wikiwiki
/ˌwi.kiˈwi.ki/
The English verb 'hurry' is expressed in Hawaiian using wikiwiki.
The word wikiwiki is used to express the concept of hurrying. It functions as an adverb meaning 'quickly' or 'fast'. If you want to give the imperative command 'Hurry up!', you can say Wikiwiki! or E wikiwiki!
Meaning: to do things quickly (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, wikiwiki functions as an adverb meaning 'quickly' or 'fast' to express the concept of hurrying.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /ˌwi.kiˈwi.ki/.
Did you know?
- The global term 'wiki' used for websites was inspired by wikiwiki because the creators wanted a system that worked quickly.
- In some contexts, saying wikiwiki can be seen as contrary to the relaxed 'island time' pace often associated with Hawaiian culture.
- The word wikiwiki is a reduplicated form of the word wiki, which means 'fast' or 'quick' on its own.
Examples in context
- E holo!Hurry!/Go quickly!
- Kokoke mai!Hurry up!/Come quickly!
Example conversation
Koa and Noelani are late for a meeting.
- KoaE wikiwiki, Noelani!Hurry up, Noelani!
- NoelaniKe wikiwiki nei au!I am hurrying!
- KoaE hele wikiwiki kākou.Let's go quickly.
- NoelaniʻAe, e hele kākou.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry wikiwiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wikiwiki, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Mahalo!