Speaking NZ English
Even native English speakers have trouble understanding the New Zealand accent sometimes! Here’s why Kiwis have such a unique way of talking. Learn about New Zealand slang and some words and phrases in New Zealand English that will help you understand our culture better.
The New Zealand accent
English is one of three official languages in New Zealand, along with Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) and New Zealand Sign Language. However, the way we speak English sounds very different to the way it's spoken in the USA or the United Kingdom.
Sometimes referred to as a ‘colonial twang’, the New Zealand accent really is special. Some people mistake it for the Australian accent but it's not quite the same – it's a little softer sounding and is said to be based on the accent of south-east England, where a lot of the first European settlers to New Zealand came from.
We've also got a lot of words in English that are our very own that even our Australian neighbours don't recognise!
Kiwi English
Here are some things you might notice about the way Kiwis speak English:
- Kiwis speak fast!
- Vowels (the sounds the letters A, E, I, O, and U make) can sound very different in New Zealand English compared to American English or standard English spoken in the United Kingdom. For example the word 'kit' in New Zealand English sounds more like 'cut'.
- The 'r' sound is often very soft when Kiwis speak and sometimes it's hard to hear it at all! For example, the word 'farm' sounds more like 'faahm'. This can be confusing for anyone who has learnt American English where the 'r' sound is very obvious.
- Kiwis often speak with a rising tone at the end of a sentence making it sound like they are asking a question.
- An ‘l’ after a vowel can sometimes sound like a vowel sound – so ‘feel’ is pronounced ‘fee-u’.
If you’re talking to someone and you’re not sure what they’re saying, don’t be afraid to get them to repeat themselves slowly. Remember, Kiwis are super friendly and are happy to help.
Tip: In the past New Zealanders pronounced ‘beer’ and ‘bear’ differently. Today, it’s hard to hear the difference, especially if you’re out drinking beers with your mates! If you have an Apple phone or device, Siri(external link that opens in a new tab) (the voice-activated personal assistant) can talk to you in a New Zealand accent. Try it out!
Kiwi slang
Kiwi slang is made up of sayings and phrases that have been passed down from generation to generation and often from different parts of the world. Popular with Kiwis, sometimes they don’t make much sense to people new to New Zealand! Don’t worry – with a little practice, you’ll sound like a Kiwi too.
Throughout NauMai NZ (this website) you'll see words or phrases with a dotted line underneath them. These are words or phrases that are either specific to New Zealand or potentially confusing if English is your second language. Hover over these words and phrases and you'll see an explanation of what they mean.
Common Kiwi words and phrases
Here are some other common Kiwi words you're likely to hear:
A bit: A little (for example if someone says, "I only want a bit" it means 'I only want a little' or if someone says "I feel a bit sad" it means they feel 'a little sad'). Kiwis use this often.
All good: That’s ok, never mind.
Bach/crib: Holiday home (in the North Island Kiwis usually use the word 'bach' and in the South Island they use the word 'crib').
Bro: Friend ('bro' is short for 'brother' but is usually used in the context of calling someone your friend).
Buggered/knackered: Really tired.
Chilly bin: Portable cooler for keeping food or drinks cold during summer (Australians call this an 'esky').
Choice / Choice as: That’s great, awesome.
Chur: Thanks.
Eh?: Kiwis use this little word a lot. It sounds like 'eh' or 'aye'. This word usually comes at the end of the sentence and can turn it into a question, for example 'That's right, eh?' means, 'That's right, isn't it?'
Heaps: A lot, many (for example if someone offers you some food and says, "Try some, there's heaps" it means there is a lot of food to share).
Hokey-pokey: A favourite Kiwi ice cream flavour (definitely try this while in New Zealand!).
Jandals: Flip flops, also known as thongs.
Jumper: Sweater, also known as a pull over.
Kiwi: New Zealanders, also a native bird.
Mate: Friend.
No worries: You’re welcome, no problem.
Stoked: Super happy (for example, if you get a great mark on an assignment you might say to your friends "I'm stoked with my mark!")
Sweet as: Great, good, fine.
Togs: Swimsuit.
Tramping: Hiking.
Yeah nah: Yes, but… (sometimes Kiwis use this phrase during a conversation to fill space or give them some thinking time, a bit like 'um'. Occasionally you'll hear someone say "Nah, yeah", which means 'no, but...'
You right?: Are you ok? Is everything ok?
Common New Zealand phrases
Here are some phrases you’ll probably hear in New Zealand and what they mean:
Everything is good as gold: Everything is great (if someone asks you "how is everything?" you can also just reply "Good as gold.")
He is packing a sad: He is upset, for example 'Mark is packing a sad' means 'Mark is upset'.
I had a mare last night / I'm having a mare: I had a bad time last night / I'm having a hard time ('mare' comes from 'nightmare').
I’m chokka: I’m full (I've eaten enough). 'Chokka' comes from an older slang term 'chokka-block', which means to be full up.
I’m feeling crook: I’m feeling ill.
I’m gutted: I’m disappointed.
I'm keen: I'm interested, I want to (for example, you might say "I'm keen to go to the beach today.")
It’s a cracker of a day: It’s a beautiful day (the weather is lovely).
Looks a bit sus: It looks a bit suspicious.
She's a hard case: She's funny.
That’s a crack up: That’s funny. You can also use it to talk about people, for example 'he's a crack up' means 'he's funny'.
Tip: To get used to the Kiwi accent and slang, you can listen to some radio broadcasts. New Zealand also has great films and tv shows online. Radio New Zealand(external link that opens in a new tab) and NZ On Screen(external link that opens in a new tab) have podcasts, radio programmes, tv shows and movies all for free.
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