Each month, we took a look at the grammar of one Hawaiian proverb (" ʻŌlelo Noʻeau"). Here is the list of the ones we analyzed this year so you can review their wisdom, brush up on the grammar/vocab as needed, and motivate yourself to learn more Hawaiian language in the coming year!
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January:
ʻUmia ka hanu.
Hold the breath.
February:
ʻUmi ka hanu i ka houpo.
Hold back the breath in the chest.
March:
E moni i ke koko o ka inaina, ʻumi ka hanu o ka hoʻomanawanui.
Swallow the blood of wrath and hold the breath of patience.
April:
ʻO ke kahua mamua, mahope ke kūkulu.
The site first, and then the building.
May:
E hana mua a paʻa ke kahua mamua o ke aʻo ʻana aku iā haʻi.
Build yourself a firm foundation before teaching others.
June:
ʻAʻohe loaʻa i ka noho wale.
Nothing is gained by idleness.
July:
Ma ka hana ka ʻike.
In working one learns.
August:
ʻOhi ka manu o ke ao.
The bird of the day reaps its reward.
September:
E hoʻōki i ka hoʻina wale o hōʻino ʻia mai ke kumu.
One should never go home without [some knowledge] lest his teacher be criticized.
October:
ʻUʻuku nō ka ʻuwiki, pipī nō ka ʻā ʻana.
When the wick is small it gives a tiny light.
November:
ʻIke nō i ka lā o ka ʻike; mana nō i ka lā o ka mana.
Know in the day of knowing; mana in the day of mana.
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See you next year for more ʻŌlelo Noʻeau and more content to help you through your Hawaiian language and cultural studies!
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