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In some (often older, formal, or proverbial) Māori, e can function as a subordinating particle introducing a clause meaning “if/when”, especially before the verbal particle ka. In this use, the e-clause describes something not yet realised, but possible/expected, and the following clause gives what happens as a consequence / next step.
You will see two common layouts:
Condition first (typical “if/when … then …”)
E + V … , (ka / me) + V …
“When/if X happens, (then) Y happens / do Y.”
Condition after the main clause (common in sayings)
… , e ka + V …
“…, if/when X happens.”
In traditional texts, e and ka may be separated by punctuation (e, ka …) but the grammar is the same: e + ka + verb marking an “if/when” clause.
E tae mai koe, ka tīmata tātou.
When you arrive, we will start.
E mutu te ua, ka haere au.
If the rain stops, I will go.
E wera te kai, ka tatari tātou.
If the food is hot, we will wait.
E pau te penehīni, ka whakakī au.
When the petrol runs out, I will fill up.
E kitea te kī, ka whakatuwhera au i te kūaha.
If the key is found, I will open the door.
E hoki mai koe āpōpō, ka kōrero anō tāua.
If you come back tomorrow, we’ll talk again.
E ngaro te waea, ka rapu au.
If the phone goes missing, I will look for it.
E tae te pahi, ka eke tātou.
When the bus arrives, we will get on.
Ka harikoa au e ka tae mai koe.
I’ll be happy if you come.
Ka āwhina au i a koe e ka tono mai koe.
I’ll help you if you ask me.
Ka hoki wawe au e ka mutu taku mahi.
I’ll go back early when my work finishes.
Ka noho au ki konei e ka ua anō.
I’ll stay here if it rains again.