akamai
/a.kaˈmai̯/
The Hawaiian word for smart is akamai.
Akamai is used to describe someone who is clever, wise or possesses intellectual sharpness, such as exhibiting knowledge found in books.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /a.kaˈmai̯/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian thought, intelligence is often tied to one's connection to genealogy and ancestral knowledge, rather than just abstract processing.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, intellectual 'smartness' was often balanced with 'haʻahaʻa', the value of humility, to avoid appearing arrogant.
- In some contexts, being too akamai can be viewed with caution, as excessive cleverness might sometimes be perceived as being cunning or tricky.
Examples in context
- He kanaka akamai ʻo ia.He is a smart person.
- Akamai ka haumāna hou.The new student is smart.
- He manaʻo akamai kēia.This is a smart idea.
Example conversation
Leilani and Koa are talking about a difficult school project.
- LeilaniHe hana paʻakikī kēia, Koa.This is hard work, Koa.
- KoaE kōkua mai ka mea akamai.Let the smart person help.
- LeilaniʻO ʻoe ka mea akamai!You are the smart one!
- KoaMahalo iā ʻoe, Leilani.Thank you, Leilani.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smart” translations and entries akamai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
