ʻā

See also: ā, ā-, and Appendix:Variations of "a"

Hawaiian

Etymology 1

From Proto-Polynesian *kaha (“to burn”). Cognates include Rapa Nui kā and Maori kā.

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /ˈʔaː/

Noun

ʻā

1. fire, burning
2. aa lava

Related terms

• ʻaʻā

Verb

ʻā

1. (intransitive) to burn

Etymology 2

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “t”)

Verb

ʻā

1. (transitive) to drive (animals)
2. (transitive) to dare (someone to do something)

Etymology 3

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

Alternative forms

• ʻaʻa
• ʻāʻā

Noun

ʻā

2. booby indigenous to Hawaii

Etymology 4

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

Noun

ʻā

1. young damselfish

Etymology 5

Interjection

ʻā

1. Ah!, Oh!, Well!

Etymology 6

Noun

ʻā

1. The name of the Latin-script letter A/a.

References

• Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H. (1957) “ʻā”, in English–Hawaiian Dictionary. In Nā Puke Wehewehe ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi‎^[1], 2003.