Kia pai tō rā
The English phrase 'have a great day' is translated into Māori as Kia pai tō rā.
Kia pai tō rā is used as a parting wish, or valediction, when saying goodbye to someone rather than as a greeting upon arrival.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'Let your day be good'. The part kia pai means 'let it be good', tō means 'your' and rā means 'day'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tō is the singular possessive form of 'your', which is used when you are addressing only one person.
Did you know?
- In many other Polynesian languages, the cognate of tō refers to 'sugar cane', but the original plant meaning was lost in New Zealand's colder climate.
- In traditional Māori culture, saying Kia pai tō rā is part of manaakitanga, a philosophy centering on the active showing of care and hospitality toward others.
- In Māori, the word rā refers to both the 'day' and the 'sun' itself.
Examples in context
- Ka kite anō, kia pai tō rā.See you again, have a great day.
- E hoa, kia pai tō rā.Friend, have a great day.
Example conversation
Rawiri and Maia are saying goodbye after a coffee meeting.
- RawiriKa kite anō, Maia.See you again, Maia.
- MaiaĀe, kia pai tō rā, Rawiri.Yes, have a great day, Rawiri.
- RawiriKia pai tō rā.Have a great day.
- MaiaTēnā koe.Thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pai, rā, tō, CC BY-SA 4.0.
