As defined in the Ulukau Hawaiian Dictionary , auwe is an interjection used to express a wide spectrum of intense emotions: "Alas! Woe is me!" Wonder and Surprise: "Oh my goodness!"
Often used when observing unfortunate circumstances, such as educational, political, or environmental issues. More Than Words: The Cultural Context
Expressing shock at bad news or a sad situation
It is also used to express shock at ignorance or incompetence.
Historically, auwe was used to mourn for one beloved, functioning as a lamentation. It is an audible sigh of the soul, connecting the speaker to their emotions, their community, and their naʻau (gut/mind/heart), where Hawaiians traditionally believe emotions are centered.
As defined in the Ulukau Hawaiian Dictionary , auwe is an interjection used to express a wide spectrum of intense emotions: "Alas! Woe is me!" Wonder and Surprise: "Oh my goodness!"
Often used when observing unfortunate circumstances, such as educational, political, or environmental issues. More Than Words: The Cultural Context As defined in the Ulukau Hawaiian Dictionary ,
Expressing shock at bad news or a sad situation such as educational
It is also used to express shock at ignorance or incompetence. connecting the speaker to their emotions
Historically, auwe was used to mourn for one beloved, functioning as a lamentation. It is an audible sigh of the soul, connecting the speaker to their emotions, their community, and their naʻau (gut/mind/heart), where Hawaiians traditionally believe emotions are centered.