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heiau

Meaning: Hawaiian temple

Pronunciation: HEY-ow
cultural beginner

Meaning

Hawaiian temple

Usage: Refers to ancient Hawaiian temples, which were places of worship, sacrifice, and community gathering. They are considered sacred sites.

Examples

"Visit da old heiau"

"We went visit da heiau up north, was so cool."

"Respect da heiau, brah, it's a sacred place."

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: From the Hawaiian word for 'temple', reflecting the importance of spirituality and ancestral worship in Hawaiian culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "heiau" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"heiau" means "Hawaiian temple" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Refers to ancient Hawaiian temples, which were places of worship, sacrifice, and community gathering. They are considered sacred sites..

How do you pronounce "heiau"?

"heiau" is pronounced "HEY-ow". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "heiau" in a sentence?

Example: "Visit da old heiau"

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Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"Using 'mo' before an adjective creates a comparative, like 'mo bettah' for 'better'."

Local Culture Fact

"Talk story is a local Hawaiian expression for a casual conversation or sharing experiences."

Want to learn more? Check out our Learning Hub or Talk Story with Kimo!

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