makemakika
/ˌma.ke.maˈki.ka/
The Hawaiian word for math is makemakika.
makemakika is a short form of mathematics. The word helu refers to numbers or numerical concepts.
Meaning: short form of mathematics (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable: /ˌma.ke.maˈki.ka/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, mathematics was applied through complex astronomical observations and the construction of fishponds without the use of written numbers.
- The word makemakika is a loanword that adapts the Latin 'mathematica' to fit the strict phonetic rules of the Hawaiian language.
- Hawaiian phonology requires every syllable to end in a vowel, which is why the consonant sounds in 'mathematics' were altered to create makemakika.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their school schedule.
- KoaMalia, he aha kou kīla paha?Malia, what is your next class?
- MaliaHe makemakika kaʻu kīla e kēia manawa.My class right now is math.
- KoaHe mea ʻoluʻolu paha kēlā?Is that perhaps enjoyable?
- MaliaʻAe, makemake au i ka makemakika.Yes, I like math.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry makemakika, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries makemakika, CC BY-SA 4.0.
