Kia ora
/ˈkia ˈora/
The English phrase "hi" can be said in Maori as Kia ora.
Kia ora is used in informal situations as a casual "hello" or "hi" among friends.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kia (a particle used to express a wish or command) and ora (to be well, alive or healthy). Literally, it means "Be well / May you be well".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkia ˈora/
Did you know?
- While it is a greeting, Kia ora is also frequently used in casual conversation to express gratitude or to say 'thank you'.
- Beyond greeting someone, Kia ora can be used as an informal way to agree with a statement or to simply say 'yes'.
- In New Zealand, Kia ora is used by many English speakers as a way to signal a friendly and inclusive cultural identity regardless of their fluency in the language.
Examples in context
- Tēnā koe, e hoa. Ka whakapā atu ahau ki a koe ki te mihi.Greetings to you, my friend. I will contact you to greet you.
- Kia ora! Ka kite anō ki a koe i te rā nei!Hi! See you later today!
- Kia ora!Hi!
- Kia ora kōrua.Hi to you two.
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- WiremuKia ora, Maia!Hi, Maia!
- MaiaKia ora, Wiremu!Hi, Wiremu!
- WiremuKei te pēhea koe?How are you?
- MaiaKei te pai ahau.I am good.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry kia ora.
