Quick Answer
"Poho" (pronounced "POH-hoh") is a Hawaiian word meaning "waste," "too bad," "unfortunate," or "a loss." It's used to express disappointment about wasted effort, missed opportunities, or unfortunate situations. When something doesn't work out or turns out to be a waste of time/money/energy, locals say it's "poho." It carries a sense of regret or sympathy - like saying "what a shame" or "that sucks" in a more Hawaiian way.
🗣️ How to Pronounce "Poho"
Breakdown:
- "Po" - sounds like "poh" (long o)
- "ho" - sounds like "hoh" (same long o)
Hawaiian pronunciation: Both syllables have the same "oh" sound. Keep it simple and even.
Tip: In Hawaiian, every vowel is pronounced. Both o's say "oh" - don't rush through them.
📖 The Meaning Behind "Poho"
Traditional Hawaiian Meaning
"Poho" is a genuine Hawaiian language word. In traditional Hawaiian, it means "loss," "damage," or "waste." The concept encompasses both tangible loss (like losing money) and intangible loss (like wasted effort or missed opportunities). It reflects the Hawaiian value of not being wasteful and recognizing when something has gone to waste.
Modern Usage
"Poho" is used in everyday Hawaii speech to express:
- Wasted effort: "I drove all da way there and they was closed. Poho!"
- Disappointment: "Da concert got cancelled? Poho, brah."
- Sympathy: "You lost your wallet? Poho."
- Bad investment: "Dat was poho money."
- Missed opportunity: "We never went? Poho - was so good!"
Cultural Context
"Poho" connects to Hawaiian values around not being wasteful. Traditional Hawaiian culture emphasized using resources wisely and not letting things go to waste. When something is "poho," it's recognizing that something valuable (time, money, effort, opportunity) was lost. Using this word shows cultural awareness and connection to local values.
💬 How to Use "Poho" - Real Examples
"Drove all da way to Hale'iwa and da shrimp truck was pau. Poho!"
Translation: "Drove all the way to Hale'iwa and the shrimp truck was done for the day. What a waste!"
"Your flight got cancelled? Poho, brah."
Translation: "Your flight got cancelled? That sucks, dude."
"Dat phone broke aftah one week. Poho money."
Translation: "That phone broke after one week. Wasted money."
"You never go da party? Poho - was so fun!"
Translation: "You didn't go to the party? Too bad - it was so fun!"
"We threw out all da leftovers. Poho."
Translation: "We threw out all the leftovers. What a waste."
"Studied all night but da test got postponed. Poho!"
Translation: "Studied all night but the test got postponed. Wasted effort!"
✅ When to Use "Poho"
Use "Poho" When:
- ✓ Something was a waste of time
- ✓ Money was spent for nothing
- ✓ An opportunity was missed
- ✓ Effort didn't pay off
- ✓ Expressing sympathy for someone's loss
- ✓ Plans fell through
Similar Expressions:
- 🔹 "What a waste"
- 🔹 "Too bad"
- 🔹 "That sucks"
- 🔹 "Bummer"
- 🔹 "What a shame"
- 🔹 "For nothing"
🔗 Related Hawaiian & Pidgin Terms
Bummahs
"Bummer" - similar expression of disappointment
Waste Time
Common Pidgin phrase - don't waste time!
Pau
Finished, done - often leads to poho situations
Junk
No good, worthless - similar negative connotation
Pilau
Rotten, spoiled - another form of waste
Lolo
Crazy, stupid - might cause poho situations
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