Hands showing different types of possession relationships

Possession and Relationships

The Deep Wisdom of A-Class and O-Class

Jade Kawanui, Hawaiian language expert

Written by a Hawaiian Language Expert

Jade Kawanui

The 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?

šŸ“ø Image Placeholder

Split image showing personal items (family photo, body parts) versus acquired items (car, tools)

A-Class (kāu, kaŹ»u)

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, koŹ»u)

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 kaŹ»a (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)

šŸ” Quick Reference

A-Class
Control, create, choose
kāu, kaŹ»u
O-Class
Identity, inherent
kou, koŹ»u

šŸ‘„ 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

šŸ’” Cultural Insight

The possession system reflects Hawaiian values of relationships and responsibility. It's not about ownership but about connection and kuleana (responsibility).

šŸ“š Study Guide

ā† Grammar Next: History & Revival ā†’

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 kaŹ»a" (your car) - because you control it, you can sell it

O-Class: "kou kaŹ»a" (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 listsā€”it's about understanding the Hawaiian way of thinking about relationships, responsibility, and identity.