Master Hawaiian Grammar: This, That, These, Those

Master Hawaiian Grammar: This, That, These, Those

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Singular Demonstratives
   1. This as a kai
   2. This as a papani
   3. That when near the person being spoken to as a kai
   4. That when near the person being spoken to as a papani
   5. That when far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to as a kai
   6. That when far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to as a papani
3. Plural Demonstratives
   1. These as a kai
   2. These as a papani
   3. Those when near the person being spoken to as a kai
   4. Those when near the person being spoken to as a papani
   5. Those when far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to as a kai
   6. Those when far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to as a papani
4. Conclusion

The Hawaiian Words for "This" and "That"

In the Hawaiian language, just like in English, we use demonstratives to specify which object we are referring to. Demonstratives like "this" and "that" can help indicate the location of an object relative to the speaker. In this video, we will explore the Hawaiian words for "this" and "that" and how to use them in different contexts. We will also discuss singular and plural demonstratives. Let's dive in!

Introduction

The Hawaiian language, like many others, has specific words for demonstrating the location of an object in relation to the speaker. In English, we use the words "this" and "that" to indicate proximity or distance. In Hawaiian, the words for "this" and "that" are more nuanced. We have singular demonstratives that indicate the location of an object relative to the speaker and the person being spoken to. We also have plural demonstratives for indicating multiple objects. Let's explore these demonstratives in more detail.

Singular Demonstratives

This as a kai In Hawaiian, the word for "this" when the object is near the speaker is "keia". For example, if you want to say "this book" in Hawaiian, you would say "keia puke".

This as a papani When the word "this" is used as a stand-alone pronoun, it becomes "heia", which can act as both the subject and object of a sentence. For example, you can say "This is a book" as "Heia ke puke".

That when near the person being spoken to as a kai In Hawaiian, the word for "that" when the object is near the person being spoken to is "kena". For instance, if you see a book near your friend Mary and want to say "I want that book", you would say "Makau ke puke".

That when near the person being spoken to as a papani When used as a stand-alone pronoun, "that" becomes "kela". For example, you can say "That is a flower" as "Kela ka pua".

That when far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to as a kai The word for "that" when the object is far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to is "kela". For instance, if you see a book across the room from both you and Mary and want to say "I want that book", you would say "Makela ke puke".

That when far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to as a papani When used as a stand-alone pronoun, "that" remains "kela". For example, you can say "That is a child over there" as "Kela ka keiki".

Plural Demonstratives

These as a kai In Hawaiian, the word for "these" as a kai is "kema". For example, if you want to say "these books" in Hawaiian, you would say "Kema na puke".

These as a papani When used as a stand-alone pronoun, "these" remains "kema". For example, you can say "These are books" as "Kema na puke".

Those when near the person being spoken to as a kai The word for "those" when the objects are near the person being spoken to is "kema". For instance, if there are two flowers near Mary and you want to say "I want those flowers", you would say "Makema na pua".

Those when near the person being spoken to as a papani When used as a stand-alone pronoun, "those" remains "kema". For example, you can say "Those are flowers" as "Kema na pua".

Those when far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to as a kai The word for "those" when the objects are far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to is "kela". For instance, if you see five flowers far from both you and Mary and want to say "I want those flowers", you would say "Makela na pua".

Those when far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to as a papani When used as a stand-alone pronoun, "those" remains "kela". For example, you can say "Those are children over there" as "Kela na keiki".

Conclusion

In Hawaiian, we have singular and plural demonstratives to indicate the location of objects relative to the speaker and the person being spoken to. The words for "this" and "that" change depending on the proximity of the object. By understanding and using these demonstratives correctly, you can express yourself more accurately in Hawaiian and enhance your language skills. Mahalo for joining us on this language journey!

Highlights

• Hawaiian has specific words for demonstratives, such as "this" and "that".
• The words for "this" and "that" change based on proximity.
• Singular demonstratives include "keia" (this) and "kena" (that).
• Plural demonstratives include "kema" (these) and "kela" (those).
• Demonstratives can be used as both determiners and stand-alone pronouns.
• Understanding and using demonstratives accurately is important for clear communication in Hawaiian.

FAQ

Q: What are the Hawaiian words for "this" and "that" when the object is neither near the speaker nor the person being spoken to? A: In Hawaiian, the word for "that" when the object is neither near the speaker nor the person being spoken to is "kela". For example, you can say "That is a child over there" as "Kela ke keiki ma'u nei".

Q: Can I use the same word for "this" and "that" when referring to a plural noun? A: No, when referring to a plural noun, you use different words for "this" and "that" in Hawaiian. "These" is "kema", and "those" is "kela".

Q: Are there any exceptions or irregularities in using demonstratives in Hawaiian? A: No, the rules for using demonstratives in Hawaiian are consistent. However, context and other elements of the sentence may provide additional information about the plurality of objects.