kanaka
Meaning: Hawaiian person
Usage: "Kanaka" is a term used to refer to a Native Hawaiian person. It's a term of respect and identity, representing the indigenous people of Hawai'i and their connection to the land and culture.
"He one kanaka"
"She one proud kanaka, always talkin' 'bout her heritage."
"Da kanaka people, dey take care da land."
Origin: The word "kanaka" is of Polynesian origin and means "human being." It was adopted into Hawaiian and Pidgin to refer to people of Hawaiian ancestry.
What does "kanaka" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"kanaka" means "Hawaiian person" in Hawaiian Pidgin. "Kanaka" is a term used to refer to a Native Hawaiian person. It's a term of respect and identity, representing the indigenous people of Hawai'i and their connection to the land and culture..
How do you pronounce "kanaka"?
"kanaka" is pronounced "kah-NAH-kah". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "kanaka" in a sentence?
Example: "He one kanaka"
hapa haole
part white, half white, half Caucasian
kahuna
expert, priest
kamaaina
local resident, child of the land, longtime resident, native-born
kāne
man, husband, male
tūtū
grandmother, grandfather, grandparent, grandma, grandpa, old lady
wahine
woman
"Plurals in Pidgin are often formed by adding 'them' or 'dem' after the noun (e.g., 'The boy dem')."
"The shaka sign (🤙) is a common gesture in Hawaii expressing the 'Aloha Spirit'."
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