e mālama pono
In Hawaiian, the phrase to say "stay safe" is e mālama pono.
e mālama pono is used as a parting expression when someone is leaving, serving a similar purpose to the English phrases "take care" or "stay safe".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the particle e (indicating a command or exhortation), mālama (to care for, protect or keep) and pono (right, proper or well).
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle e at the beginning of the phrase marks it as an imperative or a command. This is a common way to structure well-wishes in Hawaiian.
Did you know?
- The word pono is so central to Hawaiian culture that it describes a state of cosmic balance and harmony, not just being 'right' or 'correct'. To be pono is to be in a right relationship with the land and other people.
- The word mālama is used not only for people but also for the land, as in mālama ʻāina, the practice of caring for and protecting the earth.
- The word pono in e mālama pono shares a distant, accidental ancestor with the Malay word benar, which means 'true' or 'real'.
Examples in context
- E mālama pono i kou huakaʻi.Stay safe on your journey.
Example conversation
Kai and Leilani are saying goodbye after a walk.
- KaiUa holo paha au i ka home.I should head home now.
- LeilaniʻAe, e mālama pono, Kai.Yes, stay safe, Kai.
- KaiMahalo, Leilani.Thank you, Leilani.
- LeilaniA hui hou!Until next time!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
