’ia ora na
The Tahitian way to say "hello" is ’ia ora na.
’ia ora na is used as a greeting to say hello.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "be alive/well" or is a wish for someone to be alive or well.
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase is used as a greeting for both singular and plural subjects.
Did you know?
- In many Polynesian cultures, including Tahiti, an intense, direct gaze is often considered aggressive, so a greeting is frequently accompanied by a softening of the eyes.
- The root ora is shared by many other Pacific languages, meaning the core of the Tahitian 'hello' is a recognizable concept across the vast ocean.
- The root word ora is used not just for greeting, but to describe things that are 'fresh' or 'vibrant', linking the concept of hello with physical vitality.
Examples in context
- ’Ia ora na iā koe.Hello to you.
- ’Ia ora na e!Hello there!
- ’Ia ora na iā te haere mai.Hello and welcome.
Example conversation
Moani and Manu meet at the market.
- Moani’Ia ora na, Manu!Hello, Manu!
- Manu’Ia ora na, Moani!Hello, Moani!
- MoaniPeau maita’i?Are you doing well?
- Manu’Ai’a, maita’i atu!Yes, very well!
