kia ora, ko tōku ingoa ko
kia ora, ko tōku ingoa ko is the Māori phrase for "hello, my name is".
This phrase is the standard way to introduce yourself to others in Māori.
What does it mean word for word?
The part tōku ingoa means "my name".
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle ko is used before the name to indicate identity in this structure.
Did you know?
- In formal settings, a person may use a pepeha to introduce themselves, which is a structured way of linking their identity to the land.
- Kia ora is often used not just to say 'hello', but also to express thanks or to show agreement during a conversation.
- The word ingoa for 'name' is a cognate of the Hawaiian inoa and the Tahitian iʻoa.
Examples in context
- Kia ora, ko tōku ingoa ko Hana.Hello, my name is Hana.
- Kia ora, ko tōku ingoa ko Ari.Hello, my name is Ari.
- Kia ora, ko tōku ingoa ko Mere.Hello, my name is Mere.
Example conversation
Two people meet for the first time at a community event.
- ArohaKia ora, ko tōku ingoa ko Aroha.Hello, my name is Aroha.
- WiremuKia ora, Aroha. Ko Wiremu tōku ingoa.Hello, Aroha. My name is Wiremu.
- ArohaTēnā koe, Wiremu.Greetings, Wiremu.
- WiremuTēnā koe hoki.Greetings to you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ingoa, ora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
