In Hawaiian, there is no single direct one to one translation for that because choice depends on proximity, emphasis, and sentence context. The two most common equivalents are ēkahi (sometimes written e kahi) for a near speaker item and kēlā for a farther away person, place, or thing near the listener. This relationship explainer clarifies how to say that in Hawaiian, offers pronunciation tips, and shows how distance and focus shape usage so you can communicate with greater accuracy and cultural awareness.
How to Say That in Hawaiian
Hawaiian typically uses two words where English uses that, and the choice depends on the speaker–listener–referent triangle. Use ēkahi for something close to the speaker or being emphasized by the speaker, and kēlā for something closer to the listener or farther from the speaker. Pronunciation tips: the okina ʻ represents a glottal stop, and ā (kahakō) lengthens the vowel, so ēkahi sounds like eh kah hee and kēlā sounds like keh lah with a drawn out e.
Pronunciation and Spelling Notes
- ēkahi — near speaker, may also be written e kahi without the okina between e and kahi.
- kēlā — near listener or farther away; marked with a kahakō on e to indicate vowel length.
- Both terms drop the article nā in everyday usage, and context usually makes plurality clear.
Quick Reference: Which Word for That
| Referent Location | Hawaiian Word | Approximate English Equivalent | Context Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near speaker | ēkahi | this / that (here) | |
| Near listener | kēlā | that (over there) | |
| Far from both | kēlā | that (yonder) |
Examples in Common Phrases and Questions
Because Hawaiian often drops pronouns, ēkahi and kēlā stand in for both that and this depending on context. Below are everyday patterns that show how the term for that behaves in real sentences.
Using ēkahi (Near Speaker, Can Mean This or That)
- ʻO wai kēlā? — Who is that? (asking about a person)
- He ʻukulele ʻēkahi ʻole aku nei. — That is not a ukulele (said by the speaker pointing to something nearby).
- E hana nei au i ʻēkahi ʻana. — I am doing this/that (whatever is at hand).
Using kēlā (Near Listener or Farther Away)
- He ʻai ʻaʻole iā kēlā. — That food is not for them.
- Hiki ana kā kēlā manaʻo? — Can that idea work?
- Aia kēlā ʻoihana ma ke kula ʻo ke kumu. — That business is at the teacher’s school.
Distance, Pointing, and Demonstratives in Practice
Hawaiian does not have separate words for this and that; instead, distance from speaker and listener determines ēkahi versus kēlā. Pointing or orienting toward the object often guides which word to use. If two people are near the same item, kēlā may be used because it is nearer to the listener. In conversation, clarifying questions such as ʻO wai kēlā? (who is that?) or ʻAia ʻēkahi ʻēnei? (is this it?) are common and perfectly acceptable.
Beyond the Simple Translation: Cultural Considerations
Choosing between ēkahi and kēlā can imply where an object or topic sits in relation to people, which makes these words more than grammatical placeholders. In formal oratory and in protocols, precise use of demonstratives supports clarity and respect. English speakers often default to that, but leaning on context, proximity, and gentle clarification builds fluency and avoids miscommunication. Listening for how others refer to distant or nearby items in real situations accelerates accurate usage.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Using this and that as direct one to one swaps without considering speaker–listener distance.
- Overusing ēkahi when the object is clearly closer to the listener; switch to kēlā.
- Forgetting the okina ʻ in kēlā, which changes pronunciation and may confuse listeners.
- Assuming that ēkahi always means this; it can also mean that when the speaker is referring to something near them.
When You Need More Specificity
If context is not enough, Hawaiian adds nearby words or phrases to clarify. You can say kēlā ʻoihana for that business, kēlā ʻai for that food, or ēkahi hou for a new or different one. Possessives such as kā kēlā mākua (that parent) further specify whose item or person is being referenced. These patterns keep the language precise without requiring entirely separate vocabulary for each English demonstrative.
Summary and Takeaways
There is no single word for that in Hawaiian; instead, speakers choose between ēkahi and kēlā based on location relative to speaker and listener. With practice, you will learn to rely on context, pointing, and clarifying questions to convey exactly what you mean. Focus on distance, vowel length, and the cultural nuance of careful reference, and you will build confidence using these terms accurately in everyday Hawaiian conversation.