When learning Māori, one of the challenges many learners face is understanding the nuances of certain words that seem simple at first glance but have significant importance in the language. Two such words are ngā and nō. Both are commonly used in Māori, but they serve very different purposes. This article will help you understand the distinctions between these two words, providing you with definitions, explanations, and example sentences to illustrate their usage.

Ngā – The (plural)

Ngā is a definite article used to indicate the plural form of “the” in Māori. It is used when referring to more than one of something. Understanding the use of ngā is essential for constructing correct and meaningful sentences in Māori when talking about multiple objects or people.

Ngā (The, plural)
Ngā is used before nouns to denote that they are plural.
Ngā tamariki kei te kura.
(The children are at school.)

In the example above, ngā indicates that “children” is plural.

Additional Examples with Ngā

Ngā pukapuka kei runga i te tēpu.
Ngā pukapuka kei runga i te tēpu.
(The books are on the table.)

Ngā kaiako e mahi ana.
Ngā kaiako e mahi ana.
(The teachers are working.)

Ngā manu e rere ana i te rangi.
Ngā manu e rere ana i te rangi.
(The birds are flying in the sky.)

In each of these sentences, ngā is used to indicate that the nouns (books, teachers, birds) are plural.

Nō – From

Nō is a preposition used to indicate origin, source, or starting point. It is often translated as “from” in English. Understanding how to use nō correctly is crucial for expressing where something or someone comes from.

Nō (From)
Nō is used to indicate the origin or source of something.
Nō hea koe?
(Where are you from?)

In this example, nō is used to ask about the origin of a person.

Additional Examples with Nō

Nō ngā moutere rātou.
Nō ngā moutere rātou.
(They are from the islands.)

Nō Aotearoa ia.
Nō Aotearoa ia.
(He/she is from New Zealand.)

Nō te awa ngā ika.
Nō te awa ngā ika.
(The fish are from the river.)

In each of these sentences, nō indicates the source or origin of the subjects (they, he/she, fish).

Combining Ngā and Nō

Understanding how to use ngā and nō together can help you create more complex sentences in Māori. Here are some examples:

Ngā manu nō te ngahere.
Ngā manu nō te ngahere.
(The birds are from the forest.)

Ngā tamariki nō te kura kei te tākaro i te papa tākaro.
Ngā tamariki nō te kura kei te tākaro i te papa tākaro.
(The children from the school are playing in the playground.)

Ngā kai nō te mākete.
Ngā kai nō te mākete.
(The food is from the market.)

In each of these sentences, ngā indicates that the noun is plural, while nō indicates the origin or source.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of ngā and nō, here are some practice exercises:

1. Translate the following sentences into Māori:
– The children are from the village.
– The books are from the library.
– The teachers are from the university.

2. Fill in the blanks with ngā or nō:
– ___ tamariki kei te papa tākaro.
– ___ te awa ngā ika.
– ___ kaiako e mahi ana.

3. Create your own sentences using ngā and nō.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between ngā and nō is crucial for mastering Māori. Ngā is used to indicate plural nouns, while nō is used to indicate origin or source. By practicing the use of these words in sentences, you will become more comfortable with their meanings and applications. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to use ngā and nō with confidence.