Learning a new language can be a thrilling yet challenging experience, and advancing to a B2 level in Māori is no exception. At this level, you are expected to understand and use more complex structures and vocabulary, making your communication more nuanced and effective. To help you on this journey, we have compiled a list of 50 essential Māori words that you need to know to enhance your vocabulary and fluency. Whether you are preparing for an exam, a trip to New Zealand, or simply want to enrich your understanding of the Māori culture, these words will be incredibly beneficial.

Basic Verbs

1. **Aroha** – To love
– Example: “Ka aroha au ki a koe.” (I love you.)

2. **Kōrero** – To speak
– Example: “Ka kōrero māori ahau.” (I speak Māori.)

3. **Kai** – To eat
– Example: “Kei te kai ahau i te āporo.” (I am eating an apple.)

4. **Haere** – To go
– Example: “Haere mai ki te kāinga.” (Come home.)

5. **Mahi** – To work
– Example: “Kei te mahi ahau.” (I am working.)

6. **Whakarongo** – To listen
– Example: “Whakarongo mai ki ahau.” (Listen to me.)

7. **Pānui** – To read
– Example: “Ka pānui ahau i te pukapuka.” (I will read the book.)

8. **Titiro** – To look
– Example: “Titiro ki te rangi.” (Look at the sky.)

Nouns

9. **Whānau** – Family
– Example: “He nui taku whānau.” (My family is large.)

10. **Wā** – Time
– Example: “He aha te wā?” (What is the time?)

11. **Pukapuka** – Book
– Example: “Kei te pānui ahau i te pukapuka.” (I am reading the book.)

12. **Kai** – Food
– Example: “He pai te kai?” (Is the food good?)

13. **Tamariki** – Children
– Example: “Kei te kura ngā tamariki.” (The children are at school.)

14. **Kura** – School
– Example: “Ka haere ngā tamariki ki te kura.” (The children go to school.)

15. **Waka** – Canoe/Vehicle
– Example: “He waka tere tēnei.” (This is a fast vehicle.)

16. **Marae** – Meeting ground
– Example: “Kei te marae te hui.” (The meeting is at the marae.)

Adjectives

17. **Nui** – Large
– Example: “He whare nui tēnei.” (This is a large house.)

18. **Iti** – Small
– Example: “He ngeru iti.” (A small cat.)

19. **Hou** – New
– Example: “He pukapuka hou tāku.” (I have a new book.)

20. **Tawhito** – Old
– Example: “He waka tawhito.” (An old vehicle.)

21. **Pārekareka** – Pleasant/Enjoyable
– Example: “He pārekareka te rā.” (The day is pleasant.)

22. **Tino** – Very
– Example: “He tino pai.” (Very good.)

23. **Kaha** – Strong
– Example: “He tangata kaha.” (A strong person.)

24. **Māori** – Indigenous/New Zealand native
– Example: “Ko te reo Māori te reo rangatira.” (The Māori language is a noble language.)

Adverbs

25. **Anāianei** – Now
– Example: “Kei te haere ahau anāianei.” (I am going now.)

26. **Āpōpō** – Tomorrow
– Example: “Ka kite ahau āpōpō.” (See you tomorrow.)

27. **Ināianei** – Currently/At present
– Example: “Kei te kāinga ahau ināianei.” (I am at home currently.)

28. **Inanahi** – Yesterday
– Example: “I haere ahau ki te toa inanahi.” (I went to the store yesterday.)

29. **Tonu** – Still
– Example: “Kei te kai tonu ahau.” (I am still eating.)

30. **Tere** – Quickly
– Example: “Haere tere!” (Go quickly!)

Pronouns

31. **Ahau** – I/Me
– Example: “Kei te pai ahau.” (I am fine.)

32. **Koe** – You
– Example: “Kei te pēhea koe?” (How are you?)

33. **Ia** – He/She/It
– Example: “Kei te haere ia.” (He/She is going.)

34. **Mātou** – We (excluding the listener)
– Example: “Kei te haere mātou ki te marae.” (We are going to the marae.)

35. **Koutou** – You (plural)
– Example: “Kei hea koutou?” (Where are you all?)

36. **Rātou** – They/Them
– Example: “Kei te mahi rātou.” (They are working.)

Conjunctions and Prepositions

37. **Ā** – And (used for joining sentences)
– Example: “Kei te kai ahau ā kei te pānui hoki.” (I am eating and reading.)

38. **Me** – With/And (used for joining nouns)
– Example: “Kai me te inu.” (Food and drink.)

39. **Ki** – To/At/For
– Example: “Haere ki te kura.” (Go to school.)

40. **I** – In/At/On (past tense)
– Example: “I te marae ahau.” (I was at the marae.)

41. **Mā** – For
– Example: “He pukapuka māu.” (A book for you.)

42. **Nā** – By (indicating past action)
– Example: “Nā te kaiako i whakaako.” (It was taught by the teacher.)

Common Phrases

43. **Tēnā koe** – Hello (to one person)
– Example: “Tēnā koe, e hoa.” (Hello, friend.)

44. **Tēnā koutou** – Hello (to multiple people)
– Example: “Tēnā koutou katoa.” (Hello, everyone.)

45. **Kei te pēhea koe?** – How are you?
– Example: “Kei te pēhea koe i tēnei rā?” (How are you today?)

46. **Haere rā** – Goodbye (said by the person staying)
– Example: “Haere rā e hoa.” (Goodbye, friend.)

47. **E noho rā** – Goodbye (said by the person leaving)
– Example: “E noho rā, whānau.” (Goodbye, family.)

48. **Kia ora** – Thank you/Hello
– Example: “Kia ora mō te āwhina.” (Thank you for the help.)

49. **Aroha mai** – Sorry
– Example: “Aroha mai mō taku hē.” (Sorry for my mistake.)

50. **Ka pai** – Good/Well done
– Example: “Ka pai tō mahi.” (Well done on your work.)

Conclusion

Mastering these 50 essential words will significantly bolster your Māori vocabulary and enhance your ability to communicate effectively at a B2 level. By incorporating these words into your daily practice, you will find that your understanding and appreciation of the Māori language and culture will deepen. Remember that language learning is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to fluency. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui! (Be strong, be brave, be steadfast!)