maikaʻi loa
The Hawaiian phrase for "very good" is maikaʻi loa.
maikaʻi loa is used to describe something of high quality or to express strong approval.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of maikaʻi meaning "good" and loa meaning "very".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hawaiian, the intensifier loa follows the adjective it modifies.
Did you know?
- Because the Hawaiian alphabet is very small, the ʻ in maikaʻi is a distinct consonant called an 'okina, which represents a glottal stop.
- In Hawaiian culture, the concept of maikaʻi is closely tied to pono, which refers to a state of balance and righteousness.
- While maikaʻi loa means 'very good', simply repeating the word maikaʻi maikaʻi can be used to emphasize that something is truly excellent.
Examples in context
- Maikaʻi loa kēia!This is very good!
- Maikaʻi loa kēia.This is very good.
- He hana maikaʻi loa kēia.This is a very good work.
- Maikaʻi loa kou hana.Your work is very good.
Example conversation
Ikaika shows Leilani a drawing he made.
- IkaikaNānā mai, Leilani.Look here, Leilani.
- LeilaniMaikaʻi loa kou mahi!Your work is very good!
- IkaikaMahalo nui, Leilani.Thank you very much, Leilani.
- LeilaniHe mea nani kēia.This is a beautiful thing.
