How to Say “Bad Luck” in Hawaiian

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pakalaki
The Hawaiian word for bad luck is pakalaki.
pakalaki is a noun used to refer to misfortune.
Meaning: misfortune (noun)

Did you know?

  • Because Hawaiian lacks certain consonant clusters, the English 'bad luck' became 'pa-ka-la-ki' to ensure every syllable ends in a vowel.
  • In Hawaiian culture, luck is often linked to 'mana', a spiritual energy or power, so 'bad luck' can imply a loss or depletion of one's 'mana'.
  • In some contexts, bad luck might be attributed to 'kapu', a system of sacred prohibitions, where breaking a rule brings misfortune.

Examples in context

  • Nāmaika'i 'ole.
    While playing cards, John realized he had a bad hand and muttered, "Nāmaika'i 'ole."
  • He pakalaki kēia.
    This is bad luck.

Example conversation

Koa and Malia are talking about a lost wallet.

  1. Koa

    Ula, ua nalowau kou wallet.
    Malia, your wallet is gone.
  2. Malia

    He pakalaki kēia!
    This is bad luck!
  3. Koa

    E nōho calm, Koa.
    Stay calm, Koa.
  4. Malia

    E kōkua mai iaʻu.
    Please help me.
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Donna Vivian
Donna VivianHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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