Māori Words & Phrases
Are you ready to have a go at some māori words and phrases? The following list has a lot of the common ones that 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 bit every day before you come.
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 |
| sub-tribe, also pregnant | hapū |
| 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
| English | Māori |
|---|---|
| sacred, taboo, don't touch | tapu |
| not sacred, 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 - This may help you get your tongue around the words
Flax Weaving - Flax helped Māori people survive in this harsh country
Māori Haka - Cultural performances always have a haka challenge
Like This Page?
Latest Pages
-
Get Your Game on Zorbing In Rotorua, New Zealand
Zorbing in Rotorua is fun for all ages. Find out how it works, and why vanity has to be left at home.
-
A Rotorua Canopy Tours Eco Adventure
Rotorua Canopy Tours is a perfect blend of ziplines, swing bridges, conservation & a native forest. Scared of heights? Feel the fear and do it anyway.
-
Undercover At Motion Entertainment Rotorua
Get to know Motion Entertainment, Rotorua’s mega undercover fun park. The games & activities, pricing, food and more.
Testimonials
"We are a family of four from Sydney Australia and love nature - bush to beach.
We love your website and found your tips on things to do in Rotorua very valuable - exactly what we look for in destinations."
Anita —Sydney
"Thank you Karen! I think your site is wonderful. We followed your ideas today for blue lake and green lake, and went to the Landing Cafe first, brilliant we would have missed Lake Tarawera otherwise and it is so beautiful and peaceful."
Rosie
"Thank you for your prompt response. I have managed to get a great deal through 'book me', so once again thank you so much. Great service. " :-)
Chris
"Awesome website all about Rotorua. Well done Karen Shelford."
Amiria Tomoana - Global Traveller
"Yes, really worthwile information for those visiting Rotorua. Take it from someone who used it. Thank you, so much easier."
Karen Hubbard - Sydney, Australia
"...
your website is the best resource for planning a trip there that I have
encountered! It answers all of the questions you end up having after
reading other sites, and presents information in such a clear and
concise way.
... wish I'd encountered your site before printing off reams of info that will probably be whittled down to one page.
... hope the local government and tourism people realise what a great asset and ambassador they have in you! :P"
Vicky - Auckland, New Zealand
Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.