huʻihuʻi
/ˌhu.ʔiˈhu.ʔi/
The English word chill can be translated into Hawaiian as huʻihuʻi.
This term is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is calm, relaxed or easygoing.
Meaning: calm, relaxed, easygoing (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
On Hawaii Island (Big Island), locals may use the phrase mālie to convey the meaning of chill and describe a state of tranquility.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables: /ˌhu.ʔiˈhu.ʔi/. The stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, huʻihuʻi can actually mean 'agitated' or 'upset', making it the polar opposite of the English slang 'chill'.
- In Hawaiian, the 'okina in huʻihuʻi is not just a symbol but represents a glottal stop, a physical break in the sound similar to the middle of 'uh-oh'.
- The word huʻihuʻi is formed through reduplication, which is a common feature in Hawaiian used to intensify a meaning or indicate a repeated action.
Example conversation
Keanu and Malia are talking about a new coworker.
- KeanuHe huʻihuʻi nai ka mea hana hou?Is the new worker chill?
- MaliaʻAe, huʻihuʻi loa ʻo ia.Yes, he is very relaxed.
- KeanuMaikaʻi kēlā.That is good.
- MaliaE huʻihuʻi kākou i kēlā lā.Let's all be chill that day.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry huʻihuʻi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries huʻihuʻi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
