Usage: Refers to the blue marlin, a prized game fish in Hawaiian waters. It's a term used by fishermen and those familiar with the ocean. It's a very specific term.
"Caught one big a'u today!"
"We wen' go fish fo' a'u las' week."
"Da a'u jump outta da water, yeah!"
Origin: Reflects the importance of fishing in Hawaiian culture and the local knowledge of marine life.
What does "a'u" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"a'u" means "marlin" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Refers to the blue marlin, a prized game fish in Hawaiian waters. It's a term used by fishermen and those familiar with the ocean. It's a very specific term..
How do you pronounce "a'u"?
"a'u" is pronounced "AH-oo". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "a'u" in a sentence?
Example: "Caught one big a'u today!"
ulua
giant trevally, prized game fish
'opihi
type of limpet, Hawaiian limpet, limpet (shellfish)
aku
skipjack tuna
i'a
fish
lomi-lomi salmon
salted salmon tomato and onion salad, Hawaiian salmon salad
moi
Pacific threadfin fish, royal fish
"Pidgin often drops the 'to be' verb. Instead of saying 'He is tired', you say 'He stay tired'."
"Talk story is a local Hawaiian expression for a casual conversation or sharing experiences."
Want to learn more? Try whole sentences in our English to Pidgin translator, check out our Learning Hub, or Talk Story with Kimo!