A Maori phrase meaning good, fine, or well done — used in New Zealand English as an expression of approval or encouragement.
A Maori phrase meaning good, fine, or well done — used in New Zealand English as an expression of approval or encouragement. 'Ka pai' is one of the most commonly borrowed Maori phrases in New Zealand English and is used across contexts by all communities, from classrooms to workplaces to casual conversation. Pronounced approximately 'kah pie.' Its use reflects New Zealand's genuine bicultural engagement with te reo Maori.
The teacher smiled and said 'ka pai' when the student answered correctly.
Ka pai means: A Maori phrase meaning good, fine, or well done - used in New Zealand English as an expression of approval or encouragement. 'Ka pai' is one of the most commonly borrowed Maori phrases in New. It is mainly New Zealand English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. As a place or proper-name reference it is purely descriptive.
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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(NZ) Among the Māori people, a philosophy or set of principles.
(South Africa, slang) A term of approval, equivalent to great or fantastic; cool; excellent.
In New Zealand te reo Maori, mahi means work — the effort required to get a task done. It's used casually in New Zealand English as a friendly shorthand, especially in workplaces or schools where Maori words have been adopted into everyday speech. Saying mahi feels inclusive and grounded, a small acknowledgement of the language that belongs to the land.
(NZ, uncountable) Māori performing arts, including song, dance, and synchronized movement.
Ka pai means: A Maori phrase meaning good, fine, or well done - used in New Zealand English as an expression of approval or encouragement. 'Ka pai' is one of the most commonly borrowed Maori phrases in New. It is mainly New Zealand English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. As a place or proper-name reference it is purely descriptive.
ka pai means: A Maori phrase meaning good, fine, or well done - used in New Zealand English as an expression of approval or encouragement. 'Ka pai' is one of the most commonly borrowed Maori. Register: informal, New Zealand English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
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(New Zealand) good, fine.
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