Beyond the surreal view of New Zealand, there is a treasure trove of culture awaiting every traveler visiting this country. But before you fly away, pack something even more valuable with you: Maori greetings.
Locals appreciate visitors who know how to greet in te reo Māori. Learn these key greetings to show respect and make more authentic memories.
Māori Greetings And Their Cultural Significance
For the Māori people, respect is more than just a simple exchange of words; it’s a way of life. Māori greetings carry real weight, whether you’re using them in formal settings or in casual conversations.
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The indigenous Māori people greet each other with a hongi, the ceremonial pressing of foreheads and noses to share their life force, or ha. This traditional greeting shows how the locals value manaakitanga (respect), their cultural identity, and shared humanity.
Māori Greetings Every Traveler Should Learn
These common Māori greetings are what you’ll most likely hear as you make your way through Aotearoa, apart from saying hello in Māori.
1. Hello, Friend / Greetings, Friend – Kia Ora E Hoa
This is one of the warm, informal Maori greetings that you can use when addressing a friend or someone you’re familiar with.
2. How Are You? – Kei Te Pēhea Koe?
Follow Kia Ora with Kei Te Pēhea Koe? to ask about the person’s well-being. However, you can only use it when talking to one person.
Use these plural forms instead when talking to more than one person:
| English | Māori | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How are you? (two people) | Kei te pēhea kōrua? | Kei teh PEH-heh-ah KOH-roo-ah |
| How are you? (three or more people) | Kei te pēhea koutou? | Kei teh PEH-heh-ah KOH-too |
You can then respond with Kei te pai (Kei teh pie), which means “I am good/well,” or personalize it with these responses:
| English | Māori | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I’m happy | Kei te harikoa | Kei teh HA-ree-kor-ah |
| I’m tired/sleepy | Kei te ngenge | Kei teh NGENG-eh |
| I’m sick | Kei te māuiui | Kei teh MOW-ee-oo-ee |
3. Greetings To You, Friend – Tēnā Koe E Hoa
This is a formal yet friendly greeting that addresses one person, with e hoa or “friend” making this greeting more personal.
4. Greetings To You All, Elder Men – E Koro Mā, Tēnā Koutou
This specific Māori greeting combines e koro mā to respectfully address elderly men, and tēnā koutou, the formal Māori “hello” for three or more people.
5. Greetings To You, Elderly Lady – E Kui, Tēnā Koe
This Maori greeting combines the respectful phrase for addressing elder women, e kui, and the singular, formal “hello,” tēnā koe.
6. Greetings To You Two, Boys – Tēnā Kōrua E Tama Mā
This particular greeting in Māori combines the formal greeting for two people, tēnā kōrua, and the phrase e tama mā, meaning “boys” or “young men.”
7. Many Thanks/Best Wishes – Ngā Mihi Nui
This is a warm and kind way to formally wrap up a letter, speech, or email, or show appreciation in the Māori language.
Farewell In Te Reo Māori
Farewells in Māori culture are not just casual goodbyes. They carry with them a deep cultural meaning that expresses respect and good wishes.
8. Goodbye – Haere Rā
This Māori greeting is said to the person leaving, expressing a respectful wish for a positive journey or safe travels ahead.
9. Goodbye For Now – Hei Konā Rā
This is a more formal way of saying “Goodbye for now” or “See you later” in Māori, acknowledging that the parting is just temporary.
10. Goodbye/See You Again/Until We Meet Again – Ka Kite Anō
This Māori greeting for goodbye is used among friends and family and expresses hope of reconnection in the future.
11. Stay Well/Take Care – Noho Ora Mai
This particular greeting expresses genuine concern over someone’s well-being, wishing them good health after parting.
12. See You Later – Ka Kite
This is the casual version “see you later” in Māori, similar to the Japanese greeting Mata ne.
Time-Specific Māori Greetings and Phrases
These Māori greetings reflect not only the time of day but also the formality of the setting.
13. Good Morning – Ata Mārie
This is a formal and peaceful “Good morning” greeting in Māori, wishing someone calmness as their day begins.
14. Good Morning – Mōrena
This is a more informal way of greeting someone, “Good morning” in Māori, that is widely used among friends and colleagues.
15. Morning Greetings (Kinship) – Whānaungatanga Ā Te Ata
This Māori greeting emphasizes one’s connection and kinship with the community and relations in the morning.
16. Good Afternoon/Good Evening – Ahiahi Mārie
Acknowledge someone with this Māori greeting when you meet them in the afternoon or early evening, wishing them peace and goodwill at this time of day.
17. Good Night – Pō Mārie
This is a formal way of saying “Good night” in Māori or when parting for the evening.
How Do You Say “Greetings” In Māori?
The Māori way of saying “greetings” is ngā mihi (pronounced ngaa mee-hee). It is the equivalent of “regards” or “acknowledgements” for English speakers, and is often used in speeches, writing, and formal settings.
Befriend Every Local With This Maori Greetings List
To sum up the Maori greetings and phrases you have just learned, here’s a table that you can refer to whenever you’re unsure.
| English | Māori | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello/Greetings, friend | Kia ora e hoa | Kee-ah OH-rah eh HO-ah |
| How are you? (singular) | Kei te pēhea koe? | Kei teh PEH-heh-ah koy |
| Greetings to you, friend (formal) | Tēnā koe e hoa | TEH-nah koy eh HO-ah |
| Greetings to you, elder men | E koro mā, tēnā koutou | Eh KAW-roh mah, TEH-nah KOH-too |
| Greetings to you, elderly lady | E kui, tēnā koe | Eh KOO-ee, TEH-nah koy |
| Greetings to you two, boys (formal, specific) | Tēnā kōrua e tama mā | TEH-nah KOH-roo-ah eh TAH-mah mah |
| Many thanks / Best wishes (letters, speeches) | Ngā mihi nui | Nga MEE-hee noo-ee |
| I am good/well | Kei te pai | Kei teh pie |
| Goodbye/Go well | Haere rā | HAI-Reh RAH |
| Goodbye for now (formal) | Hei konā rā | Hey KOH-Nah RAH |
| Goodbye/See you again/Until we meet again (friendly) | Ka kite anō | Kah KEE-Teh AH-Naw |
| Take care/Stay well | Noho ora mai | NO-Ho OR-Ah My |
| See you later (casual) | Ka kite | Kah KEE-Teh |
| Good morning (formal) | Ata mārie | AH-tah MAH-ree-eh |
| Good morning (casual) | Mōrena | MOH-Reh-Nah |
| Morning greetings (kinship) | Whānaungatanga ā te ata | FAH-Now-Ngah-Ngah-Tahngah Ah Teh AH-tah |
| Good afternoon/evening (formal) | Ahiahi mārie | AH-hee-yah-hee MAH-ree-eh |
| Good night (formal) | Pō mārie | Paw MAH-Ree |
If you’re unsure of the pronunciation, the Māori alphabet can get you a good head start.
Tips To Make The Most Of Maori Greetings While Traveling
Learning Māori greetings and their associated responses can be intimidating. But here are some tips that will help you learn the words and the respect embedded in Māori identity.
- Be genuine and sincere: Respect is a big part of Māori culture. Use each greeting with sincerity rather than just complying.
- Mind the context: Choose the right greetings for every occasion, formal greetings for speaking with elders or in ceremonial settings, informal when among friends or casual encounters.
- Pronunciation is key: Though locals are not perfectionists, you have to pay attention to how the words are pronounced, especially with vowels. When macrons mark vowels, the word’s meaning is changed. This is where Ling can help, since you can replay and even slow down the Māori expressions pronounced by the native speakers.
- Mirror the locals: Locals are the perfect example to observe when learning the different Māori greetings. Imitate their tone and body language, including appropriate gestures like hongi. Doing so will help you respect Māori protocols, especially when visiting a marae (traditional Māori meeting place) or participating in cultural events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Māori Greetings
What Is The Traditional Māori Greeting?
Hongi is the traditional Māori greeting in New Zealand. It’s a special gesture where two people press their foreheads and noses together to symbolize the sharing of the ha (breath of life). You’ll often see this performed in formal settings like the pōwhiri, reflecting the deep respect and unity between the greeter and the receiver.
How To Show Respect To Māori?
Showing respect in Māori is a mix of using the right language and showing the right behavior. Start by using Māori greetings, following their proper pronunciation. Listen whenever the locals share about their customs. Above all, observe their local customs and traditions with sincerity and an open mind.
Why Do Māori Say Tena Koutou Three Times?
Saying Tēnā koutou (a greeting to three or more people) three times is done in formal settings like speeches and gatherings as a sign of deep respect. The Māori saying tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa is a greeting to everyone present, while making a more inclusive environment.
Embrace Mana The Māori Way Through Greetings
Respect is the heart of the Māori culture. Those Māori greetings that you just learned are the first way of showing it. Whatever situation you are in, know that each greeting is your way of honoring the locals’ way of life and building friendships with them.
Through these greetings, you’re opening yourself up to meaningful connections with the people. You’re no longer seen as a tourist. You are already a part of the community, and that is something every traveler should cherish.
Kia Ora Your Way To New Adventures With Ling!
Want to do more than just say kia ora every time you meet a local in New Zealand? With Ling, you can study not only Māori greetings but also pronunciation and vocabulary before your escapade.
Designed with short, interactive lessons, the Ling app keeps you motivated every step of the way. You’ll also have a chance to practice the new Māori phrases you’ve learned in context with its Dialog feature.
Still unsure? Download Ling today and learn Māori like you’re talking to your New Zealander friend.
