kia kaha

Maori

Etymology

From the verbal particle kia and kaha (“(be) strong, strength”).

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ki.aˈka.ha/, [ki.ɐˈkɐ.hɐ]

Interjection

kia kaha

  1. be strong (used as an affirmation or motto)
  2. A term of comfort or solace (equivalent of the English phrase "be strong, my thoughts are with you").
  3. An interjection during a speech to indicate support or approval (similar to "hear, hear!").

References
  • Winifred Bauer, 1997. The Reed Reference Grammar of Māori. Reed, page 99.
This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.