The Importance of Greetings (Tikanga)
In Te Ao Māori (the Māori world), greeting someone is more than just saying hello. It's about acknowledging their mana (prestige, spiritual power) and making a connection. Using Te Reo Māori greetings is a way of showing respect for the indigenous culture of Aotearoa and helping to keep the language alive.
Greetings & Responses
Kia ora
Pronounced: kee-ah o-ra
Hello (A general, all-purpose greeting for one person or many)
Mōrena
Pronounced: moh-re-na
Good morning
Ata mārie
Pronounced: a-ta maa-ree-eh
Good morning (a more formal alternative)
Kei te pēhea koe?
Pronounced: kay teh peh-heh-a ko-eh
How are you? (to one person)
Kei te pai
Pronounced: kay teh pie
I am good / Fine
Introductions & Farewells
Ko wai tō ingoa?
Pronounced: ko why toh e-ngo-a
What is your name?
Ko [name] ahau.
Pronounced: ko [name] a-how
My name is [name].
Ka kite anō
Pronounced: ka kee-teh ah-noh
See you again
Haere rā
Pronounced: ha-eh-reh raa
Goodbye (said to someone leaving)
E noho rā
Pronounced: eh no-ho raa
Goodbye (said to someone staying)
Mini-Conversation (He Kōrero Poto)
Here is how you might use these phrases together.
Person A: Mōrena!
Person B: Kia ora! Kei te pēhea koe?
Person A: Kei te pai. Ko wai tō ingoa?
Person B: Ko Hemi ahau.
Person A: Ka kite anō, Hemi.
Person B: Haere rā.