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A Little Paradise
The Cook Islands locals are sure to appreciate that you took the time to try to learn their language.
While English is one of the official languages of the Cook Islands, it is always great to know a few local phrases if you are travelling to this little paradise.
Expect to greet and thank people in Cook Islands Maori rather than English – and if you can manage a few extra words, Cook Islanders will be thrilled with your ability to converse in their native tongue.
Kia Orana = hello or may you live long
Popongi = good morning
Meitaki = thank you
Ka kite = see you later
Kai = food
Reka = nice
Umukai = a feast
Kia Manuia = good luck
Are = house, building
Aere mai = come here
Aere ra = goodbye
Tane = man
Vaine = woman
Kare = no
Ae = yes
Puakaoa = dog
Puaka = pig
Puakanio = goat
Puakatoro = cow, beef
Moa = chicken
Maunga = mountain
Moana = ocean
Vai = water
Ira = fish
Vaka = canoe
Manea = beautiful
Mataora = happy
Ngaru = wave
Marama = moon
Ura = dance
Katakata = smile, laugh
Motoka = car
Patikara = bike
Tamariki = children
Apuka = avocado
Nita = papaya
Nu = drinking young coconut
Koka or Meika = banana
Painapa = Pineapple
Rukau = Taro leaves (spinach)
Tai, Rua, Toru, a, rima, ono, itu, varu, iva, tai ngauru =1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
