hapa
Meaning: half
Usage: This term describes someone of mixed ethnic heritage, most commonly used in Hawaii to refer to people of part-Hawaiian ancestry. It acknowledges the diverse cultural makeup of the islands.
"She hapa Hawaiian Chinese"
"Eh, she hapa, yeah? Her tata is Japanese, and her muddah is Filipino."
"I'm hapa, but I like stay wit' my Hawaiian side mo' bettah."
Origin: From the Hawaiian word meaning 'half' or 'part', reflecting the historical mixing of different ethnic groups in Hawaii.
What does "hapa" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"hapa" means "half" in Hawaiian Pidgin. This term describes someone of mixed ethnic heritage, most commonly used in Hawaii to refer to people of part-Hawaiian ancestry. It acknowledges the diverse cultural makeup of the islands..
How do you pronounce "hapa"?
"hapa" is pronounced "HAH-pah". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "hapa" in a sentence?
Example: "She hapa Hawaiian Chinese"
"The word 'pau' means finished or done, and is one of the most common loanwords from Hawaiian."
"The kahakō (vowel with a macron) indicates a long vowel sound in Hawaiian words."
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