hana maikaʻi
The Hawaiian phrase for "great job" is hana maikaʻi.
You use hana maikaʻi to praise someone's performance or the quality of a completed task.
Meaning: well done, congrats! (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hana (work/job) and maikaʻi (good/fine), literally meaning "good work".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase hana maikaʻi does not change its form when referring to multiple jobs or tasks.
Did you know?
- The word hana can also mean 'to bloom' or 'to blossom' in Hawaiian. This creates a poetic overlap where 'good work' can evoke the image of a flower opening.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, hana is not just a task but can encompass the spiritual essence of the effort put into a craft. Praising someone with hana maikaʻi acknowledges both the result and the spirit behind it.
- Depending on the context, hana can also mean 'hot'. This is a doublet, meaning two different meanings evolved from separate ancestral roots but ended up spelled the same way.
Examples in context
- Ua hana maika'i loa 'oe i kēia hanaYou did an excellent job on this task
- Hana maikaʻi kēia.This is a great job (well done).
- Hana maikaʻi ka hui.The team did a great job.
Example conversation
Kai and Leilani are discussing a finished painting.
- KaiLeilani, hana maikaʻi!Leilani, great job!
- LeilaniMahalo nui, Kai.Thank you very much, Kai.
- KaiHe nani loa ka kiʻi.The picture is very beautiful.
- LeilaniHauʻoli au i kou kōkua.I am happy for your help.
