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Possession and Relationships
The Deep Wisdom of A-Class and O-Class
Written by a Hawaiian Language Expert
Jade KawanuiThe Deep Wisdom of A-Class and O-Class
Here's where Hawaiian gets really interesting. We have two ways to show possession, and the choice reveals your relationship with what you possess.
This system forces you to think about your relationship with everything. Is that car just transportation you control, or has it become part of who you are?
A-Class (kāu, kaʻu)
For things you control, create, or choose:
- Your car (if you can sell it)
- Your spouse
- Your children
- Food you're about to eat
- Plans you make
O-Class (kou, koʻu)
For things that are part of your identity:
- Your body parts
- Your name
- Your parents
- Your land or house
- Clothes you wear
Examples in Action
A-Class Examples:
- kāu kaʻa (your car - you control it)
- kāu keiki (your child - you're responsible)
- kāu ai (your food - you'll consume it)
O-Class Examples:
- kou lima (your hand - part of your body)
- kou inoa (your name - defines you)
- kou makuahine (your mother - family)
🔍 Quick Reference
👥 We, Us, Ours
- Kāua you and me (just us two)
- Māua me and someone else (not you)
- Kākou all of us together (including you)
- Mākou us, but not you
💡 Cultural Insight
The possession system reflects Hawaiian values of relationships and responsibility. It's not about ownership but about connection and kuleana (responsibility).
📚 Study Guide
We, Us, and Ours: Including Everyone
Hawaiian has four different words for "we," and you must choose the right one:
Kāua
You and me (just us two)
"Let's go together, you and I."
Māua
Me and someone else (not you)
"My friend and I went" (but you weren't there).
Kākou
All of us together (including you)
"Aloha kākou" - everyone present is included
Mākou
Us, but not you
"We'll discuss this later" (excluding the listener)
The Power of Inclusion
When someone says "Aloha kākou," they're deliberately including everyone present in that aloha. It's impossible to be vague about who belongs to your group. This precision creates instant community and clear relationships.
Practice with Real Examples
Scenario: Talking to your spouse about your car
A-Class: "kāu kaʻa" (your car) - because you control it, you can sell it
O-Class: "kou kaʻa" (your car) - if it's become part of your identity, your daily life
Scenario: Talking about clothes
A-Class: "kāu lole" (your clothes) - if you're choosing what to wear
O-Class: "kou lole" (your clothes) - the clothes you're wearing now, part of how you present yourself
Scenario: Family relationships
Always O-Class: kou makuahine (your mother), kou keiki (your child when referring to family relationship)
Can be A-Class: kāu keiki (your child when referring to responsibility/care)
Remember: Context is Key
The same object can be A-class or O-class depending on your relationship with it at that moment. This isn't about memorizing lists—it's about understanding the Hawaiian way of thinking about relationships, responsibility, and identity.