paikikala
The Hawaiian word for bicycle is paikikala.
paikikala is used to refer to the vehicle known as a bicycle.
Meaning: vehicle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word paikikala is a loanword adapted from the English word 'bicycle' to fit Hawaiian phonology.
Did you know?
- The word paikikala is a close relative of the Māori word paihikara. Both languages adapted the English 'bicycle' using similar phonetic patterns across the Polynesian triangle.
- While paikikala refers to the modern vehicle, traditional Hawaiian transport relied on walking or canoeing, meaning the language had to evolve rapidly to name mechanical inventions.
- The word paikikala follows a strict Hawaiian rule where every consonant must be followed by a vowel. Because 'bicycle' has clusters like 'cl', Hawaiian adds 'i' and 'a' to make it pronounceable.
Examples in context
- He paikikala hou kēia.This is a new bicycle.
- E hoʻohana i ka paikikala.Use the bicycle.
Example conversation
Leilani and Kai are talking about how to get to the beach.
- LeilaniE hele kāua me ka paikikala.Let's go by bicycle.
- KaiʻAʻole loa, ua haumānaʻoʻu ka paikikala.Not at all, I forgot the bicycle.
- LeilaniHiki iā kami e hoʻohana i kēlā paikikala.We can use that bicycle.
- KaiʻAe, he paikikala maikaʻi kēlā.Yes, that is a good bicycle.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paikikala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
