kia ora

English

Etymology

Borrowing from Maori kia ora.

Interjection

kia ora

1. (New Zealand) Expressing good will or gratitude.

Maori

Interjection

kia ora

1. A greeting (salutation) said when meeting someone or acknowledging someone’s arrival or presence.
2. An expression of gratitude (similar to cheers!).
3. An expression of support or agreement (similar to hear hear).

See also

• tēnā koe
• tēnā kōrua
• tēnā koutou