maikaʻi
The Hawaiian word for good is maikaʻi.
maikaʻi is an adjective used to describe something that is pleasant or enjoyable.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Did you know?
- While maikaʻi means 'good', the concept of 'goodness' in a moral or virtuous sense is often expressed through the word pono, which relates to balance and righteousness.
- The word maikaʻi is a linguistic relative of the Māori word maitai used in New Zealand. This shows how the same root concept for 'good' traveled across the vast Pacific Ocean.
- The spelling of maikaʻi includes an ʻokina, the glottal stop. Without this small mark, the pronunciation and the very meaning of the word could change entirely in a conversation.
Examples in context
- ʻAe, maikāʻi loa keia mea.Yes, this thing is really good.
- He manawa ʻono kēia no ka hui ʻana me ka hoaaloha.This is a good time for gathering with friends.
- Maikaʻi kēia mea.This is a good thing.
- He mea maikaʻi ia.That is a pleasant thing.
- Maikaʻi ka hele ʻana.The trip was enjoyable.
Example conversation
Kiana and Kai are talking about a movie they just watched.
- KianaMaikaʻi ka kiĝina?Was the movie good?
- KaiĒ, maikaʻi loa ĝ.Yes, it was very good.
- KianaMaikaʻi ka puka ana?Was the ending pleasant?
- KaiĒ, maikaʻi loa.Yes, very good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maikaʻi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
