ukulele
Meaning: small four-stringed guitar
Meaning
Usage: Ukulele is a small, four-stringed guitar, a quintessential Hawaiian musical instrument.
Examples
"Play da ukulele"
"He play da ukulele real good."
"I like learn how fo' play da ukulele."
Origin & Cultural Context
Origin: The ukulele was introduced to Hawai'i by Portuguese immigrants in the 19th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ukulele" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"ukulele" means "small four-stringed guitar" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Ukulele is a small, four-stringed guitar, a quintessential Hawaiian musical instrument..
How do you pronounce "ukulele"?
"ukulele" is pronounced "oo-koo-LEH-leh". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "ukulele" in a sentence?
Example: "Play da ukulele"
Quick Actions
Related Pidgin Words
Pidgin & Local Culture Corner
Pidgin Grammar Tip
"The word 'pau' means finished or done, and is one of the most common loanwords from Hawaiian."
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!