How to Say “You’re Ugly” in Hawaiian

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pupuka ʻoe
/puˈpu.ka ˈʔo.e/word by word
The Hawaiian phrase pupuka ʻoe means "you're ugly".
This phrase is a direct statement used to tell someone that they are not physically attractive.

How do you pronounce it?

The pronunciation is /puˈpu.ka ˈʔo.e/. The stress is on the second of five syllables.

Did you know?

  • The word pupuka is formed through a process called partial reduplication of the word puka, which means 'hole'.
  • The glottal stop in ʻoe is represented by the ‘okina, a consonant that must be pronounced as a brief catch in the throat.

Example conversation

Noelani and Koa are arguing during a game.

  1. Noelani

    He pupuka ʻoe!
    You're ugly!
  2. Koa

    ʻAʻole, ʻoi aku pupuka ʻoe!
    No, you're uglier!
  3. Noelani

    ʻAʻole ma owna!
    No way!
  4. Koa

    ʻAe, pupuka ʻoe.
    Yes, you're ugly.

Sources

  • IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (pupuka, ʻoe) and can differ in connected speech.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries pupuka, ʻoe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Steven Owen
Steven OwenHelp 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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