Ngā mihi aroha
/ˈŋaː ˈmihi aˈroha/word by word
To say my condolences in Maori, use Ngā mihi aroha. It is a warm phrase of sympathy used when someone has lost a loved one.
Ngā mihi aroha is often written at the end of a sympathy card or message to a grieving family, and it can also be said in person.
What does it mean word for word?
Ngā marks a plural, mihi means greetings or acknowledgements and aroha means love, compassion and sympathy. Together it means something like loving acknowledgements.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA is /ˈŋaː ˈmihi aˈroha/. The first sound of Ngā is the ng sound at the end of the English word sing, and the vowel is long.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not drop the long vowel mark in Ngā. It shows the vowel is held longer.
When do people say it?
Aroha is a central value in Maori culture, and offering it openly to a grieving family is a natural way to show you share their loss.
Did you know?
- The word aroha is a close relative of the Hawaiian word aloha. Both descend from a term that originally meant 'to beckon' or 'wave'.
- While Ngā mihi aroha is a standard expression of sympathy, the concept of aroha is so broad that it can describe everything from romantic love to the compassion shown to a stranger.
- In Maori culture, aroha is not just a feeling of love but a central societal value. When used in Ngā mihi aroha, it represents an active commitment to share the burden of another person's grief.
Examples in context
- Ngā mihi aroha ki te whānau katoa.My condolences to the whole family.
Example conversation
Tane visits Kahu at her home after a funeral.
- TaneKia ora Kahu, ngā mihi aroha ki a koe.Hello Kahu, my condolences to you.
- KahuNgā mihi, Tane. Kia ora.Thank you, Tane. Hello.
- TaneHe tino mamae tēnei.This is a very painful time.
- KahuAe, he wā pouri tēnei.Yes, it is a sad time.
