Greetings in Te Reo Maori

LI: to learn the differences of Tena Koe, Tena Korua, and Tena Katoa.

When it comes to Maori words, people often do not understand the differences between them. However, there are many differences between how you pronounce the word and how the word is spelt. People get them mixed up frequently and it can change the whole meaning of it.

Tena Koe is a way of greeting or thanking one person. An example of this is when you greet one teacher you can say “Tena koe pouako/kaiako”. You can add another sentence for example: “Tena koe kaiako, kei te pehea koe?”

Tena korua is the way of greeting or thanking two people. An example of this is when you greet your friends you can say “Tena korua hoa”. To add another sentence you can say: “Tena korua hoa, he aha ake?”

Tena koutou is the way of greeting or thanking three or more people. An example of this is when you greet your friends or everyone, you can say “Tena koutou katoa”. This phrase is the first thing you say before introducing yourself. To add more meaning to it, you can ask “Kei te pehea koe?” after. This translates to: “Hello everyone, how are you?”.