mahalo
/maˈha.lo/
The English phrase for gratitude in Hawaiian is mahalo.
mahalo is used to express the state of being grateful.
Meaning: state of being grateful (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /maˈha.lo/.
Did you know?
- The word mahalo shares an ancient root with the Tagalog word masarap, which means 'delicious'.
- In a historical context, mahalo was used to describe a state of being praised or honored by others, not just the act of feeling thankful.
- There is a common cultural practice of pairing the word mahalo with a slight nod or a hand placed over the heart to emphasize sincerity.
Examples in context
- Ua nui ka mahalo.The gratitude was great.
- He mahalo kēia i ka ʻāina.This is gratitude to the land.
Example conversation
Leilani and Ikaika are talking about their morning.
- LeilaniIkaika, ua hoʻomaka ʻoe i kou lā me ka mahalo?Ikaika, did you start your day with gratitude?
- IkaikaʻAe, Leilani, ua hana au.Yes, Leilani, I did.
- LeilaniUa kōkua iaʻu e lōlelo i ka mahalo.It helped me to express gratitude.
- IkaikaHe manaʻo maikaʻi kēlā.That is a good thought.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mahalo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mahalo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
