The Days of the Week in Māori
Overview of Māori Weekday Names
The Māori language, or te reo Māori, has its own unique words for the days of the week. These terms are widely used in New Zealand, especially in educational and cultural settings. Interestingly, the Māori days of the week are based on transliterations of the English names, but with a distinctive Māori twist.
Monday: Rāhina
Rāhina is the Māori word for Monday. The term “Rā” means “day” in Māori, while “hina” is associated with the moon or lunar deity Hina. In some interpretations, Rāhina can be seen as “the day of the moon,” aligning with the traditional association of Monday with the moon.
Tuesday: Rātū
Rātū is used for Tuesday. Again, “Rā” stands for “day,” and “tū” refers to the Māori god of war, Tūmatauenga. This makes Tuesday “the day of Tū,” echoing similar connections in other languages, like the Norse god Tyr for Tuesday in English.
Wednesday: Rāapa
Rāapa designates Wednesday in Māori. The “apa” in Rāapa doesn’t have a direct translation but is likely a transliteration from the English “Wednesday.” Some sources suggest it could be a combination of “Rā” and “apa” as a reference to the middle of the week.
Thursday: Rāpare
Rāpare stands for Thursday. The “pare” part is believed to be a transliteration from “Thursday,” with some cultural associations with the act of clearing or removing, possibly relating to preparing for the end of the week.
Friday: Rāmere
Rāmere is the Māori word for Friday. The “mere” element is a transliteration from “Friday,” and some interpretations link it to ceremonial or significant days, as Friday is often seen as a special day before the weekend.
Saturday: Rāhoroi
Rāhoroi means Saturday. Here, “horoi” translates as “to wash” in Māori. Traditionally, Saturday was the day set aside for washing clothes and cleaning, which is reflected in the name.
Sunday: Rātapu
Rātapu is the Māori name for Sunday. “Tapu” means “sacred” or “holy,” so Rātapu can be interpreted as “the sacred day.” This aligns with the widespread tradition of Sunday as a day of rest or worship.
Table of Māori Days of the Week and Their Meanings
| English | Māori | Meaning/Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Rāhina | Day of the moon (Hina) |
| Tuesday | Rātū | Day of Tū (god of war) |
| Wednesday | Rāapa | Transliteration from English |
| Thursday | Rāpare | Transliteration from English |
| Friday | Rāmere | Transliteration from English |
| Saturday | Rāhoroi | Day for washing (horoi) |
| Sunday | Rātapu | Sacred or holy day (tapu) |
Why Learn the Māori Days of the Week?
Learning the days of the week in Māori is more than just memorizing vocabulary. It provides insight into Māori culture, values, and worldview. Using these terms in everyday conversation helps promote the revitalization of te reo Māori and supports language learners in becoming more fluent and culturally aware.
Tips for Remembering the Days in Māori
- Practice saying each day aloud every morning.
- Label your calendar with both English and Māori day names.
- Use language learning tools like Talkpal to reinforce your knowledge through AI-powered exercises.
- Create flashcards with the Māori day on one side and its meaning on the other.
- Try using the Māori days of the week in sentences about your plans or activities.
Conclusion
Mastering the days of the week in Māori is a valuable step on your language learning journey. Not only does it expand your vocabulary, but it also connects you with the deeper meanings and traditions of Māori culture. With resources like Talkpal, learning te reo Māori becomes accessible and engaging. Start integrating these beautiful day names into your daily routine and experience the richness of Aotearoa’s indigenous language.
