Back to Dictionary

bettah

Meaning: better

Pronunciation: BET-tah
slang beginner

Meaning

• better
• you had better

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."

Want to learn more? Try whole sentences in our English to Pidgin translator, check out our Learning Hub, or Talk Story with Kimo!

Practice Your Pidgin

How Local You Stay?

Think you know how for use "bettah"?

Take the Quiz →