Maleko
/maˈle.ko/
The Hawaiian word for mark is Maleko.
Maleko is used as a noun to refer to an indication used for reference or measurement.
Meaning: indication for reference or measurement (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /maˈle.ko/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word Maleko is actually a borrowed name from the Bible, specifically the name 'Mark'.
- Hawaiian is a language that traditionally relies on a very small set of consonant sounds, which forces words like 'Mark' to be expanded into three syllables.
- While Maleko refers to a reference mark, Hawaiian has entirely different words for 'marks' that are physical scars or stains.
Example conversation
Malia and Ikaika are measuring a piece of wood.
- MaliaIkaika, e nānā i ka maleko.Ikaika, look at the mark.
- IkaikaAia ka maleko ma ka pōpoki.The mark is on the edge.
- MaliaHe maleko pololei kēia.This is a correct mark.
- IkaikaʻAe, e huki i ka lāʻau.Yes, cut the wood.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Maleko, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Maleko, CC BY-SA 4.0.
