Wehewehe Wikiwiki Hawaiian language dictionaries

1. n., A large, black, edible crab (Grapsus grapsus tenuicrustatus) that runs over shore rocks.

• Examples:
  • ʻAʻama kua lenalena, rock crab with yellow back; figuratively, swift, strong warrior.
• References:
  • PPN kamakama.

2. vi., To spread and relax, as the fingers.

• Related:
  • The ʻaʻama crab was offered in sacrifices so that the gods would loosen (aʻama) and grant the request.

3. Reduplication of ʻama #1; to talk.

To steal, pilfer.

Motion of the hands as a person tries to seize hold of something, as a crab scampering down a steep rock; large black crab, edible, living on a rocky shore.

Edible black crab (Grapsus tenuicrustatus) that lives among the shore rocks.

Person who speaks rapidly, concealing from one person and communicating to another; talkative; tattling. He waha ʻama iā haʻi, a mouth revealing secrets to others.