maikaʻi
The Hawaiian word for nice is maikaʻi.
maikaʻi is a versatile adjective used to describe quality. It can be used to describe something as good, fine or nice, such as a maikaʻi person or a maikaʻi thing.
Meaning: attractive, friendly (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, maikaʻi does not change its form to indicate gender or plurality.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, the concept of maikaʻi is often linked to 'pono', a state of balance and righteousness that goes beyond simple niceness.
- In many Polynesian languages, including Hawaiian, words for 'nice' or 'good' often share the same roots as words describing 'health' or 'wellness'.
- The word maikaʻi is a linguistic cousin to the Māori word maitai, which is often used in New Zealand to describe something of high quality or excellence.
Examples in context
- Kēia keiki pono!This child is well-behaved/nice!
- Maikaʻi loa!Very good!
- He kanaka maikaʻi ʻo Kaimana.Kaimana is a nice person.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Kiana are meeting at a community gathering.
- IkaikaAloha, Kiana, maikaʻi kou ʻano.Aloha, Kiana, you have a nice manner.
- KianaMahalo, Ikaika, he kanaka maikaʻi ʻoe.Thank you, Ikaika, you are a nice person.
- IkaikaHe maikaʻi kēia hui.This gathering is nice.
- KianaʻAe, maikaʻi loa!Yes, very nice!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maikaʻi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
