Kia ora
From Open Encyclopedia
Kia ora is a Māori language greeting which has entered New Zealand English. It means literally "be well/healthy" and is used for both "Hello" and "goodbye". It is a popular phrase, and has also given its name to a number of businesses, from hotels to a well known concentrated orange soft drink which is available internationally.
It also signifies agreement with a speaker at a meeting. Other Māori greetings, "Tēnā koe" (one person), Tēnā kōrua (two people) or "Tēnā koutou" (three or more people) are also widely used, as well as the phrase for goodbye, "Haere rā". The Māori phrase "kia kaha", literally "be strong", is also frequently encountered as an indication of moral support for someone starting a stressful undertaking or otherwise in a difficult situation.
Compare Aloha.
de:Kia ora
