Back to Dictionary

pukui

Meaning: to gather

Pronunciation: poo-KOO-ee
general intermediate

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"

Quick Actions

Related Pidgin Words

Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"The word 'buggah' can refer to a person, a thing, or an animal depending on the context."

Local Culture Fact

"Hawaiian Pidgin (HWC) originated on sugar plantations as a way for diverse ethnic groups to communicate."

Want to learn more? Check out our Learning Hub or Talk Story with Kimo!

Practice Your Pidgin

How Local You Stay?

Think you know how for use "pukui"?

Take the Quiz →