How to Say “Happy Friday” in Maori

By Kelsey Madison • Updated October 3, 2026

e mīharo ana te Paraire

The English phrase "happy Friday" can be translated into Māori as e mīharo ana te Paraire.

This phrase is used as a greeting to express excitement or joy that it is Friday.

Did you know?

Māori does not have a native word for the seven-day week, as the traditional calendar was based on the moon and the seasons.
In Māori culture, expressing excitement for a specific day often involves 'mīharo', which translates closer to 'wondering' or 'being amazed' than just 'feeling happy'.
The word ana shares a common root with the Samoan word ana, reflecting the shared ancestry of the Polynesian language family.

Examples in context

Kua tae mai te Rāmere! Kia pai te Rāmere!
Friday has arrived! Have a good Friday!
Noho pai i te Rāmere, John!
Stay well on Friday, John!

Example conversation

Aroha and Manaia meet at the office on Friday morning.

Aroha

Kia ora, Manaia! E mīharo ana te Paraire.
Hello, Manaia! Happy Friday.
Manaia

Kia ora, Aroha. E mīharo ana te Paraire!
Hello, Aroha. Happy Friday!
Aroha

Kua rite koe mō te wikitanga?
Are you ready for the weekend?
Manaia

Āe, kua rite ahau!
Yes, I am ready!

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries Paraire, ana, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Kelsey Madison

Talofa! I'm Kelsey, an avid language learner with a passion for Samoan culture and its beautiful language. Naturally, I swim in the colorful realm of words, constantly finding "faaaloalo" (respect) in the Samoan lexicon. Apart from my linguistic fascinations, I design tattoos inspired by "tatau" (traditional Samoan tattoo art), cherish the subtle rhythms of the ocean, and love to say "manuia" (cheers) with a smile. From the days of the week to emotions and beyond, I find joy in making Samoan more accessible to everyone. So, come along, let's cherish the beauty of words. My love for Polynesian languages also carried me to Māori, and I now write guides on saying things in Te Reo Māori too. 'Ia manuia! (best wishes).

Kelsey MadisonHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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