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kalua

Meaning: to bake in an imu

Pronunciation: kah-LOO-ah

Meaning

• to bake in an imu

Usage: Kalua refers to the traditional Hawaiian method of cooking food, especially pork, in an imu, an underground oven. The process imparts a smoky flavor and is a centerpiece of many celebrations.

Examples

"kalua stay to bake in an imu"

"We kalua da pig fo' da lu'au, yeah?"

"Da chicken kalua taste ono, you know?"

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: The practice of kaluaing food in an imu is an ancient Hawaiian tradition, used for large gatherings and feasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "kalua" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"kalua" means "to bake in an imu" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Kalua refers to the traditional Hawaiian method of cooking food, especially pork, in an imu, an underground oven. The process imparts a smoky flavor and is a centerpiece of many celebrations..

How do you pronounce "kalua"?

"kalua" is pronounced "kah-LOO-ah". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "kalua" in a sentence?

Example: "kalua stay to bake in an imu"

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Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"The word 'stay' is frequently used as a progressive marker, like 'He stay eating' for 'He is eating'."

Local Culture Fact

"Many Pidgin words have roots in Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Filipino, and Hawaiian."

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