Show Notes
Ready to sound like you actually know what you’re saying in Māori? In this episode, we cover the essentials: saying hello without looking awkward, asking “How are you?” (and actually knowing how to reply), introducing yourself like a pro, and even asking where someone’s from without sounding like a stalker. Oh, and we’ll wrap it up with a couple of handy exits: “That’s enough” and “See ya.”
I’ll say each phrase nice and slow, leave space for you to repeat (yes, out loud ; don’t just sit there nodding), and by the end, you’ll have enough survival phrases to impress your friends, confuse strangers, and maybe even hold a short conversation.
Conversation 1 A: Kia orāna, pe’ea koe? B: Meitaki au. Pe’ea koe? A. Meitaki.
Conversation 2 A: Koai tōou ‘ingoa? B. Toku ingoa ko May. Koai tōou? A. Toku ingoa ko Tom.
Conversation 3 B. Tom, no’ea mai koe? A: Nō Aitutaki mai au. May, no’ea mai koe? B. No Aotearoa mai au. A: May, e aka teia. Ka kite B: Ka kite Tom.
More from Learn Cook Islands Māori
Are you okay? = Te mako nei koe? Other ways to say: Te mako uara koe? Informal: mako? = okay? good?
Would you like some medicine? = Ka inangaro koe i te vairakau? Medicine = vairakau Clothes = kakau Fruits = ua rakau
Would you like to drink water? = Ka inangaro koe i te inu vai? water = vai coconut water = nu alcohol = kava
Meet the boys from Kuki Learning, Charlie Charlie and Tom Harrison. Their mission? Keeping the Cook Islands Māori language and culture alive (because if they don’t, who will…Google Translate?). Both grew up in sunny Aitutaki, but their family ties stretch across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Pukapuka. Basically, they’ve got more island connections than Air Raro flight routes.
Think learning Cook Islands Māori costs money? Turns out there are actually free ways to study it right here in New Zealand. In this video, I’ll show you where to find them before you spend money on something Google could've told you for free. Your ancestors are judging your Duolingo streak. Time to learn!!