io̧kwe
/ji̯jækʷɛj/
In Marshallese, hello is expressed as io̧kwe. It is also spelled yokwe.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Marshallese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| io̧kwe | /ji̯jækʷɛj/ | |
| yokwe | /ji̯jækʷɛj/ | alternative form |
The term for hello is used to express well-wishing or affection.
What does it mean word for word?
The word io̧kwe literally means 'love'.
Which one should you use?
yokwe is an alternative spelling of io̧kwe.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Ratak Chain of the Marshall Islands, the variation Yakwe is used to mean hello.
How do you pronounce it?
/ji̯jækʷɛj/
Did you know?
- The word io̧kwe is derived from the words for 'rainbow' and 'you', effectively telling the person you are greeting that 'you are a rainbow'.
- Because io̧kwe functions as both 'hello' and 'I love you', using it as a greeting can instantly signal a deep emotional bond or familial intimacy that goes beyond a polite 'hi'.
- The term io̧kwe is used not just for greetings but also as a way to bestow a blessing or general well-wishing upon another person.
Examples in context
- Io̧kwe, iien kōm.Hello, good morning.
- Io̧kwe, iien mōj.Hello, good evening.
Example conversation
Samuel and Rose meet on the street.
- SamuelIo̧kwe, Rose!Hello, Rose!
- RoseIo̧kwe, Samuel!Hello, Samuel!
- SamuelEwiin im̧m̧an?How is your morning?
- RoseIakwe, e m̧m̧an.Hello, it is good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries io̧kwe, yokwe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries io̧kwe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
