kai
2 synonyms for kai, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Food (used especially in New Zealand English).
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
kaimoana
Etymology
Borrowed from Māori kai ("food").
Full origin of kai →Frequently asked questions
What does “kai” mean?
The word “kai” means food (used especially in New Zealand English). In plain terms, a New Zealand English word for food, borrowed from Māori.
How do you pronounce “kai”?
“Kai” is pronounced keye (/kaɪ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “kai” in a sentence?
Here is “kai” used in a sentence: “Come on, the kai's ready — dinner's on the table.”
What part of speech is “kai”?
“Kai” is a noun.
Is “kai” a common word?
“Kai” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What does kai mean in New Zealand English?
In New Zealand English, kai means food, a usage borrowed from the Māori language and now common in everyday New Zealand speech. It can refer to food or a meal in general, as in "let's get some kai."
