What Does Kia Ora Mean In English

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.

Is saying kia ora impolite?

Many individuals outside of New Zealand are familiar with the salutation “Kia Ora.” It also has a wide range of meanings! Kiwis use it to greet one another, wish one luck, and convey other sentiments. In essence, it’s a comprehensive way to convey well wishes. Our pals at Massey say that one misconception about New Zealanders that is really accurate is that they are highly amiable people. People will frequently welcome you with “Kia Ora!” as you start your day when you study abroad in New Zealand.

What does ora mean in Mori?

Ngahiwi Apanui, the company’s chief executive, explains that “it’s actually more of a ‘gidday’; I wouldn’t say it to elders or if I was meeting someone for the first time.”

The expression can be used to end an email, wish someone well, or express gratitude.

Apanui explains, “It also signifies to wish someone life and health.” Kia is a future tense particle that, technically speaking, means something will happen. Together, ora and kia mean life.

We say “kia ora r” when someone corrects us or helps us, according to Apanui. R can refer to the sun or day, but in this case, it denotes a separation from the speaker, much like the phrase “by that.”

Apanui thinks that the expression is quite adaptable. It’s being thrown around everywhere, and he thinks that’s fantastic.

“Even if kia ora is the only term people use to communicate in te reo Mori, that is still preferable to saying nothing. However, it’s far better if everyone understands what that brief passage implies.”

In Mori, how do you greet someone?

Despite the fact that English is New Zealand’s primary language, the Mori language is a national treasure and is currently seeing a rebirth. Pick up some basic language.

Te Reo Mori, New Zealand Sign Language, and English are all recognized as official languages in New Zealand. The majority of people speak English, although only about 4%, or 140,000, do so in Te Reo. As a result, it is now the second most widely used language in New Zealand.

The Mori language is being revived and is regarded as a national treasure. Te Reo is still a living language that is widely spoken in New Zealand because to programs like Mori Language Week, Mori language schools (from pre-school through high school), and a Mori language television station.

In the traditional Mori greeting known as the hongi, two individuals press their noses and occasionally their foreheads together (pictured). It is typically used at ceremonial gatherings of Mori people and is sometimes followed by a handshake.

You can assist in sustaining the language Te Reo Mori by striving for accurate pronunciation and use straightforward words and expressions in daily speech. 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.

Thank you

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).

What’s a Kiwi’s greeting?

• The customary greeting for complete strangers is a handshake. To convey confidence, it should be forceful and accompanied by eye contact.
• A light chuckle at the formality of handshakes during introductions may come from New Zealanders.
• The degree of a physical greeting depends on how comfortable the other person is with you.
• When welcoming someone they know, some people give them a hug. Close friends might also give each other cheek kisses as a greeting, while others would only nod.
• “An informal way to say “hello” and “thank you,” kia ora (Key-or-rah) can also be used to express acknowledgment.
• “Tn koe” (pronounced “Teh-nah kweh”) is a formal salutation,
• A formal greeting for two people is called tn krua (Teh-nah cor-roo-ah), and “A three-person or more formal greeting is called tn koutou (Teh-nah co-toe).
• Mori traditionally use the hongi to welcome one another. This involves two persons holding each other’s heads while squeezing their noses and foreheads together and inhaling at the same time to share the same moment and breath. This particular salutation is typically saved for official Mori occasions.
• When visitors arrive, the Mori also have a pwhiri welcoming ceremony. This involves a customary test to determine whether visitors are allies or enemies, which is typically followed by a call to welcome, speeches, and musical selections.

Who or what is Ka kite ano?

Ano Ka Kite (See you tomorrow) Although this is typically noted as inappropriate language, local TV presenters and newscasters frequently say “ka kite ano” when wishing their viewers farewell. Keep this one in the back of your mind for future use because it might come up in regular interactions with Kiwis.

Maori Language Terms

Te Reo, another official language of New Zealand, is a bilingual nation. Even though it’s not as common as English, you might hear some of these words mentioned in a conversation.

Not sure how to say or pronounce these words? Obtain this free Maori pronunciation guide by clicking here.