Kia ora rawa atu
Kia ora rawa atu is the Maori way to say thank you very much.
This phrase is used to express a level of gratitude that is greater than the standard expression for thank you.
Meaning: greater gratitude than "thank you" (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The part rawa atu functions as an intensifier meaning extremely or very much.
Which one should you use?
While Kia ora can mean both hello and thank you, Kia ora rawa atu is a stronger expression of gratitude than the standard Kia ora.
Did you know?
- The word ora is a cognate of the Hawaiian word ola, showing that these two distant island cultures share a linguistic ancestor from the Proto-Polynesian family.
- The root of Kia ora is ora, which means 'to be alive' or 'healthy'. When you say Kia ora rawa atu, you are literally wishing the other person a state of great wellness and life.
- In a formal setting, such as a marae (meeting ground), a speaker might extend Kia ora rawa atu into a longer series of acknowledgments to ensure every person in the room feels seen.
Examples in context
- Kia ora rawa atu koe.Thank you very much.
- Kia ora rawa atu mō tō tautoko.Thank you very much for your support.
Example conversation
Maia thanks Manaia for driving her home.
- MaiaKia ora rawa atu mō te hīkoi.Thank you very much for the ride.
- ManaiaKāore he raru, Maia.No problem, Maia.
- MaiaHe tino pai tō mahi.You are very kind.
- ManaiaHe mea iti noa.It was nothing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ora, rawa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
