• progressive ke...nei merged with verb
• implied copula
• title merged
💭 Learning Tip
The 'ʻO' equational pattern is fundamental to Hawaiian and quite different from English. To understand it, think of it as placing an equals sign between two noun phrases: 'ʻO [noun phrase 1] [noun phrase 2]' means '[noun phrase 2] is [noun phrase 1].' Practice identifying which element is being defined (ka ola) and what it's being equated to (ka ʻeha). The vocative 'e + noun' pattern is also essential for learning how to address people directly in Hawaiian - try substituting different titles: 'e ke kumu' (O teacher), 'e ke aloha' (O beloved one).
• implied relative pronoun
• merged
💭 Learning Tip
This sentence is advanced because it requires understanding relative clauses without explicit relative pronouns. Notice how 'ka mea ʻōlelo ʻē' creates 'the person [who] speaks differently' just by placing the verb after the noun - Hawaiian uses position and context rather than words like 'who' or 'which.' The directional 'ala' is subtle but important - it suggests motion away from the speaker, adding nuance to 'kūʻai.' Practice breaking this into two simpler sentences first: 'O ka mea ʻōlelo ʻē' (It's the person speaking differently) and 'Ke kūʻai ala ia' (They are selling), then combine them as you gain confidence with clause linking.
💭 Learning Tip
Start by identifying the ke...nei frame around the verb - this tells you an action is in progress. The 'hoʻo-' prefix is very productive in Hawaiian and turns many words into causative verbs, so learning to recognize it will unlock many new vocabulary words. Notice how 'i' marks the object of the emotional action - this preposition often introduces what emotions or actions are directed toward. Practice this pattern by substituting different emotions: 'Ke hoʻoʻoluʻolu nei ʻoe i koʻu naʻau' (You're comforting my heart).