Maori Language
The Maori language is the Polynesian language of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand - closely related to Cook Islands Māori, Tuamotuan, and Tahitian.
Maori is an official language of New Zealand - along with English and the New Zealand Sign Language. Efforts by Maori and the New Zealand Government have had a significant impact on the revitalisation of the Maori language and its use in modern New Zealand society.
The Kōrero Māori website was designed to help people speak the Māori language. You can also make use of the online Maori Dictionary to help learn the Maori language.
Maori Keyphrases & Words
Some key Maori words and phrases include:
English | Maori |
---|---|
Te Reo | Maori language |
Hello | Kia ora |
Hello everyone | Kia ora tatou |
Greetings to you | Tena koe |
Greetings to everyone | Tena koutou |
Welcome | Haere mai |
Good | Kei te pai |
Farewell | Haere ra |
See you later | Hei konei ra |
Meeting House | wharenui |
The area for formal discourse in front of a meeting house; or the whole marae complex | marae |
Dining Room | wharekai |
Communial plaza | Marae |
Food | Kai |
Welcome | powhiri |
Chant with dance in the form of a challenge | haka |
Traditional performances of song and dance | kapa haka |
Mountain | maunga |
River | awa |
Tribe | iwi |
Sub Tribe | hapu |
Gift | koha |
Love | aroha |
Respect or kindness | manaakitanga |