makai
Meaning: toward the ocean
Usage: "Makai" is used to indicate a direction towards the ocean or the sea. It can refer to physical movement, a location, or even the general direction of the coast. It is often contrasted with "mauka," which means towards the mountains or inland.
"We going makai fo surf"
"Da keiki dem wen run makai fo play on da beach."
"Eh brah, da fishin' boat goin' makai now, you goin'?"
Origin: The term "makai" originates from the Hawaiian language, where it literally translates to "toward the sea." It reflects the central role of the ocean in Hawaiian life and culture.
What does "makai" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"makai" means "toward the ocean" in Hawaiian Pidgin. "Makai" is used to indicate a direction towards the ocean or the sea. It can refer to physical movement, a location, or even the general direction of the coast. It is often contrasted with "mauka," which means towards the mountains or inland..
How do you pronounce "makai"?
"makai" is pronounced "mah-KAI". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "makai" in a sentence?
Example: "We going makai fo surf"
"The word 'da kine' is a versatile placeholder used when you can't remember a specific word."
"Many Pidgin words have roots in Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Filipino, and Hawaiian."
Want to learn more? Try whole sentences in our English to Pidgin translator, check out our Learning Hub, or Talk Story with Kimo!