pikila
The English word pickle is pikila in Hawaiian.
pikila refers to a preserved cucumber.
Meaning: preserved cucumber (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Hawaiian nouns do not typically change form for plurality. The plural is often indicated by context or the particle 'nā'.
Did you know?
- The Hawaiian language has no native word for 'pickle' because cucumbers are not indigenous to the islands.
- The term pikila is rarely used in traditional chants or poetic literature, as these forms typically favor indigenous words over English loanwords.
- In Hawaiian culture, traditional preservation usually involves drying or salting rather than the vinegar-based pickling implied by pikila.
Examples in context
- Makemake au i ka pikila.I want the pickle.
Example conversation
Kai and Leilani are preparing a sandwich together.
- KaiLeilani, aia ka pikila ma ka pūʻai?Leilani, are the pickles in the fridge?
- LeilaniʻAe, aia kēlā pikila ma ka pōpō.Yes, those pickles are in the jar.
- KaiMahalo, e huki aku au i kekahi.Thanks, I will take one.
- LeilaniʻOle loa, Kai.You're welcome, Kai.
