🇳🇿 Maori phrases

How to Say "Long time no see" in Maori

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Nōnaia nei
"Long time no see" in Maori · say it like noh-nah-ee-ah nay

The most natural way to say "Long time no see" in Maori is Nōnaia nei. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Kua roa te wā
Used in more formal contexts
Kia ora
A casual greeting that can imply long time no see

When to use it

Use this phrase when you meet someone you haven't seen in a while. It expresses a sense of familiarity and warmth. It can be used in both casual and formal settings depending on the variant chosen.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Long time no see" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Maori

MaoriEnglish
Nōnaia nei, kāore au i kite i a koe.Long time no see, I haven't seen you.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this phrase with greetings that do not imply a long absence.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Nōnaia nei, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Maori with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct translation for 'long time no see' in Māori?

While there isn't a direct translation, 'Nōnaia nei' conveys the same sentiment.

Learn Maori by speaking it

Two free conversations. No card needed.