Contionary:kaukaʻi

Kiwi

Alternative forms

(Kiwi Devanagari)

Etymology

Ultimately from Proto-Rana *kaṃukapə, 'singing bird'. From the roots √kṃ ('to sing') and √kp ('bird').

Pronunciation

(Kiwi) IPA: /qɑuqɑˈʔɪ/

Noun

kaukaʻi c1 (plural nominative kikaukaʻi)

1. A songbird, a bird famous for its song.

   Ahī kanāti kaukaʻi.

   Thus sang the songbird.

2. A singer, human or otherwise.
3. A beautiful girl.

Usage notes

This is an informal Kiwi noun. It should not be used with people of superior social status, but only your peers.

Synonyms

• pāleʻe - (formal) songbird