maikaʻi ke ola
The Hawaiian phrase for "life is good" is maikaʻi ke ola.
This phrase is used to express that one is satisfied and happy with their current existence.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of maikaʻi (good), ke (the) and ola (life/living).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the adjective maikaʻi precedes the subject ke ola, which is a common word order for expressing a state or quality in Hawaiian.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, the concept of ola is deeply tied to the breath. This connects the phrase 'life is good' to the physical act of breathing and the vital energy of the body.
- The word ola does not just mean 'life' but also 'health' and 'healing'. To say 'life is good' can therefore carry a double meaning of being physically healthy and spiritually well.
- The adjective maikaʻi is a cognate of the Tahitian maitaʻi and Māori maitai. This shows how the way people express 'goodness' remained similar across thousands of miles of ocean.
Examples in context
- Maikaʻi ke ola i kēia manawa.Life is good right now.
- Maikaʻi ke ola me ka ʻohana.Life is good with family.
Example conversation
Noelani and Kai are relaxing on the beach.
- NoelaniHe lā nani kēia, ʻio?It is a beautiful day, right?
- KaiʻAe, maikaʻi ke ola.Yes, life is good.
- NoelaniHauʻoli loa au i kēia manawa.I am very happy right now.
- KaiʻO ia pēlā nō, Noelani.It is just like that, Noelani.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ke, maikaʻi, ola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
