kupuna

See also: kūpuna

English

Etymology

From Hawaiian kupuna.

Noun

kupuna (plural na kupuna or kupuna or kupunas)

1. A grandparent or elder.
   • 2001, Andrew Matzner, O Au No Keia: Voices from Hawaii's Mahu and Transgender Communities:

     That's why, according to my kupunas, the chiefs had these male lovers. They were there to be with the chiefs as a friend and companion.

Hawaiian

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kuˈpu.na/, [kuˈpu.nə]

Noun

kupuna (irregular plural kūpuna)

1. grandparent
2. ancestor

Synonyms

• (grandparent): tūtū

Swahili

Verb

kupuna (verbal noun of the ku class)

1. infinitive of -puna