Back to Dictionary

try

Meaning: please

Pronunciation: TRY
expressions beginner

Meaning

please
attempt

Usage: Try is used as a polite way to make a request or give a suggestion, similar to 'please' or 'would you'.

Examples

"Try pass da salt"

"Try come ovah hea' latah."

"Try gimme one plate rice, yeah?"

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: This usage is a simplified adaptation of the English phrase 'try to'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "try" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"try" means "please" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Try is used as a polite way to make a request or give a suggestion, similar to 'please' or 'would you'..

How do you pronounce "try"?

"try" is pronounced "TRY". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "try" in a sentence?

Example: "Try pass da salt"

Quick Actions

Related Pidgin Words

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

"The 'okina (ʻ) is a consonant in the Hawaiian language representing a glottal stop."

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 "try"?

Take the Quiz →