# Kai

/ˈkaɪ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kai
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. food

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Dialect

a word for food or a meal, used mostly in New Zealand.

For teachers: food or sustenance; a term borrowed from Māori that is now common in New Zealand English and some Australian dialects.

- We went down to the beach to have some kai and watch the waves.
- After the long hike, the group gathered at the local café for some much-needed kai and a chance to rest.

Usage: Uncountable in this sense.

Teaching tip: This is a regional term specific to New Zealand and parts of Australia. Outside of these areas, most English speakers will not understand it.

## Examples

- Kai! That was a huge wave.
- The locals shouted 'Kai!' when they saw the size of the fish the young boy had caught.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.