emman
The Marshallese word for good (in the sense of pleasant or enjoyable) is emman.
The word emman is an adjective used to describe something that is pleasant or enjoyable.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Did you know?
- Marshallese does not use a single word for 'good' in the way English does, instead splitting the concept into 'pleasant' emman, 'virtuous' lōj, and 'correct' jōr.
- Because Marshallese is an Austronesian language, the word emman shares an ancient, distant ancestry with words for 'good' found in Malay and Tagalog.
- The pronunciation of emman involves a specific emphasis on the double 'm' sound that is much more elongated and heavy than the English 'm' in 'hammer'.
Examples in context
- Emman iien m̧an.It is a good time.
Example conversation
Rose and John are talking about a meal.
- RoseEmi emman kōmman?Is it good?
- JohnIō, emman.Yes, it's good.
- RoseIakwe, emman mōn.Dear, it's very pleasant.
- JohnKajūrō, Rose.Thank you, Rose.
