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mahalo. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
mahalo, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
mahalo in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
mahalo you have here. The definition of the word
mahalo will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
mahalo, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Hawaiian mahalo, from Proto-Eastern Polynesian *masalo.
Pronunciation
Interjection
mahalo
- (Hawaii) thank you
Usage notes
The word is widely used in public notices in Hawaii, most visibly on trash cans, leading some tourists unfamiliar with the term to infer the meaning as “trash can”.
References
- Hawaiian Words, 2005 May 25 (last accessed), archived from the original on 5 October 2008
Hawaiian
Etymology
From Proto-Eastern Polynesian *masalo, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *sadəp (compare Tagalog masarap, Malay sedap).
Pronunciation
Interjection
mahalo
- thank you
- Mahalo nui loa. ― Thank you very much.
- Mahalo ā nui ― Thanks very much.
Noun
mahalo
- thanks, gratitude
- admiration, praise, esteem
- ka mea i mahalo ʻia, Mr. Kamaliʻi ― the esteemed Mr. Kamali
- ʻO wau nō me ka mahalo. ― Respectfully yours.
- regards, respects
Verb
mahalo
- to thank
- to admire, praise, appreciate
References
- The Meaning of Hawaiian Words, 2005 May 25 (last accessed)