Quick Answer
"Pake" (pronounced "PAH-kay") is Hawaiian Pidgin for a Chinese person or someone of Chinese descent. The word comes from the Hawaiian language, which borrowed it from Chinese immigrants who came to work on Hawaii's sugar plantations in the 1800s. In Hawaii, "pake" is commonly used and is generally not considered offensive when used descriptively. It can also describe someone who is frugal or thrifty (a stereotype associated with the term).
🗣️ How to Pronounce "Pake"
Breakdown:
- "Pa" - like "pah" (as in "papa")
- "ke" - like "kay" (rhymes with "day")
Say it naturally: "PAH-kay" - two syllables, emphasis on the first
Note: Sometimes spelled "Pākē" with Hawaiian diacritical marks
📖 The Meaning Behind "Pake"
Historical Origin
"Pake" entered Hawaiian from Chinese immigrants who arrived in Hawaii starting in 1852 to work on sugar plantations. The term likely derives from the Chinese word for "Chinese" or from how Chinese immigrants identified themselves. Hawaiian adopted the word, and it became part of everyday vocabulary. Chinese immigrants were among the first major groups of plantation workers and have been integral to Hawaii's multicultural identity ever since.
Primary Meanings
"Pake" has two main uses in Hawaii:
- Ethnicity: A Chinese person or someone of Chinese descent
- Characteristic: Someone who is frugal, thrifty, or cheap (stereotype)
The second meaning developed from stereotypes about Chinese business practices and is used more broadly regardless of ethnicity (e.g., "You so pake!" meaning "You're so cheap!").
Cultural Context
In Hawaii's multicultural society, ethnic terms like "pake" are commonly used and generally accepted within the local context. Many people of Chinese descent in Hawaii use the term themselves. However, context matters - like many ethnic terms, it can be offensive if used in a derogatory way. The Chinese community has been in Hawaii for over 170 years and is deeply woven into local culture, food, and traditions.
💬 How to Use "Pake" - Real Examples
"My grandma is pake - she came from China."
Translation: "My grandma is Chinese - she came from China."
"I'm hapa pake - half Chinese, half Hawaiian."
Translation: "I'm half Chinese, half Hawaiian."
"Eh, no be so pake - just buy da new one!"
Translation: "Hey, don't be so cheap - just buy the new one!"
"We going eat at da pake restaurant tonight."
Translation: "We're going to eat at the Chinese restaurant tonight."
🥡 Chinese Influence in Hawaii
The Chinese community has profoundly shaped Hawaii's culture:
Food
- • Manapua (char siu bao)
- • Crack seed (preserved fruit)
- • Chow fun noodles
- • Li hing mui flavoring
Traditions
- • Chinese New Year celebrations
- • Lion dances
- • Chinatown in Honolulu
- • Red envelope (lai see) tradition
🔗 Related Hawaiian Ethnic Terms
Haole
White person, Caucasian
Yobo
Korean person
Buddhahead
Japanese person (local term)
Kanaka
Native Hawaiian person
Popolo
Black/African American person
Hapa
Mixed ethnicity, half
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