Why Learn to Count in Te Reo Māori?
Numbers are used everywhere – from telling the time and shopping to giving your age or phone number. In Māori culture, numeracy is not just practical but also woven into traditions, storytelling, and songs. Learning the numbers helps you participate more fully in Māori-speaking environments and shows respect for the language and its speakers.
Basic Māori Numbers: 1 to 10
Let’s start with the numbers one to ten. These are the foundation for forming all other numbers up to one hundred.
- 1 – tahi
- 2 – rua
- 3 – toru
- 4 – whā
- 5 – rima
- 6 – ono
- 7 – whitu
- 8 – waru
- 9 – iwa
- 10 – tekau
Forming Numbers 11 to 19
Numbers between eleven and nineteen are formed by combining “ten” (tekau) with the unit number. The structure is:
tekau mā (unit number)
- 11 – tekau mā tahi
- 12 – tekau mā rua
- 13 – tekau mā toru
- …and so on up to 19 (tekau mā iwa)
Counting in Tens: Multiples of Ten
To say 20, 30, 40, and so on, you use the word “tekau” (ten) plus the appropriate multiplier:
(Multiplier) tekau
- 20 – rua tekau
- 30 – toru tekau
- 40 – whā tekau
- 50 – rima tekau
- 60 – ono tekau
- 70 – whitu tekau
- 80 – waru tekau
- 90 – iwa tekau
- 100 – kotahi rau
Numbers Between the Tens (21–99)
For numbers that are not multiples of ten, the structure is:
(Tens multiplier) tekau mā (unit number)
- 21 – rua tekau mā tahi
- 35 – toru tekau mā rima
- 48 – whā tekau mā waru
- 56 – rima tekau mā ono
- 67 – ono tekau mā whitu
- 79 – whitu tekau mā iwa
- 84 – waru tekau mā whā
- 92 – iwa tekau mā rua
This pattern continues for all numbers up to 99.
How to Say 100 in Māori
One hundred in Te Reo Māori is:
kotahi rau
“Kotahi” means “one” and “rau” means “hundred.” For numbers above 100, you continue to use “rau” as the base for “hundred.”
Tips for Practicing Māori Numbers
- Practice aloud and use counting in everyday activities, such as counting objects or steps.
- Try number games, flashcards, or quizzes to reinforce learning.
- Use resources like Talkpal’s AI-powered Māori lessons to get interactive practice and feedback.
- Listen to Māori songs or watch videos where numbers are used in context.
Common Uses of Numbers in Māori Culture
Numbers are integral in Māori traditions. You’ll find them in:
- Waiata (songs) and haka (traditional dances)
- Whakataukī (proverbs) and traditional stories
- Counting people (tāngata), days (ngā rā), and objects (ngā mea)
Conclusion: Start Counting in Māori Today!
Counting to one hundred in Te Reo Māori is straightforward once you know the patterns. It’s a practical skill that deepens your understanding and appreciation of the Māori language. Keep practicing, use tools like Talkpal for daily language learning, and soon you’ll be counting in Māori with confidence!
