Ke and ka are used before nouns in Hawaiian to indicate "the". Ke is used before nouns starting with K, E, A or O, while ka is used before all other nouns. There are some exceptions to this rule where ka or ke is used instead. Nā is the plural form of ka and ke, so nā is used before plural nouns like "the flowers" or "the teachers".

1. KEAO HAW 101

2. Ka/ke is used before a noun even if there is no English equivalent. Ke is used before all words that begin with K, E, A or O. Ka should be used when ke is not appropriate. Ke : the (used before words beginning with K, E, A or O, with some exceptions). Ka : the (used before all other words, with some exceptions).

3. ke k oa warrior ka pua flower ke e a spirit of life ka hana work ke a loha love ka ua rain ke o la life ka manu bird NĀ LA`ANA

4. USING KA/KE W/ `OKINA

5. EXCEPTIONS TO THE KEAO RULE Exceptions include, but are not limited to the following: ke `eke bag, purse ke pākaukau table ke `oki cut ke poho chalk ke `ano type, kind, nature ke pola bowl ke pā plate ke po`o head ke `ō fork ke `ala fragrance

6. NĀ: THE (plural) Nā” is the plural form of “ka” and “ke.” In other words, nā is used for “the (plural),” as in the following examples: Helukahi (singular) Helunui (plural) ka pua the flower nā pua the flowers ke kumu the teacher nā kumu the teachers ka `īlio the dog nā `īlio the dogs ke ka`a the car nā ka`a the cars