waiūpaka
Butter in Hawaiian is waiūpaka. Wiktionary also lists paka.
Meaning: soft foodstuff made from milk (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hawaiian | IPA |
|---|---|
| waiūpaka | |
| paka | /ˈpa.ka/ |
The word refers to the soft foodstuff made from milk.
What does it mean word for word?
The word waiūpaka is a compound of waiū (milk) and paka (to pack or a type of fat/paste), literally meaning 'packed milk'.
Which one should you use?
While waiūpaka is the full term, paka is a common shortened form used in everyday speech.
Did you know?
- The word paka is actually an English loanword, derived from the English word 'butter'.
- Native Hawaiians historically had no word for 'butter' because cows and dairy farming were not introduced to the islands until the late 18th century.
- While paka means 'butter' in a culinary context, the Hawaiian language uses different terms for natural fats or oils found in indigenous plants.
Example sentences for Hawaiian are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Kiana and Keanu are eating breakfast together.
- KianaKeanu, e huki mai i ka waiūpaka.Keanu, pass me the butter.
- KeanuĚġ ĚġĚ ka waiūpaka ma kona pili.The butter is right next to you.
- KianaĚġ, ua nānā Ěġ au.Oh, I saw it.
- KeanuHe ĚġĚ kĚ ka waiūpaka.That butter is cold.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butter” translations and entries waiūpaka, paka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paka, waiūpaka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
