How to Say “Stinky” in Hawaiian

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pilau
The Hawaiian word for stinky is pilau.
The word pilau is an adjective used to describe something that has a strong, unpleasant smell.
Meaning: having a strong, unpleasant smell (adj)

Did you know?

  • While English speakers might say someone 'stinks' to mean they are performing poorly, calling a person pilau in Hawaii can imply a deep lack of character or integrity.
  • The Hawaiian language possesses a vast specialized vocabulary for scents, distinguishing between smells that are divine and those that are repulsive.
  • Hawaiian separates the concept of 'scent' into two primary categories based on quality, using ‘ala for the good and pilau for the bad.

Example conversation

Leilani and Koa are cleaning the kitchen.

  1. Leilani

    Koa, pilau kēia ʻōpuū.
    Koa, this trash is stinky.
  2. Koa

    ʻAe, e lawe iā ia pūnaewele.
    Yes, take it outside.
  3. Leilani

    E kōkua mai iaʻu.
    Please help me.
  4. Koa

    ʻAe, e kōkua au.
    Yes, I will help.
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Leanne Judith
Leanne JudithHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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