Ka kite anō
The English phrase "see you soon" is translated into Maori as Ka kite anō.
Ka kite anō is used as a goodbye.
Meaning: goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ka (a particle indicating future tense), kite (to see) and anō (again), literally translating to "Will see again".
Which one should you use?
While Ka kite anō focuses on the future meeting, Haere rā is a standard farewell used when someone is departing.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the pronoun koe (you, singular) to make Ka kite anō koe makes the phrase more explicit, though Ka kite anō is the standard idiomatic expression.
Did you know?
- In traditional settings, a farewell like Ka kite anō may be accompanied by a hongi, a greeting where two people press their noses and foreheads together to share the breath of life.
- If you are saying Ka kite anō to exactly two people, the hidden pronoun in the full version of the phrase changes to kōrua.
- The word kite can also be used to describe the act of finding something or discovering a fact, not just the physical act of seeing a person.
Examples in context
- Haere ana tātou! Ka kite anō.We're going! Goodbye for now.
- Ka kite anō.See you soon.
- Ka kite anō i te pō.See you again tonight.
- Ka kite anō, e hoa.See you soon, friend.
Example conversation
Kahu and Rawiri are leaving a cafe after a coffee.
- KahuKa kite anō, Rawiri.See you soon, Rawiri.
- RawiriKa kite anō, Kahu.See you soon, Kahu.
- KahuKia pai tō rā.Have a good day.
- RawiriTēnā koe.Thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ka kite anō, kite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
