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palala

Meaning: brother

Pronunciation: pah-LAH-lah
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Meaning

• brother
• friend
• bro
• local guy
• dude

Usage: Used warmly between friends or to refer respectfully to another local guy. Hawaiianized adaptation of "brother", parallel to "braddah". Common across Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island.

Examples

"Howzit, palala! Long time no see!"

"Dat palala over dea know how fo' fix your truck."

"Shoots, tanks palala, I catch you later."

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: Hawaiianized adaptation of English "brother" (also influenced by Hawaiian palaoa/palalah).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "palala" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"palala" means "brother" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Used warmly between friends or to refer respectfully to another local guy. Hawaiianized adaptation of "brother", parallel to "braddah". Common across Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island..

How do you pronounce "palala"?

"palala" is pronounced "pah-LAH-lah". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "palala" in a sentence?

Example: "Howzit, palala! Long time no see!"

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Related Pidgin Words

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

"The concept of 'Ohana' means family, but can also include close friends and the broader community."

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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