ngā mihi nui
/ˈŋaː ˈmihi ˈnui/word by word
The Māori phrase for "best wishes" is ngā mihi nui.
ngā mihi nui is a polite closing used at the end of emails, letters or formal speeches to express goodwill to the recipient.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "the big acknowledgments" or "the great greetings".
Which one should you use?
While ngā mihi nui means "best wishes" or "big thanks", the shorter version ngā mihi is often used as a more neutral way to say "regards" or "thanks".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ngā mihi nui is a standard, polite way to close professional or formal correspondence. For a more informal "Stay well", you can use Noho ora mai.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ngā mihi nui, the word ngā is the plural definite article, which indicates that mihi is in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈŋaː ˈmihi ˈnui/
Did you know?
- The word mihi originally stems from a Proto-Polynesian root meaning 'grieve for'. This connects the modern expression of goodwill to ancient traditions of mourning and emotional acknowledgement.
- While ngā mihi nui is common in emails, in spoken contexts, a mihi can be a long, poetic oratory piece. These speeches often acknowledge ancestors and the land before greeting the living.
- In Māori culture, the act of mihi is deeply tied to the concept of 'mana'. By offering ngā mihi nui, the writer is not just being polite but is acknowledging and uplifting the prestige of the recipient.
Examples in context
- Ngā mihi nui ki a koe.Best wishes to you.
- Ngā mihi nui ki a katoa.Best wishes to everyone.
Example conversation
Maia is ending an email to her colleague Rawiri.
- MaiaKa kite koe i te wiki whai.I will see you next week.
- RawiriĀe, ka kite koe i reira.Yes, I will see you there.
- MaiaNgā mihi nui, Maia.Best wishes, Maia.
- RawiriNgā mihi, Rawiri.Regards, Rawiri.
