mahi-mahi
C1Informal to neutral; common in culinary, fishing, and travel/tourism contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A brightly colored, fast-swimming marine fish (Coryphaena hippurus), valued as a food fish.
While its primary meaning refers to the fish itself, the term can also be used to describe the culinary dish prepared from this fish, known for its firm, mild-flavored flesh.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a reduplication, borrowed from Hawaiian. It is most often used in the context of seafood cuisine, sport fishing, and marine biology. It is rarely, if ever, used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more commonly encountered in American English, especially in coastal regions and restaurants. In the UK, it might be less familiar and sometimes referred to by alternative names on menus.
Connotations
Connotations are neutral, relating to food, the ocean, and tropical locations. It often carries positive associations of high-quality seafood and luxury dining.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English due to greater prevalence in Pacific and Caribbean tourism and cuisine.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to catch mahi-mahito serve mahi-mahi with [accompaniment]to order the mahi-mahiVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the restaurant, hospitality, and seafood import/export industries.
Academic
Used in marine biology, ichthyology, and environmental science texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing food, fishing trips, or holiday experiences.
Technical
Used in fisheries management, aquaculture, and culinary arts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I ate fish. It was mahi-mahi.
- On holiday, I tried mahi-mahi for the first time.
- The restaurant's special tonight is grilled mahi-mahi with a mango salsa.
- Sport fishers prize the mahi-mahi not only for its vibrant colors but also for its challenging fight and excellent taste.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Hawaiian hula dance: 'Ma-hi, Ma-hi' sounds like a rhythmic chant for a fish from Hawaii.
Conceptual Metaphor
None commonly associated.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation or association with the Russian word 'махина' (contraption/machine). It is unrelated.
- Do not confuse with 'dolphin' (дельфин) the mammal; while one name is 'dolphinfish,' it is not a dolphin.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'mahi-mahi' without the hyphen or as 'mahii-mahii'.
- Using it as a plural (it is typically used as a singular mass noun: 'some mahi-mahi').
Practice
Quiz
What is mahi-mahi?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it is sometimes called 'dolphinfish,' it is a fish, not the marine mammal known as a dolphin.
The name comes from Hawaiian, where 'mahi' means 'strong.' The reduplication 'mahi-mahi' is the Hawaiian name for the fish.
It is pronounced MAH-hee MAH-hee, with stress on the first syllable of each part.
It has a firm texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor, often compared to swordfish or halibut.