There is strength in diversity

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is the chief advisor to the government on ethnic diversity and inclusion in New Zealand society.

Hello in different languages final v2

Greetings in different languages

你好, Kumusta, Guten tag, வணக்கம், 안녕하세요! Hello!

Learn how to say general greetings and phrases in 21 different languages with our new resource: Greetings in different languages.

Find spoken greetings such as ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ and time-specific greetings like ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’. It also features some key cultural phrases, such as ‘Asalaamu alaikum: Peace be upon you’ in Arabic.

This new feature on our website includes recordings of each greeting, the translation in the script of the language, a transliteration in English (if applicable), and phonetic pronunciation.

This resource is designed to help people learn the greetings of some of New Zealand’s ethnic communities as a way of supporting inclusion in society.

Discover the Ministry’s work

  • Our programmes
    Read about our Graduate Programme, Nominations Service and find resources to help build and develop your inter-cultural capability.
    Learn more
  • Our communities
    Learn about Aotearoa New Zealand's ethnic communities. Find an ethnic community organisation or support service in our Community Directory.
    Learn more
  • Videos in different languages
    Watch animated videos covering a range of health topics from women and men’s health to immunisations and anti-viral medicines.
    Learn more
  • Funding
    Read about our Ethnic Communities Development Fund that provides funding to support community development and social cohesion.
    Learn more

Symbolising unity: The Christchurch Mosaic project

As we mark the 5th remembrance of the March 15 terrorist attacks.

Empowering communities: Supporting community-led initiatives in wake of March 15 attacks

Our Ministry is dedicated to supporting ethnic communities to grow their skills, celebrate their culture and take part in society through our fund.

Greetings in different languages

Information on how to say general greetings and phrases in 21 different languages is now available on our website.

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