🌺 Hawaiian phrases

How to Say "No" in Hawaiian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
ʻaʻole
"No" in Hawaiian · say it like ah-oh-leh

The most natural way to say "No" in Hawaiian is ʻaʻole. 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

ʻaʻole hoʻi
used for emphasis or to agree with a negative statement
ʻaʻole i kēia manawa
means 'not at this time', used in specific contexts

When to use it

Use 'ʻaʻole' when you want to express disagreement or negation. It can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal situations. It is a fundamental word in Hawaiian language, so it is important to use it correctly.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "No" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Hawaiian

HawaiianEnglish
E ʻoluʻolu, ʻaʻole e noho pū me mākou.Please, no, do not stay with us.
ʻAʻole au e ʻike i ka mea.I do not see the thing.
Common mistake
A common mistake is to use 'no' in contexts where 'ʻaʻole' is needed, as they are not interchangeable.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear ʻaʻole, 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

Can 'ʻaʻole' be used in questions?

'Aʻole' can be used in questions to indicate a negative response.

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