The definite article in Maori grammar refers to the word ‘Te’ which is used to refer to a specific person, thing, or idea already mentioned. It corresponds to the English articles “the”. In this exercise, we’ll practise using ‘Te’ in various contexts.
Exercise 1: Using ‘Te’ to refer to specific entities
*Kei* hea te waka? (where)
*He* tino pai te kai. (very)
*Noho* ana i te whare. (stay)
*He* rereke te whakaaro. (different)
*He* ātaahua te whāriki. (beautiful)
*Ko* te tane te kaiwhakahaere. (man)
*Ko* te wahine te kaiako. (woman)
*He* mārama te rangi. (clear)
*Kei* runga te manu. (up)
*Ka* whakapau te kaha. (exhaust)
*He* tino pai te kai. (very)
*Noho* ana i te whare. (stay)
*He* rereke te whakaaro. (different)
*He* ātaahua te whāriki. (beautiful)
*Ko* te tane te kaiwhakahaere. (man)
*Ko* te wahine te kaiako. (woman)
*He* mārama te rangi. (clear)
*Kei* runga te manu. (up)
*Ka* whakapau te kaha. (exhaust)
Exercise 2: Using ‘Te’ in rhythmic phrases
*Ko* te tangata te mea nui. (person)
*He* makariri te āhua. (cold)
*He* rite te āhua. (similar)
*Ka* āwhina i te hapori. (community)
*He* whiro te marama. (moon)
*He* makariri te āhua. (cold)
*He* rite te āhua. (similar)
*Ka* āwhina i te hapori. (community)
*He* whiro te marama. (moon)
