e ola koke
e ola koke is the Hawaiian way to say get well soon.
This phrase is used to express your hope that someone recovers soon.
Meaning: expressing hope that someone recovers soon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the particle e (expressing a wish or command), ola (to live or be healthy) and koke (quickly or soon).
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle e at the beginning of the phrase functions as a marker for a subjunctive or imperative wish, similar to 'may you…' in English.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian thought, health is tied to mana (spiritual power). A wish for someone to ola can be seen as wishing for their spiritual balance to return.
- The word koke can also be used as a command to 'hurry up' in daily conversation, unrelated to medical recovery.
- The word ola is a cognate of the word for 'life' or 'health' in both Māori and Samoan.
Examples in context
- E ola koke nō.May you get well soon.
Example conversation
Malia visits Ikaika while he is sick in bed.
- MaliaAloha, Ikaika. E ola koke ʻo.Hello, Ikaika. Get well soon.
- IkaikaMahalo, Malia.Thank you, Malia.
- MaliaMakemake au e kōkua.I want to help.
- IkaikaMahalo nui loa.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries koke, ola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
