paʻakai
/ˌpa.ʔaˈkai̯/
The Hawaiian word for salt is paʻakai.
paʻakai refers to the chemical substance sodium chloride. It can be used as a noun to refer to the substance itself or as an adjective to describe something as being salty.
Meaning: sodium chloride (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables: /ˌpa.ʔaˈkai̯/. The stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The term paʻakai is sometimes used metaphorically to describe something that is firm or well-established, following its root 'paʻa' meaning 'solid'.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, paʻakai is often used in spiritual rituals to purify a space or person by warding off negative energy.
- The word paʻakai literally translates to 'solid sea' or 'fixed seawater' because of its composition.
Examples in context
- Add a pinch of paʻakai to enhance the flavor of the fresh seafood.Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the fresh seafood.
- I need to buy kai for the poke I'll be making tonight.I need to buy salt for the poke I'll be making tonight.
- He paʻakai kēia no ka meaʻai.This is salt for the food.
Example conversation
Kai and Malia are cooking dinner together.
- KaiMalia, aia ʻo ka paʻakai?Malia, where is the salt?
- MaliaAia ma luna o ka papa.It is on the table.
- KaiMahalo, e hūhū wau i ka paʻakai.Thanks, I will add the salt.
- MaliaƐʻolele, ʻaƐu kƐ lilo!Wait, too much!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “salt” translations and entries paʻakai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paʻakai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
