Mahalo
/maˈha.lo/
The Hawaiian word for "thanks" is Mahalo.
Mahalo is used to express appreciation or gratitude. It is the most common way to say thanks in Hawaiian. To express a greater degree of gratitude, such as "thank you very much", you can add nui loa to the end of the phrase to form Mahalo nui loa.
Meaning: used to express appreciation or gratitude (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say "thanks to [someone/something]", follow Mahalo with the particle i to form Mahalo i…
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /maˈha.lo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word Mahalo shares an ancient linguistic root with the Tagalog word masarap and the Malay word sedap, both of which mean 'delicious'.
- In Hawaiian culture, saying Mahalo is often viewed as more intentional and respectful than the quick and informal way English speakers use 'thanks'.
- Beyond expressing thanks, Mahalo can be used as a verb meaning 'to admire' or 'to praise'.
Examples in context
- Mahalo.Thanks.This example shows the use of Mahalo for a simple thanks.Tatoeba #7262576 by azraelgnosis, translation #2057650 by nava
- Mahalo!Thanks!This example shows the use of Mahalo for an enthusiastic thanks.Tatoeba #7263710 by Ricardo14, translation #448645 by CK
- Mahalo nui loaThank you very much
- Mahalo nui loa.Thank you very much.
Example conversation
Kai gives Leilani a gift.
- KaiEia kēia mea no ʻoe, Leilani.Here is this thing for you, Leilani.
- LeilaniMahalo, Kai!Thanks, Kai!
- KaiHe mea iki.It is a small thing.
- LeilaniHe mea nani kēia.This is a beautiful thing.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry mahalo.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mahalo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
