kamahaʻo
The Hawaiian word for wonderful is kamahaʻo.
kamahaʻo is an adjective used to describe something that is excellent or extremely impressive.
Meaning: excellent, extremely impressive (adj)
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, describing something as kamahaʻo often implies it is something that evokes a sense of sacred awe or spiritual power.
- The okina, the ' appearance in kamahaʻo, represents a glottal stop and is considered a full consonant in the Hawaiian alphabet.
- The root word mahaʻo relates to the concept of being surprised or astonished, showing that 'wonderful' in Hawaiian is rooted in the feeling of shock.
Examples in context
- Kamahaʻo kēia mea hana.This work is wonderful.
- He hana kamahaʻo kēlā.That is a wonderful job.
- Kamahaʻo loa ka mea ʻai.The food is truly wonderful.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Malia are looking at a sunset on the beach.
- IkaikaE nānā mai, kamahaʻo ka lani!Look, the sky is wonderful!
- MaliaʻAe, he nani loa ia.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- IkaikaHe lā kamahaʻo kēia no kākou.This is a wonderful day for us.
- MaliaʻOia mau nō, Ikaika.That is true, Ikaika.
