Maui nō ka ʻoi
The English phrase "maui is the best" is translated into Hawaiian as Maui nō ka ʻoi.
This phrase is used to express that the island of Maui is the greatest or superior to all others.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the sentence structure of Maui nō ka ʻoi, the subject Maui is followed by the emphatic particle nō and then the predicate ka ʻoi.
Did you know?
- The word Maui refers to both the island and the legendary demigod who is said to have fished the islands out of the sea.
- The word ʻoi originally meant 'sharp' or 'keen' in ancient Polynesian, suggesting that to say something is 'the best' is to say it is 'the sharpest'.
- While ka ʻoi means 'the best' here, the word ʻoi is also used as a general comparative to mean 'more' or 'exceeds'.
Examples in context
- Maui nō ka ʻoi.Maui is the best.
- E kēlā, Maui nō ka ʻoi.That being said, Maui is the best.
- ʻO Maui nō ka ʻoi i koʻu manaʻo.In my opinion, Maui is the best.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their favorite islands in Hawaii.
- IkaikaHe ʻala ʻole ka mokupuni ʻole.Every island is beautiful.
- MaliaʻAe, akā ʻala ʻole ʻole Maui.Yes, but Maui is very special.
- IkaikaMaui nō ka ʻoi!Maui is the best!
- MaliaʻAe, ʻala ʻole ʻole ʻole.Yes, it really is.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Maui, ka, ʻoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
