arohanui
The English phrase 'condolences' can be expressed in Māori as arohanui.
Meaning: funeral expression (intj)
Which one should you use?
If you are addressing a whole family or a group of mourners, you can use arohanui katoa to mean 'much love to all'.
When do people say it?
Kia Tau te Rangimarie ki runga i a koutou means May peace be with you and is used in formal contexts. Aroha nui ki a koutou means Much love to you all and is an informal way to express condolences.
Did you know?
- At a traditional tangihanga or funeral, it is common to express arohanui through a hongi, which is the pressing of noses and foreheads to share the breath of life.
- While arohanui is used for condolences, the term tangi means both 'to cry' and 'funeral', reflecting a culture that encourages open mourning.
- The phrase arohanui is so versatile that it is also used as a warm sign-off in letters and emails, similar to 'with love' or 'kind regards'.
Examples in context
- Arohanui ki a koe i tenei wā.Much love to you at this time.
Example conversation
Manaia and Anahera are at a funeral service.
- ManaiaArohanui ki a koe, Anahera.My deepest condolences to you, Anahera.
- AnaheraNgā mihi, Manaia.Thank you, Manaia.
- ManaiaHe kōhanga arohanui tēnei.This is a place of great love.
- AnaheraĀe, he tino arohanui tēnei.Yes, there is much love here.
