Aunty, auntie, tutu, and makuahine are all Hawaiian words for aunt. Aunty is the most common term used to address an aunt in English, while auntie and tutu are more informal terms. Makuahine is a more formal term used to address an aunt who is also a blood relative. These terms are used to show respect and affection for one’s aunts, who play an important role in Hawaiian families.
Hawaiian Language: Structure for Aunt
In Hawaiian, the word for aunt varies depending on the gender of the speaker and the gender of the aunt. Here’s a detailed explanation of the structure:
Female Speaker
-
Maternal Aunt:
- Tutu kaikaina (younger sister of mother)
- Tutu wahine (older sister of mother)
-
Paternal Aunt:
- Makoe kaikuwahine (younger sister of father)
- Makoe wahine (older sister of father)
Male Speaker
-
Maternal Aunt:
- Makoe kaikaina (younger sister of mother)
- Makoe wahine (older sister of mother)
-
Paternal Aunt:
- Tutu kaikuwahine (younger sister of father)
- Tutu wahine (older sister of father)
Table Summary:
| Speaker | Maternal Aunt | Paternal Aunt |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Tutu kaikaina/Tutu wahine | Makoe kaikuwahine/Makoe wahine |
| Male | Makoe kaikaina/Makoe wahine | Tutu kaikuwahine/Tutu wahine |
Additional Notes:
- “Kaikuwahine” and “kaikaina” refer to sibling relationships, while “wahine” simply means “woman.”
- The use of “younger” or “older” signifies the relative age of the aunt in relation to the speaker’s parent.
- In some families, the terms “tutu” and “makoe” may be used interchangeably for aunts.
Question 1:
What is the Hawaiian word for “aunt”?
Answer:
The Hawaiian word for “aunt” is “aunty”.
Question 2:
Is there a specific word for “paternal aunt” in Hawaiian?
Answer:
Yes, the specific word for “paternal aunt” in Hawaiian is “makuahine kaikaina”.
Question 3:
How do you use the word “aunty” in a Hawaiian sentence?
Answer:
The word “aunty” is used in a Hawaiian sentence before the aunt’s name or as a term of respect for an older woman. For example, “Aloha aunty Mary” means “Hello, Aunt Mary”.
Mahalo nui loa for reading about the Hawaiian word for “aunt”! I hope you found this article informative. If you enjoyed learning about this Hawaiian term, be sure to check out our website for more Hawaiian language and culture related content. We have a treasure trove of articles and resources that can help you deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Hawaiian language and its unique place in the world. A hui hou! (Until next time!)