How to Say “Slay” in Hawaiian

By Ruth Christine • Updated September 30, 2026

pepehi

The Hawaiian word for 'slay' is pepehi.

pepehi is a verb meaning to kill or murder.

Meaning: to kill, murder (verb)

Did you know?

The term pepehi shares a conceptual root with the way one might 'pin' a piece of fabric or a heavy object to the ground.
While 'pepehi' can mean to kill, using it to describe a person's death might be seen as overly aggressive or even sacrilegious depending on the spiritual status of the person.
The word pepehi can also be used metaphorically in modern Hawaiian to describe the act of overwhelming or suppressing an idea or an emotion.

Examples in context

Ua pepehi ka aliʻi i ka poʻe hūnā.
The chief slew the spies.

Example conversation

Keanu and Malia are talking about a story.

Keanu

Ua pepehi ȐĒ ka mea huli?
Did the hunter kill it?
Malia

ȐĒ, ua pepehi ȐĒ.
Yes, he killed it.
Keanu

He mea ȐĒ kēla.
That is a thing.
Malia

He moșolelo wale nĥ.
It is just a story.

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏

About The Author

Ruth Christine

Aloha I'm Ruth! I am incredibly passionate about the Hawaiian culture and language, which led me to write extensively, sharing my knowledge and love for the Island. Whether it's teaching how to say 'Akua' or 'all done', or extending greetings like 'Good Afternoon' and 'Good Job', I've got it all covered in English and Hawaiian. Besides writing, I love savoring shaved ice by the beach and paddling in crystal clear waters. I find solace in the beauty of night-blooming jasmine and the vibrant dance of sunshine on ocean waves. Tahitian is spoken not far from Hawaiian, and it has become another language close to my heart, so you will now find my guides to Tahitian here too. Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) for reading my pieces. Keep the aloha spirit alive!

Ruth ChristineHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

0 Comments

Newest

Oldest Most Voted