby"
"Plurals in Pidgin are often formed by adding 'them' or 'dem' after the noun (e.g., 'The boy dem')."
"The kahakō (vowel with a macron) indicates a long vowel sound in Hawaiian words."
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