Hawaiian Phrase · Culture

Aʻo aku, aʻo mai

Pronunciation: /ah-OH ah-koo, ah-OH mah-ee/

Meaning

Teach and learn; give and take knowledge. This highlights the reciprocal nature of learning and sharing wisdom.

Example sentences

  • Ma ka hale hālāwai, aʻo aku, aʻo mai nā kūpuna i nā ʻōpio i nā moʻolelo a me nā ʻike kahiko.

    In the meeting house, the elders teach and the young learn ancient stories and knowledge.

  • E hoʻomanaʻo mau kākou aʻo aku, aʻo mai i nā mea a pau a mākou e hālāwai ai i ke ola.

    Let us always remember to teach and learn from all that we encounter in life.

  • Ua hoʻokumu ʻia ke kula i mea e pono ai ka aʻo aku, aʻo mai ma waena o nā haumāna a me nā kumu.

    The school was established for the benefit of teaching and learning between students and teachers.

About this word

“Aʻo aku, aʻo mai” is a Hawaiian phrase meaning Teach and learn; give and take knowledge. It is part of the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) vocabulary in the category of Culture. Definitions are based on the Pukui-Elbert Hawaiian Dictionary.

https://hawaiian-words.com/word/ao-aku-ao-mai