chotto matte
Meaning: wait a minute
Meaning
Usage: A common loan phrase used in Hawaii conversation to tell someone to pause, slow down, or wait a second.
Examples
"Chotto matte brah, I still tying my shoes."
"Chotto matte, lemme check da directions first."
Origin & Cultural Context
Origin: Japanese loanword
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "chotto matte" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"chotto matte" means "wait a minute" in Hawaiian Pidgin. A common loan phrase used in Hawaii conversation to tell someone to pause, slow down, or wait a second..
How do you pronounce "chotto matte"?
"chotto matte" is pronounced "CHOH-toh MAH-teh". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "chotto matte" in a sentence?
Example: "Chotto matte brah, I still tying my shoes."
Quick Actions
Related Pidgin Words
Pidgin & Local Culture Corner
Pidgin Grammar Tip
"Plurals in Pidgin are often formed by adding 'them' or 'dem' after the noun (e.g., 'The boy dem')."
Local Culture Fact
"A 'Hui' is a club, association, or group of people working toward a common goal."
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