How to Say Hello in Maori

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Last Updated: October 31, 2024 References

Want an easy way to impress people with beautiful pronunciation and apparent fluency in te reo Māori - One of the offical languages of Aotearoa - New Zealand?^{[1]
X
Research source} Learn to say hello.

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"Kia Ora"
This is pronounced: Key or-rah.
News readers on New Zealand TV stations usually say Kia Ora at the start of the news so listen to them, if you can, to perfect your pronunciation.^{[2]
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"Tena Koe"
This is pronounced Te Na Ko E.
In te reo Māori, all the vowels are pronounced so Koe has two sounds, the co and the e.^{[3]
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"Tena korua"
Sounds are, Te Na Kor Uh A.
Don't forget to pronounce each vowel.^{[4]
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Use this greeting also for groups and big or small gatherings.
'"Tena koutou!"^{[5]
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Research source} 'Te Na Ko Uh Too Uh.

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What does "whakawhetai" mean in Maori?

Community Answer

"Whakawhetai" can have 2 meanings, depending on context. It means either "Thanks" or "Grateful".

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How do I say 10,000 in Maori?

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A quick search says that 10,000 in Maori is "tekau mano". Pronounced Teh-cOW-moNO.

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How do I acknowledge someone speaking Maori?

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If they speak English, try to give them a traditional Maori greeting, and then speak English if wanted. Then, at the end of your conversation, try to give them a Maori goodbye.

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Kia Ora can also be used to say thank you.^{[6]
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Try saying, "Mōrena" or "Ata mārie" to greet people in the morning.^{[7]
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Learn to say what is your name? Ko wai to ingoa?^{[8]
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The culture (tikanga) behind saying tēnā koutou three times is not well known. The first time you are addressing those who are physically present, the second time you are addressing those who cannot be in front of you at this time, and the third time you are addressing your ancestors (tūpuna and whakapapa).

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