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make

Meaning: dead

Pronunciation: MAH-keh
cultural beginner

Meaning

dead
die

Usage: In Pidgin, "make" is a versatile verb used to express the concept of dying or ceasing to exist. It's often used in place of "die" and can apply to people, animals, or even plants and objects.

Examples

"Da bug stay make"

"Eh brah, da fish wen make las week."

"No worry, da plant no go make, I wen water 'em."

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: This usage of "make" likely evolved from the Hawaiian language, where similar constructions were used to describe the end of life or the cessation of function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "make" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"make" means "dead" in Hawaiian Pidgin. In Pidgin, "make" is a versatile verb used to express the concept of dying or ceasing to exist. It's often used in place of "die" and can apply to people, animals, or even plants and objects..

How do you pronounce "make"?

"make" is pronounced "MAH-keh". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "make" in a sentence?

Example: "Da bug stay make"

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Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"To indicate past tense, Pidgin often uses 'wen' before the verb (e.g., 'I wen go' for 'I went')."

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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