kia kaha tonu
/ˈkia ˈkaha ˈtonu/word by word
The English phrase "keep up the good work" is translated into Maori as kia kaha tonu.
kia kaha tonu is used as an idiomatic expression of encouragement to tell someone to keep going or maintain their effort.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "be strong continuously".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkia ˈkaha ˈtonu/
Did you know?
- The word kaha has distant linguistic relatives in English, such as the word 'cotton', via its ancient Proto-Malayo-Polynesian roots.
- While kia kaha tonu is used for 'keeping up the good work', the shorter version kia kaha is a ubiquitous national slogan in New Zealand used for support during tragedies.
- In Maori, expressing encouragement with kia kaha is often accompanied by a vigorous handshake or a firm pat on the shoulder.
Examples in context
- Kia kaha tonu i tō mahi.Keep up the good work in your job.
- Kia kaha tonu te mahi.Keep up the good work.
- Kia kaha tonu koe.Keep up the good work (stay strong/keep going).
Example conversation
A mentor encouraging a student after a successful presentation.
- AnaheraHe pai tō whakaaturanga, Tane.Your presentation was good, Tane.
- TaneTēnā koe, Anahera.Thank you, Anahera.
- AnaheraKia kaha tonu te mahi!Keep up the good work!
- TaneKa pai, ka whai ake atu.Great, I will keep at it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (kia, kaha, tonu) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kaha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
