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mean kine

Meaning: seriously

Pronunciation: MEAN kyne
expressions beginner

Meaning

• seriously
• really
• intensely

Usage: “Mean kine” is used to emphasize the degree or intensity of something. It's similar to saying “very” or “really,” but with a stronger sense of emphasis and can also express a strong emotion or reaction. It can be used to describe both positive and negative situations.

Examples

"He stay hungry mean kine."

"Da sun burn mean kine today, gotta stay inside."

"She like dat food mean kine, she wen' eat all of it!"

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: This phrase likely evolved from a combination of English and Hawaiian Creole. The word “mean” is used in its original English sense of “intense” or “significant”, while “kine” is a Pidgin word meaning “kind” or “sort” that is used as a general intensifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "mean kine" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"mean kine" means "seriously" in Hawaiian Pidgin. “Mean kine” is used to emphasize the degree or intensity of something. It's similar to saying “very” or “really,” but with a stronger sense of emphasis and can also express a strong emotion or reaction. It can be used to describe both positive and negative situations..

How do you pronounce "mean kine"?

"mean kine" is pronounced "MEAN kyne". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "mean kine" in a sentence?

Example: "He stay hungry mean kine."

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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? Try whole sentences in our English to Pidgin translator, check out our Learning Hub, or Talk Story with Kimo!

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