“Ngā mihi” is a common Māori phrase that means “greetings” or “acknowledgements/thanks” , and in everyday use it often feels like saying “thanks” or “many thanks.”

Core meaning

  • “Ngā” is a plural article (“the” for more than one thing), and “mihi” is a verb meaning to greet, acknowledge, or thank.
  • Put together, “ngā mihi” literally means “greetings/acknowledgements,” but it is widely understood as a friendly way to say thank you or to sign off politely.

How it’s used

  • As a short standalone thank you, e.g. at the end of a conversation or message.
  • As an email or letter sign‑off, similar to “Kind regards” or “Many thanks.”
  • Inside longer phrases like “Ngā mihi nui” (many thanks / warm greetings) and “Ngā mihi maioha” (thanks with appreciation).

Quick usage examples

  • Ending an email:
    • “Ngā mihi,
      Alex”
  • More emphasis:
    • “Ngā mihi nui ki a koe” – many thanks / warm greetings to you.

In short, if you see “ngā mihi” at the end of a message, you can read it as a warm, respectful “thanks” or “regards” in te reo Māori.