How do you say happy birthday to you in Hawaiian?

Hawaiian is a Polynesian language that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a beautiful and rich language with a unique phonetic structure and vocabulary. When it comes to expressing well-wishes and greetings, Hawaiian has its own special way of doing so. One of the most common phrases you might come across when looking to express "Happy Birthday" in Hawaiian is "Hau`oli la hanau."

Before we delve into the translation and the cultural significance of this phrase, let's first understand the basics of the Hawaiian language. Hawaiian, like many Polynesian languages, is characterized by a system of vowels and consonants that differ from those in English. One of the unique aspects of Hawaiian is the use of glottal stops and the `okina, which is represented by the reverse apostrophe (`) and signifies a pause similar to the one in the word "Hau`oli."

Now, let's break down the phrase "Hau`oli la hanau":

- Hau`oli: This word is a combination of two parts, "hau" which means "to be good" or "to do good," and "oli" which is a chant or a form of greeting. When put together, "Hau`oli" is a common way to say "good" or "happy" in Hawaiian.
- La hanau: The word "hanau" translates to "to be born" or "birth." The "la" is a particle that can be used to denote a day, similar to how "day" is used in the phrase "birthday."

So, when you combine these two parts, "Hau`oli la hanau" literally translates to "Happy day of being born" or more idiomatically, "Happy Birthday."

It's important to note that language is not just about the words but also the culture and the context in which they are used. In Hawaiian culture, the celebration of a person's birth is a joyous occasion, and the phrase "Hau`oli la hanau" captures the essence of this celebration by wishing the person a day that is as joyous and blessed as the day they were born.

When using this phrase, it's also worth considering the following:


1. Pronunciation: The Hawaiian language has a distinct sound, and pronouncing "Hau`oli la hanau" correctly can enhance the sincerity of your greeting. The glottal stop in "Hau`oli" is a momentary pause in the middle of the word, and the word "hanau" should be pronounced with a slight emphasis on the second syllable.


2. Cultural Sensitivity: While it's a beautiful phrase, it's always good to be respectful when using phrases from another culture. Make sure the context is appropriate and that you're using the phrase to genuinely convey your good wishes.


3. Alternative Phrases: There may be other ways to say "Happy Birthday" in Hawaiian, but "Hau`oli la hanau" is the most widely recognized and accepted translation.

In conclusion, "Hau`oli la hanau" is a warm and meaningful way to wish someone a happy birthday in Hawaiian. It's a phrase that not only conveys the message of happiness and celebration but also reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people.

So, how do you say --happy birthday-- in Hawaiian? It's hau`oli la hanau.Dec 3, 2012