Translation guide
How to refer to the Hawaiian language, people, culture, and things from Hawaii in Japanese.
Referring to the Hawaiian language.
Standard term for the Hawaiian language. Commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.
ハワイ語を勉強しています。
I'm studying Hawaiian.
In Hawaiian, 'thank you' is 'mahalo'.
Literally 'the language of Hawaii'. A more descriptive phrase, often used when introducing the concept.
ハワイの言葉には独特の響きがあります。
The Hawaiian language has a unique sound.
Referring to a person who is from Hawaii or of Hawaiian descent.
The most common and natural way to say 'a Hawaiian person' or 'people from Hawaii'. It does not necessarily specify ethnicity.
彼はハワイの人です。
He is Hawaiian.
ハワイの人はとても親切でした。
The Hawaiian people were very kind.
Loanword from English 'Hawaiian'. Often used in compound words or to describe culture, but can refer to people, especially in a cultural or ethnic sense.
彼女はハワイアンの血を引いています。
She has Hawaiian blood.
Literally 'a person from Hawaii'. Emphasizes origin rather than ethnicity. Useful when clarifying someone's hometown.
ハワイ出身の人と友達になりました。
I became friends with someone from Hawaii.
Describing something as being from or characteristic of Hawaii (e.g., culture, food, music).
The standard way to say 'Hawaiian [something]'. Simply attach ハワイの to the noun.
ハワイの音楽が好きです。
I like Hawaiian music.
ハワイの伝統料理を食べました。
I ate traditional Hawaiian food.
Used as an adjective in loanword compounds, e.g., ハワイアンミュージック (Hawaiian music), ハワイアンフード (Hawaiian food). Common in commercial or casual contexts.
ハワイアンキルトを習っています。
I'm learning Hawaiian quilting.
The word 'ハワイ人' (Hawaii-jin) is not commonly used and may sound unnatural. Use 'ハワイの人' or 'ハワイ出身の人' instead.