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Māori Words & Phrases
Are you ready to have a go at some Māori words and phrases? In the following list you'll find a lot of the common ones you are likely to come across as a visitor.
Open up the pronunciation guide if you haven't already got it open. With the pages side by side it will make it a bit easier for you.
Learning Māori is not easy so just take your time and practise a little regularly before you come visit us.
Greetings - Goodbyes - Thanks Etc
| English | Māori |
|---|---|
| hullo (to two persons) | tēnā kōrua |
| hullo (to many) | tēnā koutou |
| good morning | morena |
| How are you? (one, two, many) | kei te pehea koe/korua/koutou |
| Very well, thank you. | ka nui te pai |
| I'm fine/good | kei te pai |
| hello | kia ora (more informal) |
| what is your name? | ko wai tou ingoa? |
| my name is Karen | ko Karen taku ingoa |
| goodbye (to the person staying) | e noho ra |
| goodbye (to the person going) | haere ra |
| see you tomorrow | ka kite ano (incorrect form but it is commonly used) |
People And The Land
| English | Māori |
|---|---|
| tribe | iwi |
| 1. sub-tribe, 2. pregnant | 1. hapū, 2. hapu |
| extended or non-nuclear family | whānau |
| relatives, kin | whanaunga |
| region, territory (geographical or spiritual) | rohe |
| people of the land, native | tangata whenua |
| land, homeland, country | whenua |
| genealogy, to establish family connections | whakapapa |
| ancestors | tipuna or tūpuna |
| elder or elders | kaumātua |
| paramount chief, person of high inherited rank | ariki |
| chief, chieftain, boss, owner | rangatira |
| paramount authority, sometimes used for sovereignty | tino rangatiratanga |
| women, females, ladies, wives | wāhine |
| woman, female, lady, wife | wahine |
| europeans | pākehā |
| visitors/guests | manuhiri |
Feel The Spirit (Wairua)
| English | Māori |
|---|---|
| sacred, taboo, don't touch | tapu |
| not sacred or taboo | noa |
| treasures -cultural/physical/spiritual | tāonga |
| authority, power, influence | mana |
| power, charisma, essential force | ihi |
| love, compassion, empathy | aroha |
| hospitality, respect for host, entertain | manaakitanga |
| essential life force or a symbol of | mauri |
| care for, look after, guard | tiaki |
| guardian, trustee | kaitiaki |
Other Māori Words
| English | Māori |
|---|---|
| speak, tell, say | kōrero |
| words | kupu |
| formal speaking, speechmaking | whaikōrero |
| song, sing or chant | waiata (usually follows a speech) |
| vigorous dance with actions | haka |
| to gather/meet or gathering/meeting | hui |
| an open area in front of a meeting house (wharenui) - usually includes a whole complex | marae |
| ceremony calling/challenging/welcoming people onto the marae | karanga |
| funeral ceremonies | tangihana |
| cry, mourn, shortened version of above | tangi |
| canoe | waka |
| war canoe | waka taua |
| outrigger canoe (a big racing sport here) | waka ama |
| gift, present, donation | koha |
| carved meeting house | whare whakairo |
| dining room | whare kai |
| toilet | whare paku |
| ablution block or bathroom | whare horoi |
Interested In More Māori Culture?
Māori Language Basics - Pronunciation Guide for Visitors to New Zealand
Flax Weaving - Flax helped Māori people survive in this harsh country
Māori Haka - Cultural performances always have a haka challenge
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