🌺 Hawaiian phrases

How to Say "I don't understand" in Hawaiian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Aʻole maopopo iaʻu
"I don't understand" in Hawaiian · say it like ah-oh-leh mah-oh-poh-poh ee-ah-oo

The most natural way to say "I don't understand" in Hawaiian is Aʻole maopopo iaʻu. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Aʻole au i ʻike
Used when referring to not seeing or knowing something
Aʻole hiki iaʻu ke ʻike
More formal, often used in written contexts

When to use it

Use this phrase when someone is explaining something and you are confused. It can be used in both casual and formal situations. It is polite to ask for clarification when you do not understand.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I don't understand" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Hawaiian

HawaiianEnglish
Aʻole maopopo iaʻu ke ʻano o kēia ʻōlelo.I don't understand the meaning of this word.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this phrase with 'Aʻole' which means 'no' and does not convey confusion.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Aʻole maopopo iaʻu, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Hawaiian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

How can I ask someone to explain something again?

You can say 'E ʻoluʻolu, e hoʻomaopopo mai.' which means 'Please explain again.'

Learn Hawaiian by speaking it

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