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kaukau

Meaning: food

Pronunciation: KOW-kow
food beginner

Meaning

food
meal
to eat

Usage: Means food or a meal, and can also be used as a verb meaning "to eat." It's a general term for nourishment.

Examples

"Time fo' kaukau!"

"I going make kaukau."

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: Derived from the Hawaiian word "ʻai," meaning food, this term has been adapted into Pidgin to refer to food and eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "kaukau" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"kaukau" means "food" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Means food or a meal, and can also be used as a verb meaning "to eat." It's a general term for nourishment..

How do you pronounce "kaukau"?

"kaukau" is pronounced "KOW-kow". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "kaukau" in a sentence?

Example: "Time fo' kaukau!"

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Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"Negative sentences in Pidgin often use 'never' for past tense, as in 'I never see him' (I didn't see him)."

Local Culture Fact

"Talk story is a local Hawaiian expression for a casual conversation or sharing experiences."

Want to learn more? Check out our Learning Hub or Talk Story with Kimo!

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