Basic Words

1. ʻAe

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. ʻAʻole

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. E ʻoluʻolu

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

   Grammar Note

   "E ʻoluʻolu" literally asks the listener to "be pleasant" and is attached to an E … imperative.

4. Mahalo

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. E kala mai

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

6. E kala mai iaʻu

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   Adding "iaʻu" (to me) turns a simple "excuse me" into an admission of fault.

7. Maikaʻi nō

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. ʻAʻole maopopo iaʻu

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Ua maopopo iaʻu

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Ua pau

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. E ʻoluʻolu e kali mai

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. E kali iki

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Hoʻokahi mākua

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. ʻAʻole au i hoʻopaʻa

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

15. Ua hoʻopaʻa au

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. E kōkua mai iaʻu

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. E ʻōlelo hou mai

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. E ʻōlelo mālie mai

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. ʻŌlelo iki wau

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. ʻŌlelo ʻoe i ka ʻōlelo Pelekania?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Kēia

    This

    Usage

    Point at something right in front of you

22. Kēnā

    That (near you)

    Usage

    Point at something near the listener

23. Kēlā

    That over there

    Usage

    Point at something away from both of you

24. Ma ʻaneʻi

    Here

    Usage

    To say "here" while pointing

25. Ma laila

    There

    Usage

    To say "there" for a spot a little away

26. Au

    I / me

    Usage

    To indicate yourself

27. ʻOe

    You

    Usage

    To indicate the person you are talking to

28. Pū

    Together

    Usage

    To say you are together with someone

29. Hoʻokahi kanaka

    One person

    Usage

    To give a head count

30. ʻElua kānaka

    Two people

    Usage

    To give a head count

31. ʻEkolu kānaka

    Three people

    Usage

    To give a head count

32. Ua lawa

    That is enough

    Usage

    To say you do not need any more

33. A pau

    All

    Usage

    To say "all of it"

34. Hapalua

    Half

    Usage

    To ask for half the amount

35. He iki

    Just a little

    Usage

    To ask for just a little

Browse all TravelPhrases languages