Māori Grammar
| Previous | Back | Next |
A negative command ("Don't look! Don't go!") is expressing using kaua e...
Kaua e oma!
Don't run!
Kaua e patu!
Don't hit!
When giving commands ("run!" "sit") the e is only used when the verb is two syllables. If the verb has three or more syllables, the e is not used. Also, if the verb is followed by mai, iho, ake or atu, the e is not used:
E oma!
Run!
Oma atu!
Run away!
Whakarongo!
Listen!
However, when using negative commands, the e is always used, regardless of how long the verb is and whether or not mai, ihi, etc are used:
Kaua e oma atu!
Do not run away!
Kaua e whakarongo!
Do not listen!
Kei konei ngā wāhine.
The women are over here.He pūrotu te wahine.
The woman is pretty.He wāhine ngā hēkeretari.
The women are secretaries.He wahine kaha ki te mahi a Rāhera.
Rāhera is a woman strong in work.He kaha ngā wāhine o tō tātou iwi.
The woman of our tribe are stong.Kāore ngā wāhine i kōrero.
The women did not speak.I kōrero ngā wāhine.
The women spoke.He wahine tūai a Mere.
Mere is skinny.Kāore ngā wāhine e kōrero ana.
The women are not talking.He wahine te hēkeretari.
The secretary is a woman.