How to Say Thank You in Hawaiian Language? MAHALO?

Do you have any plans to visit the Hawaiian islands soon? If that’s the case, you’ll probably want to learn how to say thank you in Hawaiian. Learning a few words and phrases in the local language will make your trip much more enjoyable.

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Whether you’re staying with extended family, joining a tour group, or exploring the islands on your own, there are numerous ways to express your gratitude.

Even if it seems second nature to others, learning these words and phrases is not only polite, but also shows that you appreciate their assistance and company.

In a nutshell, “mahalo” means “thank you” in Hawaiian.

Basics

The first step in learning how to say thank you in Hawaiian, as with any language, is to understand the fundamentals. You must understand how to pronounce the words, as well as when to use them. Aside from that, it’s just a matter of getting out there and speaking the language. Keep the following in mind for the fundamentals:

Although Hawaiian is written in the Latin alphabet, it is not based on English. As a result, simply translating English words into Hawaiian will not suffice.

Hawaiian is a Polynesian language, and as such, it shares many similarities with other Polynesian languages like Tahitian, Maori, and Samoan.

See more: 20+ Most Famous Hawaiian Songs You Need to Hear (2023)

Hawaiian is a threatened language, and it is estimated that less than 1% of the state’s population speaks it. The majority of people are bilingual, which means they are fluent in both Hawaiian and English.

There are five vowels in Hawaiian: a, e, I o, and u. Hawaiian has no phonetic diphthongs, which means that its vowels do not blend together.

Hawaiian has 12 consonants, which include the letters h, k, l, m, n, p, w, as well as the sounds sh, ts, and hs.

How do I say “thank you in Hawaiian”

To express gratitude in Hawaiian, say Mahalo. You can thank people in general with Mahalo, or you can thank specific people by putting their names in front of the word.

For example, you can thank God with Mahalo Ke Akua or your mother with Mahalo Nani. If someone does something for you, you can simply say Mahalo without mentioning their name.

You can also combine Mahalo with other words, such as Mahalo nui to express gratitude, Mahalo keia to express gratitude for this, Mahalo nae to express gratitude to you, Mahalo ho’okomo to express gratitude for your assistance, and Mahalo ho’opa’a to express gratitude for your assistance.

Thank you very much (for food)

Thank you very much (for food) You can thank them with Mahalo nui loa or Mahalo for the meal. Others may say Mahalo nui loa loa, which means thank you very much.

Thank you very much (helping you)

If someone assists you with something, you can express your gratitude by saying Mahalo. If you want to express gratitude for something specific, say Mahalo ia ia ia, which means thank you for this and this. If you want to acknowledge something more general, you can say Mahalo ia mai, which means thank you for this as well.

Thank you very much (helping in general)

If someone helps you in a general sense, such as by giving you advice or teaching you something, you can say Mahalo to them. You can be more specific by saying Mahalo ia ia ia, which means thank you for this and this. If you want to acknowledge something more general, you can say Mahalo ia mai, which means thank you for this as well.

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Conclusion

Learning to say thank you in Hawaiian is simple; the real challenge is actually speaking the language. You don’t have to jump into a conversation with a native speaker; there are plenty of opportunities to practice Hawaiian in the islands’ tourist centers, such as the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Hawaiian Culture Center, where Hawaiian is the primary language. These simple phrases will make your trip more enjoyable, and you’ll be sure to make a good impression wherever you go. So, what are you holding out for? Get out there and practice your Hawaiian!

10 Hawaiian phrases to learn before you go

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and exotic vacation destinations in the United States. Hawaii has a distinct cultural identity derived from its Polynesian roots, which is reflected in the use of Hawaiian language. Hawaiian, which was once on the verge of extinction, is now one of three languages spoken in the state. Learn these 10 useful Hawaiian phrases before you go to help keep the language alive.

1. Aloha – Hello

This is one of the simplest Hawaiian phrases to remember. This tropical greeting is known around the world, but its literal meaning is ‘love’. Aloha means more than ‘hello’ in Hawaii; it expresses wishes for a positive and respectful life.

To say ‘good morning,’ use Aloha kakahiaka, ‘good afternoon,’ and ‘good evening,’ use Aloha ahiahi.

See more: 10 Best Bars in Maui, Hawaii 2023

2. Mahalo – Thank you

Mah-hah-loh is pronounced mah-hah-loh.

Thank you with the Hawaiian phrase mahalo. If you’re feeling especially thankful, say mahalo nui loa (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee).

3.’A’ ole pilikia – Thank you/No problem

The name is pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah.

How to Say Thank You in Hawaiian Language? MAHALO? — O’o Farm, Maui, Hawaii

If someone says ‘Mahalo,’ you should respond with this phrase.

4. Until we meet again, A hui hou

It is pronounced ah.-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu

A phrase similar to’see you later’. This may also be heard instead of ‘encore!’ at a l’au concert.

5. Howzit? – How are you?

How-zit is pronounced as

This Hawaiian phrase, which means ‘what’s up?’ is also used in South Africa. This word may be used in conjunction with braddah, the colloquial term for brother.

6. Honu – Green sea turtle

Hoe-new is pronounced hoe-new.

The beautiful honu, Hawaii’s most common turtle species, is still officially listed as endangered. Because they rarely come to the shore, you’re more likely to see one while snorkeling or scuba diving. Honu can be seen on the North Shore of Oahu.

7. ‘Ono grinds – Yummy food

Oh-no grinds is pronounced oh-no grinds.

Show your gratitude for the special Hawaiian meals you enjoy during your trip. Grinds is also frequently used by itself to describe good food.

8. Waina – Wine

Wy-nah is pronounced

The Hawaiian word for wine is simple to remember and is an important word to learn in any language. Hawaii produces a variety of fruity wines to sample due to its volcanic soil and mountains.

9. A ‘o ia! – That’s all there is to it!

It is pronounced ah-oy-yah.

Use this Hawaiian phrase to encourage local performers or fellow travelers who get up to perform a hula.

10. Poke – poke seafood bowl

Poh-keh is pronounced

Poke is a salad of raw seafood and vegetables that is one of Hawaii’s most famous dishes. It’s typically made from ahi tuna cubes and served as an appetizer. It’s an absolute must-try!

Topic: How to Say Thank You in Hawaiian Language? MAHALO?

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