Ways to say it
| Maori | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kia ora | /ˈkia ˈora/ | informal |
| tēnā kōrua | ||
| tēnā koutou | ||
| tēnā koe | /ˈteːnaː ˈkoe/ | addressee singular, formal |
Kia ora is a versatile and common way to greet someone, but it can also be used as a farewell. Other specific greetings include Nau mai for 'welcome' and Mōrena for an informal 'good morning'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase kia ora literally translates to 'be well' or 'be healthy'.
Which one should you use?
Kia ora is a general informal greeting, whereas tēnā koe is a formal way to address a single person. For addressing exactly two people, use tēnā kōrua or the informal Kia ora kōrua. When addressing a group of three or more people, use tēnā koutou.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kia ora is an informal greeting, while tēnā koe is a formal way to address one person. Tēnā koutou is a formal greeting used when addressing three or more people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms change based on the number of people you are addressing: tēnā koe is for one person, tēnā kōrua or Kia ora kōrua is for two people and tēnā koutou is for three or more people.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkia ˈora/
Did you know?
- In traditional Māori culture, greetings are often accompanied by a hongi, where two people press their noses and foreheads together to share the breath of life.
- Beyond a greeting, kia ora is frequently used as a way to say 'thank you' or to express agreement and affirmation.
- The word 'ora' in kia ora shares an ancient root with the Hawaiian word 'ola', both meaning 'to exist' or 'life'.
Examples in context
- Kia ora, e hoa!Hello, friend!
- Kia ora koutou.Hello everyone.
- Kia ora, kei te pēhea koe?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a local market.
- ManaiaKia ora, Aroha!Hello, Aroha!
- ArohaKia ora, Manaia. Kei te pēhea koe?Hello, Manaia. How are you?
- ManaiaKei te pai ahau, tēnā koe.I am well, thank you.
- ArohaKa pai.That is good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries kia ora, tēnā kōrua, tēnā koutou, tēnā koe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kia ora, koe, koutou, kōrua, ora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
