ka pai
ka pai is the Māori exclamation for well done.
ka pai serves two purposes: it can be used as a standalone exclamation to praise someone's performance, or as a descriptive phrase meaning 'it is good'.
Meaning: exclamation of praise (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the particle ka and the adjective pai, which means good, fine or pleasant.
How does it change in a sentence?
To increase the intensity of the praise, you can add tino before pai to say tino pai (very good).
Did you know?
- The word pai is a distant relative of the Malay word baik and the Tagalog word bait, reflecting the ancient migration of people across the Pacific and Asia.
- Beyond simple praise, ka pai can be used sarcastically to indicate that someone has made a mistake, similar to saying 'nice one' in English.
- While ka pai is used for praise, Māori culture often emphasizes collective achievement over individual success, so these phrases are frequently used to uplift a group.
Examples in context
- Ka rawe koe!You're awesome!
- Ka pai!Well done!
- Ka pai tō mahi.Well done with your work.
Example conversation
Wiremu has just finished painting a wooden fence.
- AnaheraKa pai te mahi, Wiremu!Well done with the work, Wiremu!
- WiremuTēnā koe, Anahera.Thank you, Anahera.
- AnaheraKa pai rawa atu.It is very well done.
- WiremuHe mea nui ki a au.It is important to me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ka pai, pai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
