In English, we say "hello". However, in Maori, you can use "kia ora", which is more than just a greeting. It carries the profound meaning of 'have life' or 'be healthy', a concept that resonates deeply with the Maori culture. This depth and beauty of the Maori language is something we can all appreciate and be inspired by. Here's our quick guide to expressing encouragement in Maori and some of our favourite expressions.
Choosing the Right Expressions in Maori
In this article, we've picked out some expressions we like on a linguistic level. However, it's crucial to remember that not every expression is automatically appropriate in every situation and you might want to start with the most basic Maori expressions. It's a sign of respect and consideration to ask a native Maori speaker where and when to use them.
Standard expressions are reasonably safe to use in many situations. Still, idiomatic expressions need to be used more carefully. They often have standard and expected uses, and incorrectly using them in the wrong situations isn't advised.
Kia kaha!
In Maori, the term “kia” literally means “be”. In the same way that “kia ora” means “be healthy”, “kia kaha” means “be strong”.
This isn't used critically but in a supportive way, encouraging somebody to be strong when they find themselves in a difficult situation.
Kia māia!
"Kia māia" is Maori for "be brave". You can use this when somebody is doing something new, like starting a new job, or about to take on a new challenge, such as giving a presentation.
Again, these expressions aren't used critically. Instead, they're great for offering encouragement.
Kia manawanui!
This Maori expression means "be patient and steadfast". It is another way to offer support to someone who is struggling with something.
It's a handy expression if the person has needed encouragement for a while.
Kia ū ki te ara!
This expression literally means "stay on the path", but you could imagine it as an expression that means "keep going."
It's perfect for encouraging or offering support to someone whose enthusiasm is waning during a long struggle.
Kia manawaroa!
This Maori phrase means "be resilient". This is a good one if things get tough, and somebody could do with some encouragement.
Kia toa!
The last of our "kia" expressions means "be courageous". This is a lovely te reo Maori expression if someone shows fear or hesitation.
As with all the “kia” expressions, remember that this isn't dismissive or critical but instead motivational and can be used to encourage people.
Ka pai tō mahi!
They say a job well done is its own reward, but it's nice to tell somebody they've done an excellent job.
This is the te reo Māori for "your work is good". You can use it specifically to praise somebody's work or effort in various situations.
Ka taea e koe!
This sentence, like "you can do it" in English, is an excellent way to encourage somebody in various situations.
Whether learning in school, doing some work, or trying to overcome a challenging situation, it's also lovely to remind people that they're more than capable of succeeding—or at least that you believe they are.
Whāia te iti kahurangi!
This beautiful te reo Māori expression translates into English as "pursue that which is precious".
This is one of the more poetic expressions, but it can generally be used to encourage someone who's attempting to achieve lofty ambitions or goals.
It would likely feel out of place in a situation where “Ka taea e koe!” would suffice. As with every expression from wishing encouragement to signing off in an email, choose your words appropriately.
Me whakapau kaha!
This te reo Māori expression means "put in your best effort". Whether at home, school, or work, this expression applies to us all and can be used to encourage one another in various challenging situations.
Anei te manaakitanga!
The English translation of this expression is "here is the support/blessing". It doesn't sound very elegant in English, but in te reo Māori, you can use this expression to show support or literally to give blessings.
Mā te aha i tēnei!
This is the te reo Māori for “this is just the beginning”. You can use this to remind somebody that there's more to come. Use this expression to manage expectations, especially in challenging situations.
Kei runga noa atu koe!
This is a fun expression in the Māori language that means "you are above and beyond". It is an excellent way to compliment somebody on exceptional efforts or achievements in school, work, or any other challenging situation. If you want to take your Māori above and beyond, why not learn the pronouns in Maori?
Kua taea e koe!
A bit like Dora the Explorer's Spanish when she says "lo hicimos," this expression means "you have achieved it." Admittedly, Dora's Spanish means "we did it," but the sentiment is the same.
This is an excellent way to celebrate somebody's success, regardless of the situation. If somebody achieves something, recognise it!
Kaua e mate wheke, mate ururoa!
This Māori proverb is one of our favourites. It means, "Don't die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead shark!"
It means don't give up, no matter how hard things get. It's incredibly poetic and beautiful and one of our favourite examples of the Māori language.
Here's a quick summary of all of today's expressions and their typical uses for your vocabulary lists:
| Expression | Translation | Typical Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Kia kaha! | Be strong! | Encouraging someone in a difficult situation |
| Kia māia! | Be brave! | Urging someone to face a new challenge |
| Kia manawanui! | Be patient and steadfast! | Encouraging perseverance |
| Kia ū ki te ara! | Stay on the path! | Motivating someone to continue their efforts |
| Kia toa! | Be courageous! | Reassuring someone who is hesitant |
| Ka pai tō mahi! | Your work is good! | Praising someone's good work or effort |
| Ka taea e koe! | You can do it! | Boosting someone's confidence |
| Whāia te iti kahurangi! | Pursue that which is precious! | Encouraging high aspirations |
| Me whakapau kaha! | Put in your best effort! | Urging someone to give their all |
| Anei te manaakitanga! | Here is the support/blessing! | Showing support or giving blessings |
| Kia manawaroa! | Be resilient! | Encouraging endurance in tough times |
| Mā te aha i tēnei! | This is just the beginning! | Reminding that there is more to come |
| Kei runga noa atu koe! | You are above and beyond! | Complimenting exceptional efforts or achievements |
| Kua taea e koe! | You have achieved it! | Celebrating someone's success |
| Kaua e mate wheke, mate ururoa! | Don’t die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead shark! | Encouraging perseverance and fighting spirit |
Māori Proverbs
While not expressions of encouragement, there are also plenty of wonderful Māori proverbs that you should also learn. These proverbs often reflect the values and beliefs of the Māori culture, offering insights into their worldview and way of life.
- He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. - What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
- Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. - My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.
- Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. - With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
- He kai kei aku ringa. - There is food at the end of my hands (I can make a living).
- He tangata takahi manuhiri, he marae puehu. - A person who mistreats his guest has a dusty marae (courtyard).
- Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi. - As an old net withers, another is remade (signifying the passing of the mantle to the next generation).
- Waiho mā te whakamā e patu. - Let shame be the punishment.
- He toka tū moana. - Like a rock standing in the ocean (a person who stands firm in their beliefs).
- Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei. - Pursue excellence - should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain.
- E kore te patiki e hoki ki tōna puehu. - The flounder does not return to its dust (don’t make the same mistake twice).
- Toitu he kāinga, whatu ngarongaro he tangata. - People come and go, but the land remains.
- He tangata ki tahi. - A man who speaks once (a person who keeps their word).
- He aroha whakatō, he aroha ka puta mai. - If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive.
- Kia mau ki te aka matua; kei mau ki te aka tāepa. - Hold fast to the main vine, not the loose one (hold on to what is dependable).
To better understand these expressions and how they're formed, it's worthwhile studying Māori syntax.
How to Learn Māori
If you need help learning Māori, we recommend getting help from a teacher or a tutor.
Working with a teacher as part of a class is usually cheaper, but the more significant the class, the less each lesson will be tailored to you and what you want to learn.
The benefits of classroom learning are that there will be other students from whom you can learn. After all, peer learning is an important part of the process, and many students feel more comfortable learning and practising a new language with people whose abilities are the same as their own.
Conversely, a private tutor can tailor every lesson and activity to you, ensuring you learn what you want in a way that works for you. Whether they start with basics, like saying happy birthday, or something specific that you might need for work, every minute of every session can be tailored to you.
On the Superprof website, many of our tutors offer the first session for free, so you can try several tutors before choosing the one that's right for you. To learn te reo with a private tutor, just search for “Māori” on the Superprof website today!
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