pau
In Hawaiian, the English phrase "done" is translated as pau.
The word pau is used to indicate that a task, an event or a period of time has concluded. It can mean finished, done or ended.
Meaning: expresses that a task has been completed (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something has become finished or is currently in a state of being done, the particle ua is often used before pau to form the phrase ua pau.
Did you know?
- Because pau is so versatile, it can be used to end a sentence abruptly to show that no more discussion is needed on a topic.
- The word pau can be used to describe a person who is exhausted or 'done' in a physical or emotional sense, rather than just a task.
- The word pau shares a common ancestor with the Samoan word pau, which also means 'end' or 'stop'.
Examples in context
- 'Ua mālama 'ia ka hana.The task has been taken care of.
- Ua pau ka hana.The work is finished.
- Pau ka hana.The work is done.
Example conversation
Malia and Keanu are cleaning up after a small meal.
- MaliaKeanu, ua pau ka mea ʻai?Keanu, is the food finished?
- KeanuʻAe, ua pau ka mea ʻai.Yes, the food is finished.
- MaliaPau ka hana?Is the work done?
- KeanuPau loa!It is completely done!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
