ngā mihi o te tau hou
ngā mihi o te tau hou is the Maori way to say Happy New Year.
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "the greetings of the new year".
Did you know?
- The word mihi is often accompanied by a 'hongi', where two people press their noses and foreheads together to share the breath of life.
- The word mihi used in your greetings is historically linked to words meaning 'to grieve' or 'to regret', such as the Hawaiian mihi.
- Traditionally, the Maori New Year is not celebrated on January 1st but is based on the lunar calendar and the appearance of the star Matariki.
Examples in context
- Ngā mihi o te tau hou ki a koutou katoa.Happy New Year to you all.
Example conversation
Two friends meeting on the first day of January.
- AnaheraKia ora Manaia, ngā mihi o te tau hou!Hello Manaia, happy New Year!
- ManaiaKia ora Anahera, ngā mihi o te tau hou ki a koe.Hello Anahera, happy New Year to you.
- AnaheraKei te pēhea koe i tēnei tau hou?How are you in this new year?
- ManaiaKei te pai ahau, tēnā koe.I am good, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hou, mihi, tau, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
