Quick Answer
"Pau" (pronounced "POW") is Hawaiian Pidgin for "finished", "done", or "completed". Originally from the Hawaiian language, "pau" is used throughout the islands to indicate that something has ended, is complete, or is over. It's one of the most versatile and commonly used words in local vocabulary.
🗣️ How to Pronounce "Pau"
Breakdown:
- "POW" - Rhymes with "now," "how," or "cow"
- Single syllable with emphasis on the entire word
Say it clearly: POW - quick, sharp, and definitive, just like finishing something!
Common mistake: Don't say "paw" like a dog's paw. It's POW with the "ow" sound like "ouch."
📖 The Meaning Behind "Pau"
Hawaiian Language Origins
"Pau" comes directly from the Hawaiian language, where it means "finished" or "ended." It's been integrated into Hawaiian Pidgin and is used by everyone in Hawaii, regardless of their ethnic background.
Modern Usage
Today, "pau" is used to indicate:
- Work is finished ("I'm pau with work")
- Something is done or complete
- An activity or event has ended
- A relationship is over
- You're done eating or using something
Cultural Significance
"Pau" is deeply ingrained in Hawaii's culture, especially in the phrase "pau hana" (finished work), which represents the important transition from work to leisure time. This reflects the Hawaiian value of work-life balance and the joy of completing tasks to enjoy life's pleasures.
💬 How to Use "Pau" - Real Examples
"I pau work already, let's go beach!"
Translation: "I'm done with work, let's go to the beach!"
"You pau eating? We can go now."
Translation: "Are you finished eating? We can go now."
"I finally pau with dat project!"
Translation: "I finally finished that project!"
"We pau already, broke up last week."
Translation: "We're done, we broke up last week."
"Pau hana! Time for one cold beer!"
Translation: "Work is done! Time for a cold beer!"
"Da party pau at 10pm."
Translation: "The party ends at 10pm."
✅ When to Use "Pau"
✅ Perfect Situations
- ✓ Indicating you've finished work (pau hana)
- ✓ Completing tasks or projects
- ✓ Done eating at a meal
- ✓ When something has ended
- ✓ Casual conversations with locals
- ✓ Text messages and everyday speech
- ✓ At restaurants when done with your plate
❌ Avoid Using When
- ✗ Formal business presentations
- ✗ Academic or technical writing
- ✗ Legal documents or contracts
- ✗ Very formal professional settings
- ✗ When speaking to mainland visitors who might not understand
- ✗ Official announcements or communications
💬 How to Respond to "You Pau?"
Common Responses:
"Yeah, pau already!"
Yes, I'm finished
"Almost pau"
Almost done
"Not yet, little more"
Not finished yet
"Just pau now"
Just finished
"Pau hana time!"
Done with work!
"All pau!"
Completely finished
🌺 Tips for Visitors Using "Pau"
💡 Tip #1: Learn "Pau Hana" - it's everywhere!
"Pau hana" (finished work) is a beloved phrase in Hawaii. You'll see it on happy hour signs, bar specials, and hear locals use it daily. It celebrates the end of the workday!
💡 Tip #2: Use it at restaurants
When the server asks if you're done with your plate, saying "Yeah, pau" is perfectly natural and shows you know local lingo. It's casual but respectful.
💡 Tip #3: Keep it simple and natural
"Pau" is straightforward - use it just like you'd use "done" or "finished" in English. Don't overthink it; locals use it constantly in everyday conversation.
💡 Tip #4: Combine with other pidgin words
Try phrases like "pau already" (already finished), "almost pau" (almost done), or "all pau" (completely finished) to sound more like a local!
🔗 Related Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases
Pau hana
"Finished work" - end of workday, happy hour time
All pau
"All finished" - completely done
Pau already
"Already finished" - emphasis on completion
Stay pau
"Is finished" - something is done or over
Da kine
"The thing" - versatile filler word
Shoots
"Okay," "Sounds good," "See you later"
Want to Learn More Hawaiian Pidgin?
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