Greetings

1. Kia ora

   Hello / Thank you

   Usage

   The most commonly used Māori greeting. Works at any time of day and can also express thanks.

   Grammar Note

   Māori is a Polynesian language with VSO word order. "Kia" is a particle expressing wish or state; combined with "ora" (health/life) it means "be well".

2. Tēnā koe

   Hello (formal greeting to one person)

   Usage

   Formal greeting to one person. Appropriate for business or first meetings.

   Grammar Note

   "Tēnā koe" literally means "that which is by you". For two people use "Tēnā kōrua"; for three or more use "Tēnā koutou".

3. Nau mai, haere mai

   Welcome, come here

   Usage

   Traditional formal welcome used in pōwhiri (welcome ceremony) and on the marae.

   Grammar Note

   Māori directional particles: "mai" (toward speaker), "atu" (away), "ake" (upward), "iho" (downward). This phrase is chanted in pōwhiri welcome ceremonies.

4. Ka pai

   Good / Well done / Great

   Usage

   Commonly used as praise, light thanks, or agreement in everyday conversation.

   Grammar Note

   "Ka" is a verbal particle in Māori indicating commencement or progression of an action. "Ka pai" is also widely used in New Zealand English.

5. Kia kaha

   Be strong / Stay strong

   Usage

   Widely used as an expression of encouragement. A message of support for someone facing challenges.

   Grammar Note

   "Kia + adjective" expresses a wish or encouragement. Same structure: "Kia ora" (be well), "Kia māia" (be brave). Widely loved across New Zealand.

6. E noho rā

   Goodbye (said to those staying)

   Usage

   Said by the person leaving to those who remain.

   Grammar Note

   Māori farewells differ by role: the departing person says "E noho rā" (stay well); those staying say "Haere rā" (go well).

7. Haere rā

   Goodbye (said to those leaving)

   Usage

   Said by those staying to the person who is leaving.

   Grammar Note

   "Haere" (go) + "rā" (away/yonder) = "go well". Directional particles are a crucial element of Māori grammar.

8. Mōrena

   Good morning

   Usage

   Morning greeting. Borrowed from English "morning" into Māori.

   Grammar Note

   Māori has many loanwords from English. Reply with "Mōrena" too. A more formal morning greeting is "Ata mārie" (serene morning).

9. Tēnā koutou katoa

   Hello everyone (formal)

   Usage

   Formal greeting to a group of three or more. Commonly used at the start of speeches or gatherings.

   Grammar Note

   Māori pronouns change by number: singular "koe", dual "kōrua", plural "koutou". Adding "katoa" (all) adds emphasis.

10. Ko wai tō ingoa?

    What is your name?

    Usage

    A natural question when meeting someone for the first time.

    Grammar Note

    "Ko" is the Māori identity particle. Answer: "Ko [name] tōku ingoa" (My name is...). Formal introductions may begin with a pepeha — reciting one's tribe, mountain, river, canoe, and ancestors.

11. Ko [ingoa] tōku ingoa

    My name is [name]

    Usage

    Basic self-introduction phrase. Replace [ingoa] with your own name.

    Grammar Note

    "Ko" sentences express equations in Māori: Ko + [predicate] + subject. "Tōku" is the o-class possessive, used for names, body parts, relatives and places (inalienable or subordinate possession).

12. Kei te pēhea koe?

    How are you?

    Usage

    Casual everyday greeting. A common reply is "Kei te pai" (I'm well).

    Grammar Note

    "Kei te" marks the present tense in Māori. Māori follows VSO order: particle + verb + subject + object. Reply: "Kei te pai" (I'm well).

13. Kei hea te whare paku?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Practical phrase for asking where the toilet is. Essential when traveling.

    Grammar Note

    "Kei hea" asks for location. "Whare" (house/building) + "paku" (small) = toilet. Answer: "Kei reira" (it is there).

14. Kāore e taea e au te kōrero Māori.

    I can't speak te reo Māori

    Usage

    Used to explain that you cannot speak Māori. Helpful when someone addresses you in the language.

    Grammar Note

    "Kāore e taea e au …" is the Māori construction for inability; the doer is marked with "e au" (by me). "Te reo Māori" (the Māori language) is the official name of the language.

15. Ka hoki mai anō ahau.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop or restaurant

16. He tino pai te wā.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said as you part ways

    Grammar Note

    Literally "it was a very good time"

17. Ngā mihi, ka kite anō!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell

18. Pō mārie

    Good night

    Usage

    Bedtime greeting in Māori. "Pō" (night) + "mārie" (peaceful) — literally "a peaceful night"

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