Quick Answer
"Pake" (spelled Pākē in Hawaiian, pronounced "PAH-kay") means Chinese or someone of Chinese descent in Hawaiian and Pidgin. Dating back to the 1850s plantation era, it is used everyday for heritage and food, and in casual slang can also mean thrifty or frugal: "I'm hapa pake — half Chinese, half Hawaiian," "We going eat at da pake restaurant tonight."
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
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.
"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
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
What does pake (Pākē) mean in Hawaii?
Pake (spelled Pākē in Hawaiian, pronounced PAH-kay) is the Hawaiian and Pidgin word for Chinese or a person of Chinese descent. In casual local slang, it is also playfully used to mean thrifty or frugal.
How do you pronounce pake?
Pake is pronounced PAH-kay, with two long vowels: "pah" (as in papa) and "kay" (rhyming with day).
Where did the word Pākē come from?
Pākē entered the Hawaiian language in the mid-1800s when Chinese contract laborers arrived to work on sugar plantations, likely adapted from the Cantonese term pak ye (older uncle or father's elder brother).
Is pake an offensive word in Hawaii?
When used descriptively for Chinese heritage or cuisine (such as "hapa pake" or "pake cake"), it is standard, everyday Hawaiian and Pidgin. Calling someone pake to mean "cheap" leans on an old local stereotype and is best kept to lighthearted teasing among close friends.
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