noun
Uncommon
kai
keye
Kai (noun) means Food (used especially in New Zealand English). Example: “Come on, the kai's ready — dinner's on the table.”
noun
1
Food (used especially in New Zealand English).
"Come on, the kai's ready — dinner's on the table."
"We brought plenty of kai for the whole family to share at the picnic."
"After the long hike, everyone was hungry and ready for some kai."
How to use kai
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA New Zealand English word for food, borrowed from Māori.
UK vs US
Common in New Zealand English; rarely used elsewhere.
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Come on, the _____'s ready — dinner's on the table.
Etymology
Borrowed from Māori kai ("food").
Synonyms
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food
kaimoana
Related words
Rhymes for kai
See all rhymes for 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."
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