pōmaikaʻi
The Hawaiian word for blessed is pōmaikaʻi.
pōmaikaʻi is an adjective used to describe someone or something that possesses divine aid, protection or another form of blessing.
Meaning: having divine aid, or protection, or other blessing (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word hoʻomaikaʻi means blessed or to bless.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, a person's 'pōmaikaʻi' could be perceived as a physical force or energy that others could experience or even benefit from by being near them.
- While pōmaikaʻi describes a state of being blessed, adding the prefix hoʻo creates the verb hoʻomaikaʻi, which is used to congratulate someone on an achievement.
- The pronunciation of the 'okina in pōmaikaʻi acts as a distinct consonant, meaning the word's rhythm is shaped by a glottal stop that an English speaker might overlook.
Examples in context
- He pōmaikaʻi kēia kula.This school is blessed.
- He luahine pōmaikaʻi ʻo ia.She is a blessed woman.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Malia are talking about their new home.
- IkaikaHe pōmaikaʻi kēia hale hou.This new house is blessed.
- MaliaʻAe, he mea pōmaikaʻi kēia.Yes, this is a blessing.
- IkaikaE loaʻa iā kākou ka pōmaikaʻi.May we have the blessing.
- MaliaʻAe, e Ikaika.Yes, Ikaika.
