Ngā mihi mō te whakarongo
Ngā mihi mō te whakarongo is the Māori phrase for thanks for listening.
This phrase is used specifically to conclude a formal or semi-formal speech, presentation or performance to acknowledge the attention of the audience.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ngā mihi (the thanks/acknowledgments), mō (for) and te whakarongo (the listening).
Did you know?
- While it sounds like a simple thank you, the word mihi originally meant to grieve or feel regret in Proto-Polynesian. It has evolved from an expression of sorrow into a standard way to offer acknowledgments or greetings.
- In a formal setting, Ngā mihi mō te whakarongo might be followed by a waiata, or song. This is done to support the speaker and seal the emotional impact of the words spoken.
- The word whakarongo is built from a causative prefix, meaning it is not just 'to hear' but carries the sense of 'making oneself hear' or 'attending to' something.
Examples in context
- Ngā mihi mō te whakarongo ki aku kōrero.Thanks for listening to my words.
- Ngā mihi mō te whakarongo ki tēnei kaupapa.Thanks for listening to this topic.
- Ngā mihi mō te whakarongo, e te iwi.Thanks for listening, everyone.
Example conversation
Tane finishes his presentation at a community meeting.
- TaneNgā mihi mō te whakarongo.Thanks for listening.
- ArohaKua pai te kōrero, Tane.The speech was great, Tane.
- TaneTēnā koe, Aroha.Thank you, Aroha.
- ArohaKa kite anō.See you again.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mihi, te, whakarongo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
