How to Say Hello in Maori

Last Updated: December 3, 2022

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]
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Research source} Learn to say hello.

Steps

1
Say hello to one person, informally.
"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
Say hello to one person, formally.
"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.

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3
Say hello to two people.
"Tena korua"Sounds are, Te Na Kor Uh A.Don't forget to pronounce each vowel.
4
Say hello to three or more people. Use this greeting also for groups and big or small gatherings.
'"Tena koutou!" 'Te Na Ko Uh Too Uh.

Community Q&A

Question

What does "whakawhetai" mean in Maori?

Community Answer

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

How do I say 10,000 in Maori?

Community Answer

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

How do I acknowledge someone speaking Maori?

Community Answer

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.