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In Maori grammar, tenses refer to the various forms used to express time and aspect in sentences. Maori has three main tenses: past, present, and future.
The past tense, known as “whakapae,” is used to talk about actions or events that have already happened. In this tense, verbs undergo certain changes, such as adding a prefix or suffix, or altering the stem. For example, the verb “kai” (to eat) becomes “ka kai” in the past tense.
The present tense, known as “ka whakarongo,” is used to talk about actions or events that are happening at the present time. Verbs in this tense are often preceded by “ka.” For example, “ka whakarongo ahau” means “I am listening.”
The future tense, known as “mōhio,” is used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. Verbs in this tense are often preceded by “ka” or “e.” For example, “ka haere mātou” means “we will go.”
Understanding how to use tenses correctly in Maori is crucial for effective communication and expression of time and aspect. By mastering the tenses, learners can accurately convey the timeline of events and strengthen their language skills.
