maikaʻi pōmaikaʻi
The Hawaiian phrase for "best of luck" is maikaʻi pōmaikaʻi.
maikaʻi pōmaikaʻi is a phrase used to wish someone success or good fortune in a future endeavor.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, luck is often viewed as a result of 'mana', a spiritual power or essence that can inhabit people and objects.
- The ʻ in maikaʻi is called an ‘okina and represents a glottal stop, a brief catch in the throat similar to the sound in the English word 'uh-oh'.
- The word maikaʻi shares a common ancestor with the Tahitian maitaʻi and Māori maitai.
Example conversation
Kiana is saying goodbye to Koa before his big test.
- KianaKeia ka lā e hoʻāʻo ai ʻoe.This is the day you take the test.
- KoaʻAe, ua mākaukau au.Yes, I am ready.
- KianaMaikaʻi pōmaikaʻi, e Koa!Best of luck, Koa!
- KoaMahalo nui, Kiana.Thank you very much, Kiana.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maikaʻi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
