As language learners, reaching a B2 level in any language signifies a strong intermediate proficiency. When it comes to learning Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, attaining this level means you can engage in more complex conversations, understand nuanced texts, and appreciate the rich cultural context that the language conveys. In this article, we will explore essential Māori words and phrases that every B2 level learner should know. These words will not only enhance your vocabulary but also deepen your understanding of Māori culture and traditions.

Greetings and Common Expressions

One of the first areas to focus on is common greetings and expressions. These are fundamental for daily interactions and for showing respect in Māori culture.

Kia ora – This is perhaps the most well-known Māori greeting. It means “hello” but also conveys wishes for good health. You can use it in almost any context.

Tēnā koe / Tēnā kōrua / Tēnā koutou – These phrases mean “hello” or “thank you” and are used to address one person, two people, and three or more people, respectively.

Haere mai – This means “welcome”. It is often used to invite someone into a space or gathering.

Haere rā – This means “goodbye” when you are the one staying, and the other person is leaving.

E noho rā – This means “goodbye” when you are the one leaving, and the other person is staying.

Aroha – This word means “love” or “compassion”. It is often used to express heartfelt emotions.

Ka pai – This means “good” or “well done”. It’s a versatile phrase for giving positive feedback.

Family and Relationships

Understanding terms related to family and relationships is crucial as these are often discussed topics in any language.

Whānau – This word means “family”. In Māori culture, whānau is a central concept that extends beyond the immediate family to include extended relatives.

Mātua – This means “parents”.

Tuakana – This is an elder sibling of the same gender.

Teina – This is a younger sibling of the same gender.

Kuia – This term means “grandmother” or “elderly woman”. It is a term of respect.

Koroua – This means “grandfather” or “elderly man”.

Tama – This means “son”.

Tamahine – This means “daughter”.

Nature and the Environment

The Māori language has a strong connection to nature, which is reflected in its vocabulary.

Awa – This word means “river”. Rivers are significant in Māori culture and often have spiritual meanings.

Moana – This means “sea” or “ocean”. The ocean is an integral part of Māori life.

Ngahere – This word means “forest”. Forests are considered sacred spaces.

Maunga – This means “mountain”. Mountains often hold cultural significance.

Rangi – This word means “sky”.

Papa – This means “earth”. Together, Rangi and Papa are significant figures in Māori mythology.

Whenua – This means “land”. It is also used to refer to the placenta, underscoring the connection between people and the land.

Food and Daily Life

Knowing the terms for food and daily life activities is essential for practical conversations and understanding cultural practices.

Kai – This means “food”. It is a central element in social gatherings.

Hangi – This is a traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven.

Rēwena – This is Māori bread, often made using a fermented potato starter.

Waka – This word means “canoe”. Canoes were crucial for Māori transportation and migration.

Marae – This is a communal or sacred place that serves as a venue for meetings and ceremonies.

Whare – This means “house” or “building”.

Kōrero – This means “to speak” or “conversation”.

Spiritual and Cultural Concepts

Understanding spiritual and cultural concepts is vital for a deeper appreciation of the Māori worldview.

Tapu – This means “sacred” or “forbidden”. It is a fundamental concept in Māori spirituality.

Noa – This is the opposite of tapu and means “common” or “free from restriction”.

Mana – This refers to “prestige”, “authority”, or “spiritual power”. It is an essential concept in Māori culture.

Wairua – This means “spirit”. It is often used in the context of spiritual health and wellbeing.

Haka – This is a traditional war dance or challenge. It is performed during ceremonies and to welcome guests.

Powhiri – This is a welcoming ceremony that often takes place on a marae.

Karanga – This is the call of welcome made by women during a powhiri.

Whakapapa – This means “genealogy” or “lineage”. It is crucial for understanding one’s identity and connections.

Social Interactions and Behavior

Knowing how to navigate social interactions is crucial for effective communication and showing respect in Māori culture.

Manaakitanga – This means “hospitality” or “kindness”. It is about showing respect and care for others.

Kaitiakitanga – This means “guardianship” or “stewardship”. It is often used in the context of caring for the environment.

Whakawhanaungatanga – This refers to the process of establishing relationships and connections.

Whakamā – This means “shame” or “embarrassment”. It is an important concept in understanding social behavior.

Utu – This means “reciprocity” or “revenge”. It is about maintaining balance and justice.

Emotions and States of Being

Being able to express emotions and states of being is essential for personal interactions and self-expression.

Hāngi – This means “happy”.

Pōuri – This means “sad”.

Riri – This means “angry”.

Māuiui – This means “sick” or “unwell”.

Hiakai – This means “hungry”.

Hiainu – This means “thirsty”.

Ngenge – This means “tired”.

Numbers and Time

Knowing how to use numbers and refer to time is essential for everyday interactions, scheduling, and understanding contexts.

Tahi – This means “one”.

Rua – This means “two”.

Toru – This means “three”.

Whā – This means “four”.

Rima – This means “five”.

Ono – This means “six”.

Whitu – This means “seven”.

Waru – This means “eight”.

Iwa – This means “nine”.

Tekau – This means “ten”.

Rā – This means “day”.

Pō – This means “night”.

Ata – This means “morning”.

Ahiahi – This means “afternoon”.

Rāhina – This means “Monday”.

Rātū – This means “Tuesday”.

Rāapa – This means “Wednesday”.

Rāpare – This means “Thursday”.

Rāmere – This means “Friday”.

Rāhoroi – This means “Saturday”.

Rātapu – This means “Sunday”.

Colors and Descriptions

Being able to describe objects, people, and scenes is important for detailed conversations and storytelling.

Kākāriki – This means “green”.

Kōwhai – This means “yellow”.

Whero – This means “red”.

Pango – This means “black”.

Mā – This means “white”.

Parauri – This means “brown”.

Kikorangi – This means “blue”.

Karaka – This means “orange”.

Waiporoporo – This means “purple”.

Learning and Practicing Māori

To effectively learn and practice these words, incorporate them into your daily life. Use Māori greetings when you meet people, refer to family members using the Māori terms, and describe your surroundings using the new vocabulary. Practice makes perfect, and the more you use these words in context, the more natural they will become.

Furthermore, engage with Māori media. Listen to Māori radio stations, watch Māori TV shows, and read Māori literature. Immersion is a powerful tool for language learning. Participate in local Māori cultural events if possible, or join a Māori language group to practice speaking with others.

Understanding the cultural context of these words is equally important. Māori language is deeply intertwined with Māori culture and values. Learning about Māori traditions, history, and social practices will give you a richer understanding of the language and enhance your communication skills.

Lastly, remember that language learning is a journey. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and stay curious. The Māori language is a beautiful and rich language that offers a unique perspective on the world. By learning it, you are not only gaining a new skill but also contributing to the preservation and revitalization of an indigenous language.

Happy learning! Kia kaha (be strong) in your Māori language journey!