Besides the ukulele and slack key guitar, one of the most distinctive sounds in Hawaii is Hawaiian Pidgin English, or Pidgin for short. The colorful creole language — a mix of Hawaiian and English syntax and vocabulary, plus words from Japanese, Portuguese, Ilocano, Tagalog, and others — arose in the plantation era when speakers of all those languages needed an easy way to communicate with each other. Now it’s a source of pride for many that they speak Pidgin as well as standard English (and increasingly Hawaiian, too.)
While it takes years for nonnative speakers to learn Pidgin’s intonations and grammar, it’s easy to learn a few key words before you visit — not to use in your own speech, but to recognize them in others. Be sure to also check out these 15 key Hawaiian words, and top phrases many of which are used in Pidgin too, like lua (loo-uh), meaning toilet or bathroom.
Want rock that cool Big Foot Aloha vibe? We’ve collected a few options for you.
And if you're having a hard time, don't worry...
Other visitors also have a tough time.
1. Bra / braddah / bruddah
Definition: Bro, brother.
Pronunciation: Brah, brah-dah or bra-dah
How to use it in a sentence: Howzit braddah? How you? You good?
2. Bumbye
Definition: Eventually, later on.
Pronunciation: Bum-bye
How to use it in a sentence: Wen we go Disneyland? Bum-bye.
3. Buggah
Definition: Person, usually male.
Pronunciation: Bah-guh
How to use it in a sentence: Da buggah is always late.
4. Choke
Definition: A lot.
Pronunciation: Choke, like in standard English.
How to use it in a sentence: You like one penny? No worries, I get choke!
5. Hamajang, hammajang
Definition: Messed up, askew, out of order.
Pronunciation: Hah-mah-jang
How to use it in a sentence: My hair was all hamajang so I put in hair gel to make it nice.
6. Kau kau
Definition: Food, meal, to eat.
Pronunciation: Cow-cow
How to use it in a sentence: My maddah wen make some kau kau. You like?
7. Moke
Definition: This is the local version of a stereotypical redneck male. He drives a pickup truck and hunts, but probably surfs, too. Pidgin is his preferred language, and rubber slippahs (defined below) are his preferred footwear.
Pronunciation: Mok’ — rhymes with “choke”
How to use it in a sentence: All da mokes wen chase me outta da watah!
8. Shi shi
Definition: Pee, to urinate.
Pronunciation: She-she
How to use it in a sentence: Please shishi in the lua (bathroom), and not in the ocean — coral bleaching is real.
9. Slippahs
Definition: Flip-flops, sandals (as seen up top). Generally the final “r” isn’t pronounced in the English words in Pidgin — something it has in common with some Boston and British accents.
Pronunciation: Sli-pah
How to use it in a sentence: Ey brah wea my slippah stay?
10. Stay
Definition: Is, are, but only when referred to impermanent states like location or emotion, similar to “estar” in Spanish.
Pronunciation: Stay, like in standard English.
How to use it in a sentence: Wea Brian stay?
11. Stink-eye
Definition: A dirty look of disapproval, doubt or distrust. Try to speak Pidgin and you’re likely to get this.
Pronunciation: Stink-eye, like in standard English.
How to use it in a sentence: Eh, no geev me dat stink eye.
12. Tita
Definition: The female equivalent of “moke.” Mess with her and you’ll get more than stink-eye.
Pronunciation: Tih-tah
How to use it in a sentence: She stay full on tita, yeah?
13. Wen
Definition: Used in front of a verb to signify past tense. “He wen go,” means, “he went.” Wen also indicates past tense when used in front of a verb.
Pronunciation: When
How to use it in a sentence: How much you wen geev him?
Still struggling?
Here’s a quick lesson from a pro!
Looking for more locally inspired Hawaii travel tips? Subscribe to our Aloha Friday Newsletter?
Follow us on Instagram @localgetaways!
3 thoughts on “Top 13 Hawaiian Pidgin Words to Know Before You Go to Hawaii”
FYI… MOKE not Mokè (a Name meaning born Here} is not used anymore not since the 90s Haole is used mostly by other Haoles or as a discription. But both words are now Concidered derogatory and people getting in big kine trouble saying it at the wrong time and context. A school security guard called my daughter a ha’ole he now cleaned rubbish out the mall parking lot. So I’d update my page if I were you. I stopped at Mokè because you catch dirty likins if u say that you said it’s the equivalent to calling someone a redneck… MOKE (no okina) means dumb, stupid, one of low IQ, possibly special needs. See why we stopped in the 1990s-early 2000. Ima read the rest. Hopeing no more hurtful words…?
Chad, ah da fahk apppp
vibration analyzer
Vibration Analyzer – Balanset-1A Overview
The Balanset-1A is a highly efficient and portable vibration analyzer designed to perform dynamic balancing across a wide range of applications. With its advanced technology, it caters to various industries, effectively balancing rotors such as crushers, fans, mulchers, augers on combines, shafts, centrifuges, turbines, and more. By utilizing this versatile vibration analyzer, users can ensure optimal performance and longevity of their machinery.
Key Features of the Balanset-1A Vibration Analyzer
The Balanset-1A is equipped with dual channels, allowing for dynamic balancing in two planes. This feature makes it ideal for accurate analysis and balancing of diverse rotor types. Some essential functionalities of the vibration analyzer include:
Vibrometer Mode: Accurately measures vibration levels, helping users identify issues that could affect machinery performance.
Tachometer: Measures rotational speed (RPM) for precise operational tracking.
Phase Analysis: Determines the phase angle of vibration signals for detailed diagnostics.
FFT Spectrum Analysis: Provides insight into frequency components for comprehensive understanding of vibration behaviors.
Measurement Logging: Saves vital measurement data for further analysis, ensuring continuity in performance evaluations.
Balancing Modes
The Balanset-1A vibration analyzer offers user-friendly balancing modes that enhance its effectiveness:
Single Plane Balancing: Addressing vibration issues by balancing rotors in a single plane.
Two Plane Balancing: Achieving dynamic balancing for improved rotor stability.
Polar Graph Visualization: Facilitates the accurate placement of weights by illustrating imbalance on a polar graph.
Restore Last Session Function: Allows users to conveniently resume their previous balancing activities.
Tolerance Calculation: Computes acceptable balancing tolerances in accordance with ISO 1940 standards.
Additional Features and Capabilities
The Balanset-1A goes beyond basic functionality, offering additional features that enhance its usability:
Archiving and Reporting: Users can store and retrieve past balancing sessions and generate comprehensive reports.
Re-balancing Functionality: Facilitates repeating the balancing process using saved data for efficient operations.
Support for Imperial and Metric Systems: Ensures compatibility with global standards, enhancing its usability across various regions.
Specifications of the Balanset-1A
This portable vibration analyzer comes with robust specifications that cater to various operational needs:
Measurement Channels: 2 for vibration analysis and 1 for rotational speed.
RMS Vibration Velocity Measurement Range: Up to 80 mm/s.
Frequency Range: Effective in measuring vibrations from 5 Hz to 550 Hz.
Vibration Phase Shift Measurement Range: Covers a complete spectrum from 0 to 360 degrees.
Operating Power: Supports 140-220VAC, 50Hz, making it suitable for various environments.
Weight: At 4 KG, it is lightweight and highly portable.
Why Invest in the Balanset-1A Vibration Analyzer?
When it comes to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of machinery, the Balanset-1A is an indispensable investment. Its comprehensive features allow users to accurately assess vibration levels and perform necessary adjustments. By investing in this vibration analyzer, industries can prevent costly downtimes and repairs due to unbalanced machinery.
The Balanset-1A not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes significantly to the safety and reliability of machines. Proper vibration analysis can lead to improved productivity as balanced machinery operates more smoothly with reduced wear and tear on critical components.
Conclusion
Investing in a reliable vibration analyzer like the Balanset-1A equips industries with the ability to conduct precise rotor balancing and vibration analysis. Its advanced capabilities ensure that users can keep their machinery operating at peak performance, ultimately saving time and resources. Whether in manufacturing, agriculture, or any other sector requiring robust equipment, the Balanset-1A represents a proactive approach to machinery maintenance, reinforcing the importance of high-quality vibration analysis in sustaining operational excellence.
For more information, consider exploring the various configurations and additional components available for the Balanset-1A to tailor it to your specific needs. Making an informed choice about vibration analysis can significantly boost productivity and efficiency in your operations.