bettah
Meaning: better
Meaning
Usage: Pidgin pronunciation of 'better': the final -er becomes -ah, as in braddah and sistah. At the start of a sentence it means 'you had better' (Bettah you go now). Best known in mo' bettah.
Examples
"Bettah you go now before da traffic."
"Dis one bettah, try taste."
"You feeling bettah today?"
Origin & Cultural Context
Origin: English 'better' with the Pidgin -ah ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "bettah" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"bettah" means "better" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Pidgin pronunciation of 'better': the final -er becomes -ah, as in braddah and sistah. At the start of a sentence it means 'you had better' (Bettah you go now). Best known in mo' bettah..
How do you pronounce "bettah"?
"bettah" is pronounced "BET-tah". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "bettah" in a sentence?
Example: "Bettah you go now before da traffic."
Quick Actions
Related Pidgin Words
Pidgin & Local Culture Corner
Pidgin Grammar Tip
"The word 'pau' means finished or done, and is one of the most common loanwords from Hawaiian."
Local Culture Fact
"The 'okina (ʻ) is a consonant in the Hawaiian language representing a glottal stop."
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