Toh mihi (Congratulations, regards, thank you)
In This Article...
What is the meaning of kia ora ano?
A greeting from the Mori language that has made its way into New Zealand English is kia ora (Mori: [kiaa], roughly translated as KYOH-r or ki-AW-r in English). Literally, it means “enjoy life” or “be healthy,”[1] wishing them the essence of life. [2] It can be used as a casual way of saying “hey,” “hello,” or “goodbye,” as well as to express gratitude in a manner similar to “cheers.” It is similar to the expression “g’day” as a greeting (used in Australian and New Zealand English). [3]
Is saying kia ora impolite?
Kia ora can be used to greet someone, show appreciation, offer love, and establish a connection.
The native Mori language is the source of the friendly and welcoming greeting known as “kia ora,” which is used often throughout New Zealand.
What does kia ora mean?
Kia ora, in its most basic form, says greeting. But because it makes a reference to life and health, “kia ora” is more than just a simple greeting.
More than merely a passing greeting, these two words have deeper meanings. The word “ora” literally means “to live” or “to be alive.” By adding “kia,” it is transformed from a noun to a verb, becoming “living” instead of “alive”. As a result, when you say “kia ora” to someone, you are wishing them life itself.
When should you say kia ora?
In New Zealand, the informal greeting kia ora is used. Everyone uses it in everyday discourse, from the prime minister to the neighborhood shopkeeper.
Use kia ora as a greeting or farewell, to express gratitude, to express support, or to convey a warm “cheers.” Kia ora can be used to start an email or answer the phone.
It’s crucial to express gratitude to others. By saying “Kia Ora,” we acknowledge not only them but also everything about them, including who and from where they are.
What does the New Zealand term Ka Pai mean?
There are fewer letters (just five vowels and ten consonants) in the Mori alphabet than there are in the English alphabet, but there are numerous ways to express things, and certain accents atop letters can give one word multiple meanings. It all comes down to pronunciation. For instance, the word keke, which means “cake,” actually means “armpit,” because to its lengthy vowels!
A fantastic tune to learn them is A Haka Manaan is a fun and simple approach to learn how to pronounce the Mori vowels.
W’s can be hard because they are often pronounced loudly in words like waka, a Mori boat. However, the h softens the w to sound like a fa sound when it is present in a word like wharenui (meeting house).
Try these wonderful everyday words:
Thank you
used to say “hey” or “hello” informally Happy mai! Please come in. Thank you. Tn koehello (to a single person). Tn kruahello (to two people). Tn koutouhello (to more than two persons). Haka War dance or the mori dance Hongi the Mori courtesy of pressing one’s noses together Ka pai excellent or well-done Kara kiaPrayer Rangatira foremost, respected TneHusband is a male. Wahine feminine, female, wife, WaiataSong
Additionally, we advise you to check at Te Akaa’s extensive Online Mori dictionary. Download their App for rapid translations when you can’t be online; it’s especially helpful if you visit a Marae or Pa on a class trip or during a vacation. Learning about Mori culture and using their language is wonderful.
Have you studied or attempted the Mori language? Please share your experiences with us in the comments section.
How do you express gratitude in Te Reo?
A wonderful place to start is by learning the fundamental Mori greetings (mihi). Anywhere in New Zealand you use them, you’ll probably get a big smile in return.
How do you say hello in Mori?
- Hello, or “Kia ora”
- Mrena – Happy morning!
- Tn koe – Good morning, one person
- Kia ora/Tna krua – Good morning, two.
- Hello everyone! Kia ora ttou/kia ora koutou
- I’m happy to see you. Tn koutou (said to three or more people)
- Greetings: Nau mai, haere mai
- Kei te Phoe Koe? What’s up?
- Kei te pai: Excellent
- Tino pai: Excellent
How do you say goodbye in Mori?
- Ka kite an, or good bye.
- M te w – I’ll see you later.
- Haere r – Bye-bye/goodbye (said to someone leaving)
- Hello, Kona r – Farewell (said to someone staying)
How do you say thank you in Mori?
- Kia ora is a greeting that can also be used to show gratitude in general.
- The Mori words for “thank you” are tn koe (to one person), tn krua (to two people), and tn koutou (to three or more persons).