honua

Hawaiian

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /hoˈnu.a/, [hoˈnu.wə]

Etymology 1

From Proto-Polynesian *fenua, from Proto-Central Pacific *vanua, from Proto-Oceanic *panua, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *banua. Doublet of henua.

Noun

honua

1. land
3. earth

   Ua haʻalele ka moku ahikao īa honua i nehinei.

   The rocket ship left Earth yesterday.

4. world

Derived terms

• hoʻohonua (causative/simulative)
• una honua (“tectonic plate”)

Verb

honua

1. (stative) basic, fundamental

Etymology 2

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Adverb

honua

1. suddenly, abruptly and without reason

Derived terms

• hele honua (“to go suddenly”)
• kūhonua (“suddenly struck”)

References

• Pukui, Mary Kawena; Elbert, Samuel H. (1986), “honua”, in Hawaiian Dictionary, Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, →ISBN