Māori Grammar
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The words pēnei, pēnā and pērā mean "like this" or "like that.'
Nā te aha i pēnā ai?
For what reason is it like this?He pērā te āhua o Kauri, he ngākau māhaki tōna.
Kauri's nature is like that, he has a kind heart.Kei te mau hū au pērā i a Michael Jordan.
I am wearing shoes like Michael Jordan.Me waiata pēnei koe: Hari huritau ki a koe!
You should sing like this: happy birthday to you!He pēnei tonu au ki te mahi.
I am always working (lit: "I always work like this").I moe ia, pēnei tonu i a Tamahae nei.
He was asleep, just like Tamae here.He pai ki a au ngā rangi pēnei, he ātaahua.
I like days like this - beautiful!Kāore au i te pīrangi ki tētehi kai pērā i tēnei ata.
I do not want any food like that this morning.Kei te pērā tonu hoki a muri i a ia.
Those behind him were doing the same.Kei te mau hū au pērā i a ia.
I am wearing shoes like her.Nā te aha i pēnei ai?
For what reason is it like this?Nā te aha koe i titiro tītaha pērā mai ai?
What caused you to look sideways at me like that?E, kāti te kōrero pēnā mō taku mokopuna!
Hey, stop talking like that about my grandchild!Kei te pōturi pēnā me te ngeru.
Slow like a cat.Kei te moe tonu pea, pērā i tō rāua pāpā.
They are probably still sleeping, just like their father.Ka waiata koe pērā i a Tui Teka.
You sing like Tui Teka.Ki te ngaro te reo, ka ngaro tāua pērā i te moa.
If the language is lost, we are lost like that of the large extinct moa bird.Kāua e kōrero pēnā.
Don't talk like that.Kei te pērā tonu au.
I'm unchanged.He aha koe i titiro tītaha pēnā mai ai?
Why do you always look sideways at me like that?Mahia kia pēnei.
Do it like this.Me tū teitei koe pērā i te tōtara.
You should stand tall like the tātara tree.Me pēnei.
(You should do it) like this.Me wiri ō ringa pēnei.
You should quiver your hands like this.