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    5. Kupuna
    Artistic representation of Kupuna
    Hawaiian•
    🇺🇸United States

    Kupuna

    /koo-POO-nah/

    Meaning

    Kupuna is a deeply cherished Hawaiian term that refers to elders, ancestors, and grandparents. It embodies a profound respect for wisdom, experience, and the lineage of a family or community. This term goes beyond mere age, encompassing the spiritual and cultural connection to those who came before, serving as a living link to the past and a source of guidance for the present. The concept of Kupuna highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships and the passing down of traditional knowledge and values.

    Literal Translation

    Elder, ancestor, grandparent

    How It's Used

    Used to refer to elders, grandparents, and ancestors within Hawaiian culture, often invoked in discussions about family, tradition, and community guidance.

    Emotions
    belonging,gratitude
    Contexts
    community,family,greeting,tradition
    🇺🇸United States

    by Sofia Rossi·Written Mar 10, 2026·Updated Apr 3, 2026

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