1000 frequent words of Māori – in alphabetical order
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An asterisk * in the first column means that this word is one of the 360 most frequent words in this list. Each of these words occurred 200
times or more in the Māori Texts for Children Corpus (MTC). Note that the asterisk does not mean that every meaning listed also occurred
more than 200 times.
Some of these words have more than one meaning. This list gives the more frequent meanings of these words, as identified by their use in
the texts in the MTC corpus.
Small caps in the third column shows the formation of the word, eg haria hari + passive suffix -a [indicating that the word haria is made up of
the stem word hari and the passive suffix -a].
In the fourth column references are given for more information on function words – these can be difficult to translate simply.
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
a
*
ā
*
*
*
*
*
āe
aha
ahakoa
ahatia
ahau
āhei
āhei
ahi
ahiahi
aho
aho
ahu
ahu
ahu
āhua
āhuatanga
*
ai
Not translatable into an English word; nominal particle,
used before names and pronouns: a Mere, a kōrua, a ia.
Various meanings, eg: and, and then, as in: Ka tae mai,
ā, ka noho ki te kai; plural of tā, as in: tā tātou whare, ā
tātou whare; indicating future time, as in: Ā te pō nei
yes
what?
although
aha + passive suffix -tia
I, me
to be able
to allow
fire
early evening, afternoon
string, fishing line
light, to shine
move in a certain direction
to heap up
to look after
shape, form, appearance
property, characteristic, feature, circumstance
āhua + nominal suffix -tanga
Not translatable into an English word; verbal particle;
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 299 for a.
See Harlow index p. 299 for ā.
See Harlow index p. 299 for aha.
See Harlow index p. 299 for aha.
1 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
Word
aihikirīmi
aituā
aituā
ākau
ake
ako
ākonga
akoranga
aku
āku
*
ākuanei
ana
*
ana
*
ana
anā
āna
*
*
*
*
*
anake
anei
anga
anga
anō
ao
aorangi
āpōpō
Its more frequent meanings
used in various subordinate structures, for example
relative clauses, adverbials
ice-cream
accident; to have an accident
disaster; to suffer a disaster
shore, coast
Various uses and meanings, eg upwards, as in: piki ake,
titiro ake; comparative as in: nui ake; own, as in: tōku
whānau ake
to learn, to teach
student, learner
thing that is taught or learnt
my, mine, plural form of taku, neutral for possession
category
my, mine, for ā category items, plural form of tāku
soon, presently
Verbal particle showing ongoing action as in: e haere
ana
his, her, plural form of tana, neutral for possession
category
cave
there, by you
his, her, plural, for ā category items
only, just
here, by me
face or move in a certain direction
shell
Various meanings, eg again; also, too; self(reflexive) as
in: ki a ia anō
world, dawn, cloud
planet
tomorrow
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow’s table of pronouns and of possessives: pp.
69–73, Table 3.5 on p. 71.
See Harlow’s table of pronouns and of possessives: pp.
69–73, Table 3.5 on p. 71.
See Harlow’s table of pronouns and of possessives: pp.
69–73, Table 3.5 on p. 71.
See Harlow’s table of pronouns and of possessives: pp.
69–73, Table 3.5 on p. 71.
See Harlow index p. 299 for anei, anā, arā.
See Harlow’s table of pronouns and of possessives: pp.
69–73, Table 3.5 on p. 71.
See Harlow index p. 299 for anei, anā, arā.
See Harlow index p. 299 for anō.
2 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
āporo
ara
ara
arā
ārahi
ārai
ariki
aro
aroha
ata
āta
ātaahua
atawhai
ātea
ātea
atu
*
atua
au
apple
path
to rise
over there, away from us both
to lead, guide
curtain; to screen off, block
chief, leader
to face, turn towards
love, sympathy, compassion
morning, shadow
gently, carefully, deliberately
beautiful, well formed
to show kindness towards
open space
outer space
away from current orientation
(often not translatable by a separate English word)
god
I, me
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
āu
aua
aua
auahi
auau
auē
awa
āwangawanga
awatea
awhi
āwhina
e
your, plural form of tāu, ā category possession.
I don’t know, as in: He aha tērā? Aua!
those (previously mentioned), plural of taua
smoke
to bark, howl
Alas! An expression of woe, sadness
river
worried
daylight
to hug, embrace
to help
A particle used in many ways, including:
before verbs as in: e haere ana, e tangi nei
before verbs that have only one or two morae to make a
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 299 for anei, anā, arā.
See Harlow index p. 299 for atu.
Harlow, pp. 33–37, and especially summary table of
personal pronouns, Table 3.1 on p. 34.
See Harlow index p. 300 for e.
See Harlow index p. 304, for mora, morae, and
pp. 217–218 for imperatives.
3 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
ehara
*
*
*
ehara
eke
eke
ēnā
command (imperative), as in: e noho!
before names when addressing a person
by – for the agent phrase of a passive structure, as in:
I horoia ia e taku matua.
Negative used for nominal sentences, as in:
He kurī tērā. Ehara tērā i te kurī.
Ko Mere tēnei. Ehara tēnā i a Mere.
Exclamation: Sure enough, without a doubt.
to climb up on
to embark, get onto
those, near you; plural of tēnā
*
ēnei
these, near me; plural of tēnei
*
*
engari
ērā
but, on the contrary
those, over there; plural of tērā
*
ētahi
some; plural of tētahi
ētehi
some; plural of tētehi (variant of ētahi)
ha
hā
haere
hāereere
haerenga
hai
haina
haka
what!
breath
go, come
to wander, roam
journey
as for hei (variant of hei)
to sign (a letter, document)
to perform traditional dance; haka, a traditional dance,
war dance
feast
flag
sport; to play sport
to yell, shout
open, gaping
*
*
*
hākari
haki
hākinakina
hāmama
hāmama
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 300 for ehara.
See Harlow index p. 300 for ehara.
See Harlow index p. 309 and p. 65 for determiners, eg
te, tētahi, tēhea, tēnei, tēnā, tērā.
See Harlow index p. 309 and p. 65 for determiners, eg
te, tētahi, tēhea, tēnei, tēnā, tērā.
See Harlow index p. 300 for engari
See Harlow index p. 309 and p. 65 for determiners, eg
te, tētahi, tēhea, tēnei, tēnā, tērā.
See Harlow index p. 309 and p. 65 for determiners, eg
te, tētahi, tēhea, tēnei, tēnā, tērā.
See Harlow index p. 309 and p. 65 for determiners, eg
te, tētahi, tēhea, tēnei, tēnā, tērā.
4 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
to build, erect, make
opposite, facing
hanga + passive suffix -ia
technology
traditional earth oven
to catch in a net, a net
hour
oxygen
to shout, bawl
subtribe
pregnant
to make a mistake; mistake
flax
come
*
hanga
hāngai
hangaia
hangarau
hāngi
hao
hāora
hāora
hāparangi
hapū
hapū
hara
harakeke
haramai (haere
mai)
hararei
hari
hari
haria
harikoa
haruru
hau
haunga
hāunga
hauora
haurua
hāwhe
he
hē
hea
*
hei
Various meanings, eg future preposition, at, in, with,
for, to, as a
chicken
*
*
*
*
*
heihei
holiday
to carry, take
to feel happy
hari + passive suffix -a
happy
to resound; a heavy sound
wind, air, breath
smelly, stinky
besides
health, healthy
half
half
a, some
wrong; error, mistake
where?
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 301 for he.
See Harlow index p. 301 for hea and index p. 302 for
interrogatives.
See Harlow index p. 301 for hei.
5 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
*
heke
heke
hekenga
hēki
hemo
hemo
hēoi
here
herea
hī
hia
to descend, go down
rafter
descent
heke + nominal suffix -nga
egg
to be dead
to pass by, be gone
and so, therefore
to tie, to bind
here + passive suffix -a
to catch fish with a line
how many?
hiahia
hika
hiki
hiki
hiko
hiko
hīkoi
hīkoi
hine
hinengaro
hinga
hinu
hipi
hoa
hoariri
hoatu
hoe
hōhā
hōhonu
hōia
hōiho
to want
a term of address for both sexes: E hika
to lift up, raise
to carry in the arms, to nurse
lightning; to flash
electricity
to walk
to step, tread
Term of address for a girl: E hine!
mind, intellect
to fall from an upright position
oil, fat
sheep
friend
enemy
to give (away from speaker)
to paddle, row
annoyed, a nuisance
deep
soldier, warrior
horse
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 301 for hia and index p. 302 for
interrogatives.
See Harlow index p. 301 for hoatu, hōmai.
6 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
*
hoki
hoki
hokinga
*
hoko
hokohoko
hokona
hōmai
hono
hopu
horo
horo
horoi
hou
hū
hua
hua
hua
huakina
also, too
to go back, return
return
hoki + nominal suffix -nga
to buy, sell
to shop, trade
hoko + passive suffix -na
to give (to speaker)
to join together
to catch
quick
to crumble, to fall down
to wash, to clean
new
shoe
fruit
egg
product
to open
huaki + passive suffix -na
path, road
meeting
a treasured bird, now extinct
foam
ice, frost
sugar
to hide
group of people
to turn
to turn round and round, over and over
birthday
feather
body hair
fur
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
huarahi
hui
huia
huka
huka
huka
huna
hunga
huri
hurihuri
huritau
huruhuru
huruhuru
huruhuru
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 301 for hoki.
7 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
i
*
i nāianei
*
ia
Several uses; not always translatable with a specific
English word.
Past tense verb particle: I haere ia ... She went
Past time marker: I tērā wiki ... Last week
Direct object marker: Ka kai ia i te āporo.
Source marker (from): Kua hoki mai au i te kura.
now
(spelled as ināianei in older texts)
he, she, him, her
*
iho
ihu
ika
ina
inā
ine
ingoa
inu
ipu
ira
ira
irirangi
iti
iwa
iwi
ka
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
kā
kaha
kāhore
kahu
kahurangi
kahurangi
kai
downwards
nose
fish
if, when
if, when
to measure
name
to drink
container, bowl
dot
gene
radio (usually as reo irirangi)
small, little
nine
tribe
Verbal particle with a range of meanings; not directly
translated with an English word
to burn, be alight
strong, able
Negative used for verb sentences – not (variant of kāore)
cloak, cape, covering
blue (colour)
woman of high status or rank
food
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 302 for i.
See Harlow index p. 309 for time, expressions of time.
See Harlow index p. 302 for ia, and index p. 308 for
pronouns.
See Harlow index p. 302 for iho.
See Harlow index p. 302 for ka.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kāhore and kāore.
8 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
kaiako
teacher
kai- + ako
speaker, orator
kai- + kōrero
worker
kai- + mahi
seafood
kai + passive suffix -nga
home
ship
scientist
kai- + pūtaiao
big, sturdy of build
player, sportsperson
kai- + tākaro
caretaker, caregiver
kai- + tiaki
writer, author
kai- + tuhi
manager, organiser
kai- + whakahaere
clothing, garment
seed
scent, smell
green
handle
to climb
neck
eye
corn
dance, to dance
colour
face
no!
kaikōrero
kaimahi
*
kaimoana
kainga
kāinga
kaipuke
kaipūtaiao
kaitā
kaitākaro
kaitiaki
kaituhi
kaiwhakahaere
*
*
kākahu
kākano
kakara
kākāriki
kakau
kake
kakī
kamo
kānga
kanikani
kano
kanohi
kāo
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kāo.
9 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
*
kāore
kapa
kāpata
kāpene
kapi
kāpia
kapu
kapua
kara
karāhe
karaka
karaka
karakia
karanga
karani
kararehe
kare
kare
kare
kāre
karere
kāreti
kāreti
kāri
kāri
karu
kata
kātahi
katakata
kāti
katoa
kau
kau
kau
Negative used for verb sentences – not
group, row of people, as in: kapa haka
cupboard
captain
to be covered or occupied (of space)
glue
cup
cloud
colour
glass, mirror
clock
orange (from the colour of ripe karaka berries)
prayer, to pray
to call
granny, grandmother
animal
Term of address: E kare, dear
ripple
stove, heater
Negative word – not, none
messenger
college
carrot
card
playing card
eye
to laugh
then
to laugh and laugh, laughter
Stop! As in: Kāti te tangi – Stop crying
all
manner particle, as in: kāore kau, kāre kau, ehara kau
cow
swim
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kāore and kāre.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kāore and kāre.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kātahi.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kāti.
See Harlow index p. 302 for katoa.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kau.
10 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
kaua
kauaka
Negative word, do not, eg: Kaua e tangi – Don’t cry
Negative word, do not (variant of kaua), eg:
Kauaka e tangi – Don’t cry
to swim
to bathe
elder; elderly
topic, theme
to count
graph
government, governor
government
kāwana + nominal suffix -tanga
to carry, convey
kawe + passive suffix -a
load, luggage, burden
kawe + nominal suffix -nga
calf
already, instead
ghost
Various uses, meanings, eg:
preposition, present time and place location – at, in
verbal particle, non-past time, as in: kei te haere
cake
seal
game
basket, kit
Has various uses and meanings, eg: to, at
to say
to be full
Various uses, meanings. Often not translatable by an
English word.
Negative word – not, used with the past tense
kī + passive suffix -ia
crowded, full up
*
*
kauhoe
kaukau
kaumātua
kaupapa
kaute
kauwhata
kāwana
kāwanatanga
kawe
kawea
kawenga
*
kāwhe
kē
kēhua
kei
*
*
*
*
*
*
keke
kekeno
kēmu
kete
ki
kī
kī
kia
*
*
kīhai
kīia
kiia
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kaua.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kaua.
See Harlow index p. 302 for kē and kē atu.
See Harlow index pp. 302–303 for kei, kei te.
See Harlow index p. 303 for ki, ki te, ki te mea.
See Harlow index p. 303 for kia.
See Harlow index p. 303 for kīhai.
11 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
kimi
kimihia
kino
kiore
kiri
kirikiri
kiromita
kite
kitea
kitenga
kō
koa
koa
koe
koha
kōhanga
kōhatu
kohi
kohikohi
kōhua
koi
koia
koina
koinei
kōiwi
kōkā
kōkiri
konā
to look for, seek
kimi + passive suffix -hia
bad
rat
skin
sand
kilometre
to see
kite + passive suffix -a
observation, seeing
kite + nominal suffix -nga
kiwi, native bird
Various uses; not usually translatable with an English
word
at a distance, yonder
please
happy
you, one person
gift
nest
stone
to collect, gather together
to collect, gather together
to boil; cooking pot
sharp
it is, so
that is (near listener)
this is
bone
mother, aunt
to charge, rush at
there, by listener
konei
here, by speaker
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
kiwi
ko
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 303 for ko, ko te.
See Harlow index p. 303 for koa.
See Harlow index p. 303 for koe.
See Harlow index p. 303 for koinā, koinei, koirā.
See Harlow index p. 303 for koinā, koinei, koirā.
See Harlow p. 22 for konei , konā, korā; pp. 21–28 for
locative nouns.
See Harlow p. 22 for konei , konā, korā; pp. 21–28 for
12 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
kongakonga
kōpae
kore
kōrere
kōrero
kōrerorero
kōrerotia
koro
koroua
kōrua
kotahi
kōtiro
kōtuku
koutou
kōwhai
kōwhai
kua
small piece, fragment
disc
zero, nothing
tap
to talk, speak
to discuss
kōrero + passive suffix -tia
Term of address for an elderly man, grandfather: E koro
elderly man, grandfather
you, two people
one
girl
white heron
you, three or more people
yellow (colour)
kōwhai, a native tree
Verbal particle; indicating completed action or movement
into a state
to enter, to go or come in
Term of address for an elderly woman, E kui.
elderly woman, grandmother
queen
to pull, to drag
kūmara, sweet potato
net
word
school
red
red feather
treasured item
dog
Various uses and meanings, eg by, for; plural marker
and others, as in: I haere mai a Mere mā.
kuhu
kui
kuia
kuini
kukume
kūmara
kūpenga
kupu
kura
kura
kura
kura
kurī
mā
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
locative nouns.
See Harlow index p. 303 for kore.
See Harlow index p. 303 for kōrua.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 303 for koutou.
See Harlow index p. 303 for kua.
See Harlow index pp. 303–304 for mā, p. 81 on
prepositions, p. 35 on pronouns, pp. 157–163 on a / o
13 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
*
*
*
mā
mā
maha
mahana
māhanga
mahara
māharahara
mahara
māhau
white
clean
many
warm
twin(s)
thought, memory
worried, anxious
mahere
mahi
mahia
mahue
māhunga
mai
māia
makariri
makawe
makere
makere
makere
māku
map, plan
to do, work, make
mahi + passive suffix -a
to be left behind
head
towards the speaker in space or in orientation
capable, brave, bold
cold
hair of the head (human), used in plural: ngā makawe
to fall
to come off
to get down from
for me, by me
mākū
māmā
māmā
mamae
mana
māna
wet
mother, mum, mummy (informal)
easy
hurt, sore
prestige, authority
for him / her, by him / her
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
for you
(variant of māu)
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
category possession.
See Harlow index pp. 303–304 for mā, p. 81 on
prepositions, p. 35 on pronouns, pp. 157–163 on a / o
category possession
See Harlow index p. 304 for mai.
See Harlow index pp. 303–304 for mā, p. 81 on
prepositions, p. 35 on pronouns, pp. 157–163 on a / o
category possession.
See Harlow index pp. 303–304 for mā, p. 81 on
prepositions, p. 35 on pronouns, pp. 157–163 on a / o
14 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
manaaki
manawa
manga
manga
mano
manu
manuhiri
Māori
māori
māra
marae
marama
mārama
maramara
marangai
mārika
maringi
mārō
maroke
mata
mata
mātaki
mātakitaki
mataku
mātao
matapihi
matau
matau
mātau
mātau
mātauranga
mate
matekai
to look after, to show hospitality towards
heart
stream
branch
thousand
bird
guest
Māori (people, language culture)
normal, ordinary, fresh (of water)
garden
marae
month, moon
clear, understand
crumbs, small pieces
rain, storm
indeed, quite, certainly; āe mārika
to spill
hard (of texture, personality)
dry
face, surface
point, blade
to watch
to watch, to observe, examine, inspect
scared, afraid
cold
window
right (direction)
fish hook
we, us (variant of mātou)
to know, understand
education, knowledge
to be sick, ill, dead
hungry
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
category possession.
See Harlow pp. 33–37 for pronouns.
15 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
matimati
mātou
matū
matua
mātua
mau
mau
mau
māu
finger, toe
we, us (three or more, excluding addressee)
fat, chemical
parent, father
parents, fathers (plural form of matua)
to take, bring
to be caught
to wear clothes
for you, by you; ā category possession
māua
mauī
maumahara
maunga
mauri
mauria
me
mea
mea
meatia
we, us (two people, excluding addressee)
left (direction)
to remember / remember
mountain
life spirit
mau + passive suffix -ria
Various meanings, uses, eg with, like, should
thing
to say
mea + passive suffix -tia
to be said
to be done – non-specific action, as in: meatia te mea nā
if (presuming not; cf. ki te, if, expressing simple
uncertainty)
if
minute
short club
bush, shrub
honey
to wonder at; amazing
to greet
machine
milk
*
mehemea
*
mēnā
meneti
mere
mere
mīere
mīharo
mihi
mīhini
miraka
*
*
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow pp. 33–37 for pronouns.
See Harlow index pp. 303–304 for mā, p. 81 on
prepositions, p. 35 on pronouns, pp. 157–163 on a / o
category possession.
See Harlow pp. 33–37 for pronouns.
See Harlow index p. 304 for me.
16 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
miriona
miro
mita
mīti
mō
million
thread
metre
meat
for, unrealised, ō category possession
about
moana
moe
moe
moemoeā
mōhiotia
moka
mōkai
mokemoke
moko
moko
moko
mokomoko
mokopuna
mōku
sea
to sleep
to marry
to dream
dream
bed
moe + nominal suffix -nga
to know
knowledge
mōhio + nominal suffix -tanga
mōhio + passive suffix -tia
end, margin, piece
pet
lonely
Term of address to a grandchild: E moko
tattoo
lizard
lizard
grandchild
for me, unrealised, o category possession
momo
mōna
type, kind
for him / her, unrealised, o category possession
moni
money
moenga
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
mōhio
mōhiotanga
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 304 for mō, p. 81 on prepositions, p.
35 on pronouns, pp. 157–163 on a / o category
possession.
See Harlow index p. 304 for mō, p. 81 on prepositions, p.
35 on pronouns, pp. 157–163 on a / o category
possession.
See Harlow index p. 304 for mō, p. 81 on prepositions, p.
35 on pronouns, pp. 157–163 on a / o category
possession.
17 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
*
*
*
*
*
motokā
motu
motu
motuhake
moutere
mua
mura
muri
mutu
mutunga
*
nā
car, motorcar
island
cut, cut off
special
island
front, before
blaze, flame
behind, after
be ended, finished (but not necessarily completed)
end
mutu + noun ending -nga
Various meanings, eg by, belonging to (ā category), by
way of
now
mine, realised possession, ā category
by me
number
by him / her, belonging to him / her
*
nāianei
nāku
*
nama
nāna
nanakia
*
nau
nāwai
nē
*
nei
rascal
clever, cunning
come, go: as in: Nau mai!
presently, in due course, after a while
tag question, translated variously depending on the
English structure; eh?
here, by speaker
*
neke
nekeneke
ngā
to move
to move gradually
the, plural
ngahere
ngākau
ngārara
forest
heart, as in seat of the affections and feelings
reptile, monster
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow pp. 33–37 for mua.
See Harlow pp. 33–37 for muri.
See Harlow index p. 304 for nā.
See Harlow index p. 304 for nā, p. 81 on prepositions,
and pp. 34–35 on pronouns.
See Harlow index p. 304 for nā, and p. 81 on
prepositions, and p. 35 on pronouns.
See Harlow p. 224 for nē.
See Harlow index p. 305 for nei, and pp. 34–35 on
pronouns.
See Harlow index p. 305 for ngā, and p. 300
determiners.
18 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
ngaro
ngaru
ngata
ngata
ngātahi
Ngāti
ngau
ngaungau
ngāwari
ngāwari
ngāwari
ngenge
ngeru
ngunguru
ngutu
niho
nō
to be lost, missing, gone
wave
snail
to be satisfied
together
tribal name prefix, as in: Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu
to bite
to chew, a snack
easy
soft, supple of texture
kind, pleasant of personality
tired
cat
to growl
lip, lips
tooth
Various meanings: from, of, belonging to (ō category)
noa
noho
noho
noho
noke
nōku
Various meanings, eg only, just, merely
to sit
to stay
to live
worm
mine, realised possession, ō category
nōna
his, her, realised possession, ō category
*
nui
big, great, many
*
nuinga
*
nuku
nunui
o
majority
nui + nominal suffix -nga
to move
big (plural form)
Has several uses: of, belonging to
*
*
*
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 304 for nō, p. 81 on prepositions
and p. 35 on pronouns.
See Harlow index p. 305 for noa and noa iho.
See Harlow index p. 304 for nō, p. 81 on prepositions
and p. 35 on pronouns.
See Harlow index p. 304 for nō, p. 81 on prepositions
and p. 35 on pronouns.
See Harlow index p. 305 for o and pp. 160–163.
19 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
ō
oho
ohorere
ōku
oma
ōna
one
oneone
ono
ope
ora
oranga
your, one person, neutral category possession, plural
to wake up
to start suddenly, be startled
mine, plural, ō category possession
to run, escape
his / her, plural, ō category possession
beach, sand
earth, soil
six
group travelling together
alive, well, healthy, safe
health, life
ora + nominal suffix -nga
to shake, quiver
to be the same as
vegetation, herbs, grass, weeds
to be completed
but, on the other hand
yours, one person, ō category possession, plural
to touch, to affect
Term of address for father: E pā
a fortified settlement
to be cast ashore
to lay horizontally; horizon, ridge of hills
circumference
container
speakers’ bench on the marae
bus
purse, to pass
to explode, burst; bomb
drum
good
benefit, skill, good qualities
pai + nominal suffix -nga
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
oreore
ōrite
otaota
oti
otirā
ōu
pā
pā
pā
pae
pae
pae
paepae
paepae
pahi
pāhi
pahū
pahū
pai
painga
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 305 for ō, see p. 81 on prepositions.
See Harlow index p. 305 for ō, and pp. 157–163.
See Harlow index p. 305 for ō, and pp. 157–163.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 306 for otirā.
See Harlow index p. 305 for ō, and pp. 157–163.
20 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
paipa
pakanga
pakari
pakari
pakaru
pakaru
Pākehā
pakeke
pakeke
pākete
pākete
paki
pakipaki
pakitara
pakiwaitara
paku
pakupaku
pāmu
pana
panana
panga
panga
pāngarau
pango
pani
pānui
pānui
paoro
papa
pāpā
parakuihi
parāoa
parauri
pare
pipe
to fight, battle, war, hostility
strong
mature, ripe
broken, shattered
broken down
Pakehā
grown up, adult
hard, stiff
packet
bucket
to slap, to pat
to applaud, to clap; applause
wall
story
small
very small
farm
to push away, to expel
banana
to throw
puzzle, riddle
mathematics
black
orphan; to be orphaned
to read
to publish, advertise; notice, advertisement
ball
floor, ground, flat surface
father, uncle
breakfast
bread, flour
brown
headband, headdress
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
21 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
pare
pari
parirau
paru
paruparu
pata
pātai
pātata
pātene
pātiki
pātītī
patu
patu
patua
pau
pāua
pea
pea
pea
pea
pēhea
to ward off, to divert
cliff
wing
dirt, mud, dirty
dirt, mud
butter
question; to ask a question
close (of distance)
button
flounder (fish)
grass
to strike, beat, thrash
to kill
patu + passive suffix -a
to be consumed, used up completely, all gone
pāua (abalone)
maybe, perhaps
pear
bear
pair
how?
peita
peka
pēkana
pekapeka
peke
pēke
pēnā
paint
branch
bacon
bat
to jump, to leap over
bag
like that, near listener
*
pene
pēnei
pen
like this, near speaker
*
pepa
paper
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 306 for pea.
See Harlow index p. 306 for pēhea and also pēnei, pēnā,
pērā; and index p. 302 for interrogatives.
See Harlow index p. 306 for pēhea and also pēnei, pēnā,
pērā.
See Harlow index p. 306 for pēhea and also pēnei, pēnā,
pērā.
22 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
pēpi
pērā
baby
like that, yonder
pere
pēwhea
bell
how? (variant of pēhea)
pī
piki
piki
pikitia
pīpī
pīrangi
pirau
piri
pirihimana
piriti
piro
pito
pito
piupiu
bee
to climb
to increase
picture, film
chick, baby
to want, desire
rotten
to stick to, to cling
police officer
bridge
stinking, putrid
end, extremity
belly button
flax skirt worn as part of traditional costume, eg in kapa
haka
night
pig
stone
to think mistakenly, be mistaken
poi, small, soft ball on string
hole; to make a hole in, to pierce
true, faithful
frog
jersey
to cut off, to cut short
ball
circle, round (variant of porowhita)
circle, round (variant of porohita)
pō
poaka
pōhatu
pōhēhē
poi
poka
pono
poraka
poraka
poro
pōro
porohita
porowhita
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 306 for pēhea and also pēnei, pēnā,
pērā.
See Harlow index p. 306 for pēhea and also pēnei, pēnā,
pērā.
23 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
pōtae
poti
poti
poto
pou
pouaka
pouaka whakaata
pounamu
pōuri
pū
pū
pū
puare
puehu
puhi
pūkaha
pukapuka
pukapuka
puke
pūkenga
puku
pūmau
puna
pūngāwerewere
punua
puoro
pupū
pupū
pupuhi
pupuhi
pupuri
pūrākau
purapura
purei
hat
cat
boat
short
pole, post
box
television
greenstone
sad, dark
letter (of the alphabet)
gun
to blow gently
open, opening
dust
to blow (wind)
engine
book
lungs
hill
skilled, expert
stomach, belly
fixed, permanent
pool, spring
spider
young animal
to sing, to rumble
to boil
to bubble up, arise from
to blow (of the wind)
to shoot
to hold onto
traditional story
seed
to play / play
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
24 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
pūrere
pūrerehua
puru
puru
purua
puta
pūtaiao
pūtake
pūtake
putanga
appliance, machine (electric)
butterfly
to block up, plug
to put, place somewhere
puru + passive suffix -a
to appear, to come out
science
reason, cause
root
opening, exit
puta + nominal suffix -nga
budget, resources
flower
to heap up; a heap, pile
Various uses, meanings, eg over there
sun
day
large
tree; timber
north
light, torch
or
youth
chief, leader, boss
sky, day
fly, blowfly
to be heard (passive form of rongo)
to look for
to look for
line, row
under
trouble; to be in difficulty, in trouble
trouble, be in difficulty, in trouble
friendly, at ease, calm
pūtea
putiputi
putu
rā
rā
rā
rahi
rākau
raki
rama
rānei
rangatahi
rangatira
rangi
rango
rangona
rapa
rapu
rārangi
raro
raru
raruraru
rata
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 308 for rā.
See Harlow index p. 308 for rānei.
See Harlow pp. 21–28 locative nouns.
25 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
rātou
they, them, three or more people
*
*
*
*
rau
rau
rau
rāua
hundred
leaf
to put into
they, them, two people
*
*
rawa
rawe
rāwhiti
rēhia
reira
reka
rekareka
reo
rere
rere
rere
rere
rerekē
rerenga
Various meanings, eg quite, very
lovely, excellent
east
pleasure, amusement
there (previously mentioned)
sweet
pleasant, delighted
language, voice
to fly
to flow
to sail
to escape
different, changed
voyage
rere + nominal suffix -nga
escape, running away
rere + nominal suffix -nga
airplane
ready
letter
to skate, slide
skates, skating
five
hand, arm
hand, arm
iron
ribbon, tape
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
rerenga
*
*
rererangi
reri
reta
reti
retireti
rima
ringa
ringaringa
rino
rīpene
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 308 for rātou and pp. 33–37 on
pronouns
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 308 for rātou and pp. 33–37 on
pronouns.
See Harlow index p. 308 for rawa, rawa atu.
See Harlow index p. 308 for reira.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
26 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
riri
riro
rita
rite
rīwai
rō
roa
roanga
anger, angry
be obtained, be carried away, gone away
litre
like
potato
in (short form of roto, as in: ki rō whare)
long
length of time
roa + nominal suffix -nga
district, area
tears
to hear, perceive
medicine
famous
group
road
computer
in
two
hole
to dive
room
on
ā category possession, singular form, used with other
pronouns to form possessive pronouns, as in: ā mātou
tamariki
according to, as said by (as in: Hei tā Manu)
to draw, paint
to publish, print
to reach, arrive
to be able, to be achieved
tae + passive suffix -a
arrival
tae + nominal suffix -nga
*
*
*
rohe
roimata
rongo
rongoā
rongonui
rōpū
rori
rorohiko
roto
rua
rua
ruku
rūma
runga
tā
*
*
*
*
*
tā
tā
tā
tae
taea
*
*
*
*
*
taenga
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 308 for rite.
See Harlow p. 25 for rō (roto).
See Harlow pp. 21–28 locative nouns.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
See Harlow pp. 21–28 locative nouns.
See Harlow pp. 69–74 for possessive determiners.
27 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
*
taha
taha
tāhau
tahi
tāhuhu
tāhuhu
tahuri
tahuri
tai
tai
tāia
taiapa
taihoa
taitama
taka
taka
tākaro
take
take
take
taki
taki
takiwā
takoto
taku
tāku
tākuta
tama
side, edge, margin
to pass by
your, ā category possession, singular (variant of tāu)
one, single
ridgepole of a house
Ministry of Education, as in: Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
to turn around, to turn over
to capsize
the sea, as opposed to land
tide
tā + passive suffix -ia
fence
wait
young man
to fall, to fall off, to drop
to come around in a cycle
to play
reason, cause, origin
subject of discussion
root, stump
to recite, to recount
to lead, to bring along
district, region
to lie down
my, neutral, singular
my, ā category possession, singular
doctor
son, nephew
Term of address for a boy, son: tama
daughter
child
children (plural form of tamaiti)
boy
male animal
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
tamāhine
tamaiti
tamariki
tamatāne
tame
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow pp. 69–74 for possessive determiners.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 303 for locatives.
See Harlow index p. 309 for taihoa.
See Harlow pp. 69–74 for possessive determiners.
See Harlow pp. 69–74 for possessive determiners.
28 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
tana
tāna
tāne
tangata
tāngata
tangi
tangi
tangi
tango
tangohia
taniwha
tao
tāone
taonga
taonga
tapa
tapa
tapahi
tapahia
tāpiri
tapu
taputapu
taputapu
taputapu
tapuwae
tāra
taraiwa
taraka
tarau
tari
tari
taringa
taro
tata
his / her, neutral, singular
his / her, ā category possession, singular
man
person
people (plural of tangata)
to cry
to mourn, lament
to make a sound, sound
to take hold of
tango + passive suffix -hia
monster, traditional guardian of bodies of water
to cook
town
prized possession, treasure
property, possession
edge, margin
to name
to cut up, chop
tapahi + passive suffix -a
to join something on, to add
sacred, holy, under ritual restriction
utensil, tool
appliance
gear, equipment
footprint
dollar
to drive; driver
truck
trousers
study
department
ear
presently, by and by, as in: taro ake
near
*
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow pp. 69–74 for possessive determiners.
See Harlow pp. 69–74 for possessive determiners.
29 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
tātahi
tātai
tātai
tatari
tatau
tatau
tātou
tau
tau
tau
tau
tau
tau
tāu
taua
seaside, beach
to measure, to calculate
to arrange, to set in order
to wait
door
to count
we, us, inclusive, three or more people
number
year, period of time
age, as in: e iwa aku tau
beloved, darling
to land on, alight, come to rest
to settle down
your, one person, ā category, singular
that, previously mentioned (singular)
*
tāua
we, us, you and I, inclusive, dual
tauhou
tauira
tauira
taumaha
taumaha
taumata
taumata
taunga
strange, unfamiliar; stranger
student
example
heavy, of weight
heavy, difficult of spirit or health
peak, pinnacle
grade, level of achievement
landing place, resting place, anchorage
tau + nominal suffix -nga
fishing ground
tau + nominal suffix -nga
to be accustomed to, familiar with
to cover, close with a lid; lid, cover
rope, cable
to support
distant, a distant place
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
taunga
*
taunga
taupoki
taura
tautoko
tawhiti
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 303 for locatives.
See Harlow pp. 33–37 on pronouns.
See Harlow pp. 69–74 for possessive determiners.
See Harlow index p. 309 for taua and pp. 65–69 on
determiners.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tāua and pp. 33–37 on
pronouns.
See Harlow index p. 303 for locative.
30 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
tawhito
te
old, former
the, singular definite article
tēhea
which, singular
*
*
teina
teitei
tekau
tēnā
younger sibling, same sex
tall, high, lofty; height
ten
that, by the listener
*
tēnei
this, by speaker
*
tēpu
tērā
table
that, yonder
*
*
tere
tētahi
to flow, float, move quickly; fast
a, one specific thing
tētehi
a, one specific thing (variant of tētahi)
*
*
tī
tī
tiaki
tihi
tihi
tika
tikanga
*
tikanga
*
tiki
*
tīkina
tīma
tea
cabbage tree
to look after, to care for
summit
topknot
to be right, correct, straight, in order
custom, habit, agreed way of doing things
tika + nominal suffix -nga
reason, meaning
tika + nominal suffix -nga
to fetch
tiki atu – go and fetch, bring
tiki mai – come and fetch, take away
tiki + passive suffix -na (note the first i is lengthened)
team
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 309 for te and pp. 65–69 on
determiners.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tēhea and pp. 65–69 on
determiners.
See Harlow index p. 303 for kinship terms.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tēnā and pp. 65–69 on
determiners.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tēnei and pp. 65–69 on
determiners.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tērā and pp. 65–69 on
determiners.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tētahi and pp. 65–69 on
determiners.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tētahi and pp. 65–69 on
determiners.
31 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
tīmata
tīmatanga
to begin, to start
beginning
tīmata + nominal suffix -nga
dinner, lunch
body, trunk, torso
very many, numerous, plenty; multitude, throng
to change
to decieve, cheat
to trick, amuse with trickery
very
to grow, develop
a plant, shoot
a type of taniwha
strange, unusual
a person of high status
grandparent, ancestor
grandparents (plural form of tipuna)
travelling party
group or row of people
treaty
street
to look
tiro + nominal suffix -hanga
tiro + passive suffix -hia
to look about, to investigate
to look at
your, neutral, one person, singular
ō category possessive determiner, singular, as in: tō
tātou
stove
to drag
shop
brave
to win, come first; winner
*
*
tina
tinana
tini
tīni
tinihanga
tinihanga
tino
tipu
tipu
tipua
tipua
tipua
tipuna
tīpuna
tira
tira
tiriti
tiriti
tiro
tirohanga
tirohia
tirotiro
titiro
tō
*
*
*
*
*
tō
tō
toa
toa
toa
*
*
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tino and pp. 47–50.
See Harlow pp. 69–74 for possessive determiners.
32 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
toa
toe
toenga
tohorā
tohu
tohu
tohu
tohua
tohunga
tohutohu
toi
toi
toka
tōkena
tokomaha
male animal
to remain, be left over
leftovers, remnants
toe + nominal suffix -nga
whale
a sign, mark
to indicate, point out
a qualification, eg degree
tohu + passive suffix -a
expert, priest
to instruct; to guide, direct; instructions, directions
origin, source; native, indigenous
art, knowledge
rock
stockings, socks
many (of people)
tokorua
two (of people)
tokotoru
three (people)
*
tōku
my, ō category possession, singular
*
tomo
tōna
to enter, go into
his / her, ō category possession, singular
tonga
tono
tono
tono
tonoa
tonu
tonutia
toro
south
to send, to command
to ask for, to request, to demand
to apply for
tono + passive suffix -a
still
tonu + passive suffix -tia
to stretch out, to extend
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 309 for toko- prefix and index p. 305
for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 309 for toko- prefix and index p. 305
for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 309 for toko- prefix and index p. 305
for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tōku and pp. 69–74 for
possessive determiners.
See Harlow index p. 309 for tōna and pp. 69–74 for
possessive determiners.
See Harlow index pp. 309–310 for tonu.
See Harlow index pp. 309–310 for tonu.
33 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
toro
toroa
toru
tote
tōtika
toto
tōu
tū
tū
tua
tuahine
tuakana
tuanui
tuarā
tuarua
to visit
albatross
three
salt
straight, direct, right
blood
your, ō category possession, singular
to stand
to be wounded; a wound
beyond
sister, of a male
older sibling of the same sex
roof
back
second
*
tuatahi
first
tuatoru
third
tuawhā
fourth
tuhi
tuhi
tuhia
tuhinga
to write, to draw
to indicate, point out
tuhi + passive suffix -a
writing, text
tuhi + nominal suffix -nga
to write, draw
writing, text
tuhituhi + nominal suffix -nga
to hit, to knock, to beat, to pound
to allow
to send
to let something down; to hand something down
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
tuhituhi
tuhituhinga
*
*
*
tuki
tuku
tuku
tuku
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
See Harlow pp. 69–74 for possessive determiners.
See Harlow index p. 303 for locatives.
See Harlow index p. 303 for kinship terms.
See Harlow index p. 303 for kinship terms.
See Harlow index p. 310 for tua- prefix and index p. 305
for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 310 for tua- prefix and index p. 305
for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 310 for tua- prefix and index p. 305
for numbers.
See Harlow index p. 310 for tua- prefix and index p. 305
for numbers.
34 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
*
tuku
tuku
tukua
tukuna
tukutuku
tukutuku
tūmanako
tumeke
tuna
tungāne
tunu
tūpato
tupu
to let go, to give up
to put off, to leave aside
tuku + passive suffix -a
tuku + passive suffix -na
woven wall panels
spider web
to hope for, anticipate, expect
to take fright, surprise
eel
brother, of a female
to cook, roast
to be careful; caution, cautious
to grow, develop; a plant, shoot
(variant of tipu)
grandparents (plural form of tupuna)
(variant of tīpuna)
position, job
tū + nominal suffix -ranga
stopping place, as in: tūranga pahi bus stop
tū + nominal suffix -ranga
law, rule
fairy
be quiet! noisy
chair, seat, stool
to meet
to close up, to block
to complete, to achieve
real, natural, authentic
fixed, permanent, definite
to land, to reach land
to be firm, fixed
breast, udder
to rain; rain
difficult
*
*
tūpuna
tūranga
tūranga
*
*
*
ture
tūrehu
turituri
tūru
tūtaki
tūtaki
tutuki
tūturu
tūturu
ū
ū
ū
ua
uaua
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 303 for kinship terms.
35 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
uaua
uhi
uhia
ui
uira
uku
uku
umere
upoko
upoko
upoko
uri
uru
uru
uta
uta
utu
uwha
wā
wā
waea
waea
waenga
waenganui
waewae
waha
waha
waha
wāhanga
wāhanga
wāhi
wāhi
wāhi
wahie
muscle, vein, artery
to cover
uhi + passive suffix -a
to ask, enquire
lightning; to flash
clay
to wash
to shout (in wonder, in appreciation)
head
chapter of a book
verse of a song
descendant, offspring
to enter, to go into
west
shore, land as opposed to sea or water
to load
cost, price; to pay for
female animal
time
place, space, area
telephone
wire
middle, dividing line
middle, centre, between
foot
mouth
to carry on the back
load, burden
part, portion, section
chapter, episode
place, locality
to break, to split, to break open
part, portion
driftwood
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 303 for locatives.
36 of 41
Freq.
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
*
*
*
*
*
*
wahine
wāhine
waho
Wai?
wai
wai
waiariki
waiata
woman, wife
women, wives (plural form of wahine)
out, outside, the outside
who?
water
juice
hot spring
to sing
song
to make, build something
to leave something somewhere
to remain, rest
lucky, fortunate; luck, good fortune
spirit
canoe
car
vehicle (land, air and sea)
place of learning, as in: whare wānanga
forest
to forget; forgetful
eight
to scrape, to peel
to be clear, unoccupied, free of obstruction
to long for, yearn for
early, soon, quickly
to separate, divide
departure, leaving
wehe + nominal suffix -nga
part, division, separation
wehe + nominal suffix -nga
to be afraid
terrible
weka, a native woodhen
to burn; burnt; hot, heat
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
waihanga
waiho
waiho
waimarie
wairua
waka
waka
waka
wānanga
wao
wareware
waru
waru
wātea
wawata
wawe
wehe
wehenga
wehenga
*
wehi
wehi
weka
wera
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 303 for locatives.
See Harlow index p. 302 for interrogatives.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
37 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
wero
wero
whā
whaea
whai
whāia
whāinga
to pierce
to challenge; formal challenge at a welcome ceremony
four
mother, aunt
to follow, to chase
whai + passive suffix -a (note lengthening of first vowel)
objective, aim, purpose
whai + nominal suffix -nga (note first vowel lengthens)
narrow, crowded together
to agree
to take photos; photograph
to display, to exhibit
play, drama, performance
to think; thought
to display, show
mirror
to display, show, demonstrate
display
whakaatu + nominal suffix -ranga
television programme
whakaatu + nominal suffix -ranga
to run something, manage, make something go
to command, order
to encourage
to decrease, drop, lower
arrogant
great, magnificent, wonderful, very important
to return, to reply
whakahoki + passive suffix -a
to carve, a carving
to fill something
to be embarrassed, ashamed
to operate, to make something work
to put someone to work, to make someone work
*
*
whāiti
whakaae
whakaahua
whakaari
whakaari
whakaaro
whakaata
whakaata
whakaatu
whakaaturanga
*
whakaaturanga
*
whakahaere
whakahau
whakahau
whakaheke
whakahīhī
whakahirahira
whakahoki
whakahokia
whakairo
whakakī
whakamā
whakamahi
whakamahi
*
*
*
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
38 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
whakamahia
whakamāori
whakamārama
whakamātau
whakamātautau
whakamau
whakamau
whakamaua
whakamīharo
whakamua
whakamuri
whakamutunga
whakamahi + passive suffix -a
to translate into Māori
to explain
to test, examine
examination, test
to put on
to fix, fasten
whakamau + passive suffix -a
amazing, astonishing
frontward, towards the front
towards the back
ending, conclusion
whakamutu + nominal suffix -nga
to rest
to entertain, to amuse
to honour, to praise
to enlarge
to rescue, to cure
lying crosswise, horizontal
to improve, to fix up
to decorate, to adorn
to strengthen
genealogy
to cling to, stick to
to believe; faith
to produce
to reveal, to publish
to make something come out, to appear
downwards
to prepare
to arrange, to put in order
to compare
whakarite + passive suffix -a
to listen
whakangā
whakangahau
whakanui
whakanui
whakaora
whakapae
whakapai
whakapaipai
whakapakari
whakapapa
whakapiri
whakapono
whakaputa
whakaputa
whakaputa
whakararo
whakarite
whakarite
whakarite
whakaritea
whakarongo
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
39 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
whakarunga
whakatā
whakataetae
whakatakoto
whakatata
whakatau
whakatika
whakatikatika
whakatipu
whakatoi
whakatū
whakatū
whakatūpato
whakatūria
whakauru
whakautu
whakawhiti
whāki
whānau
whānau
whanaunga
upwards
to rest
competition
to lay something down
to come closer to
to decide
to straighten, to correct, to fix
to rearrange, to put in order, to fix
to raise
to give cheek
to establish, to put someone or something in position
to stand something up
to warn, to caution
whakatū + passive suffix -ria
to enter, to join, to enrol
to reply, to respond
to cross
to reveal, to disclose, to confess
family
to be born / be born
relative, relation
whānau + nominal suffix -nga (note the short first vowel)
bay
to wait
to feed, to foster
broad, wide
to be injured
page
house, building
Māori-medium secondary school
mat, carpet, rug
eye
stone
to weave, knit
whanga
whanga
whāngai
whānui
whara
whārangi
whare
wharekura
whāriki
whatu
whatu
whatu
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
40 of 41
Freq.
*
*
*
Word
Its more frequent meanings
whāwhā
whawhai
whea
whenua
whero
whetū
whiti
whitu
whiu
whiu
whiu
whiua
whiwhi
whiwhi
whutupōro
wiki
wīra
wiriwiri
to fiddle with, to touch
to fight; a battle
where? (variant of hea)
land
red
star
to cross
seven
to throw, to fling
to whip
to be satisfied
whiu + passive suffix -a
to get, to acquire, to win
to be in possession of
football, rugby
week
wheel
to tremble, to shake, to quiver
High frequency word lists | 1000 frequent words of Māori – alphabetical order
From: TKI | Te reo Māori in English-medium schools | Te Whakaipurangi Rauemi teacher resources collection
http://tereomaori.tki.org.nz/Teacher-resources/Te-Whakaipurangi-Rauemi-teacher-resources-collection
© New Zealand Ministry of Education 2010 – copying restricted to use by the New Zealand education sector
References to Harlow, 2001: A Māori Reference
Grammar. Look up function words in Harlow for
more information.
See Harlow index p. 305 for numbers.
41 of 41