meaʻai maikaʻi
In Hawaiian, the phrase for "good food" is meaʻai maikaʻi.
The phrase meaʻai maikaʻi is used to describe food that is of high quality or tastes pleasant. While this phrase describes the food itself, you might also encounter the word 'ono to specifically express that something is delicious or tasty.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of meaʻai, meaning food and maikaʻi, meaning good.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, the adjective maikaʻi follows the noun meaʻai that it modifies.
Did you know?
- While meaʻai maikaʻi describes quality, the word 'ono is so central to eating that it is also the name of a prized game fish in Hawaii, often called the wahoo.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the concept of 'good food' often included the spiritual power called mana, where the quality of a meal depended on the intention and spirit of the cook.
- Historically, the 'best' or 'good' foods were often reserved for the aliʻi or nobility, with strict laws called kapu governing who could eat certain high-quality ingredients.
Examples in context
- He 'ai 'ono kēia!This is delicious food!
- He meaʻai maikaʻi kēia.This is good food.
- Makemake au i ka meaʻai maikaʻi.I want good food.
Example conversation
Noelani and Ikaika are eating lunch together.
- NoelaniʻOia au, he meaʻai maikaʻi kēia!I agree, this is good food!
- IkaikaʻAe, ua hana ia me ke aloha.Yes, it was made with love.
- NoelaniHe aha kou meaʻai maikaʻi i i mua?What was your favorite good food before?
- IkaikaʻO ka kalua pig ka mea meaʻai maikaʻi loa.Kalua pig is the best good food.
