Yet, However: naʻe

Level 4

Naʻe means yet or however, and it sits after a verb or after ʻaʻole, not at the start of a sentence.

How It Works

Naʻe is a short word with a clear job.

  • After ʻaʻole: ʻaʻole naʻe, “not yet” or “but not”.
  • After a verb, in the middle of a clause: English Wikipedia lists Ua hana naʻe au, “I even worked”.

The reference grammar says naʻe cannot begin a phrase or sentence on its own, so start the clause with another word and put naʻe after it. For a plain “but”, use akā.

Examples (4)

  1. Makemake au e hele, ʻaʻole naʻe hiki iaʻu.

    I want to go, but I cannot yet.

    ʻAʻole naʻe turns away from the first idea.

  2. Ua kāhea au iā ia, ʻaʻole naʻe ʻo ia i pane mai.

    I called him, but he has not answered yet.

    Naʻe sits after ʻaʻole.

  3. Ua hoʻomaka ke kula, ʻaʻole naʻe i hiki mai ke kumu.

    School has started, but the teacher has not arrived yet.

    The result goes against what you expect.

  4. ʻAʻole naʻe i pau ka hana.

    The work is not finished yet.

    A short sentence with naʻe after ʻaʻole.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Yet, However: naʻeLevel 4

Learn This First

Naʻe means “yet” or “however” and is a stronger way to say “but”.