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pukui

Meaning: to gather

Pronunciation: poo-KOO-ee

Meaning

• to gather
• to huddle

Usage: In Pidgin, "pukui" describes the act of people coming together, often for a specific purpose like a gathering or event. It emphasizes the physical act of people assembling in a group, similar to "huddle" but with a broader application to social situations.

Examples

"pukui stay to gather"

"Da keiki dem pukui fo' watch da fire dancers."

"Eh brah, da whole ohana gonna pukui fo' da lu'au, yeah?"

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: The term "pukui" reflects the importance of community and togetherness in Hawaiian culture. It highlights the value placed on shared experiences and collective participation in events and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "pukui" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"pukui" means "to gather" in Hawaiian Pidgin. In Pidgin, "pukui" describes the act of people coming together, often for a specific purpose like a gathering or event. It emphasizes the physical act of people assembling in a group, similar to "huddle" but with a broader application to social situations..

How do you pronounce "pukui"?

"pukui" is pronounced "poo-KOO-ee". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "pukui" in a sentence?

Example: "pukui stay to gather"

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Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"Questions in Pidgin often use a rising intonation at the end of a statement rather than changing word order."

Local Culture Fact

"The 'Aloha Spirit' is actually part of Hawaii state law (HRS [§ 5-7.5])."

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