makemake au iā ʻoe
The Hawaiian phrase for "I like you" is makemake au iā ʻoe.
Meaning: I like you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of makemake (to desire or want), au (I) and iā ʻoe (you as an object).
Which one should you use?
While makemake au iā ʻoe expresses a desire or liking, the phrase aloha au iā ʻoe is the standard way to say "I love you".
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle iā is required before the pronoun ʻoe because you is the object of the verb.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, expressing affection is often done through actions and the concept of aloha rather than the explicit verbal declarations common in English.
- The word makemake is formed by repeating the word make, a common way in Hawaiian to intensify the meaning of a term.
- The word ʻoe meaning 'you' is a cognate of the word koe used in both Māori and the language of Rapa Nui on Easter Island.
Examples in context
- Ke aloha nei au iā 'oe.I feel love for you.
- E kala mai ia'u, ke aloha nei au iā 'oe.Forgive me, I like you.
Example conversation
Keanu and Kiana are talking about their friendship.
- KeanuKiana, makemake au iā ʻoe.Kiana, I like you.
- KianaMahalo, Keanu!Thank you, Keanu!
- KianaMakemake au iā ʻoe pū.I like you too.
- KeanuHauʻoli au.I am happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries au, makemake, ʻoe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
