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 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 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
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 (Wairua)

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 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

Return to Top of Māori Words

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