Poi Meaning in English

word

US

pɔɪ

POY

UK

pˈɔɪ

POY

Definition

A traditional Hawaiian food made by mashing cooked taro roots, sometimes eaten fresh, sometimes fermented for a sour taste.

Usage & Nuances

'Poi' is specific to Hawaiian cuisine; uncommon outside Hawaii. Usually used as a non-count noun ('some poi'). Often discussed in cultural, historical, or culinary contexts. Not to be confused with 'poi' in reference to performance art (spinning tethered weights).

• Spanish: poi (plato hawaiano de taro machacado)
• Portuguese (BR): poi (purê de inhame havaiano)
• Portuguese (PT): poi (puré de taro havaiano)
• Chinese (Simplified): poi（夏威夷的芋头泥食品）
• Chinese (Traditional): poi（夏威夷的芋頭泥食品）
• Hindi: poi (हवाई का टैरो से बना पारंपरिक व्यंजन)
• Arabic: بوي (طبق هاوايي من القلقاس المهروس)
• Bengali: পোই (হাওয়াইয়ের খাবার)
• Russian: пои (гавайская еда)
• Japanese: ポイ（ハワイの伝統料理）
• Vietnamese: poi (món ăn Hawaii từ khoai môn)
• Korean: 포이 (하와이 음식)
• Turkish: poi (Hawaii yemeği)
• Urdu: پوی (ہوائی کھانا)
• Indonesian: poi (makanan Hawaii dari talas)

Example Sentences

Poi is made from taro root.

basic

People in Hawaii eat poi at traditional feasts.

basic

Poi can taste sour if it is fermented.

basic

Have you ever tried fresh poi? It’s really different from the sour kind.

natural

Most locals like their poi a little on the thick side.

natural

At a luau, it’s common to see bowls of poi alongside roast pig and fish.

natural