Basic Words

1. Āe

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Kāo

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Tēnā koa

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Kia ora

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

   Grammar Note

   "Kia ora" serves as both thanks and greeting; in formal settings use "ngā mihi nui."

5. Aroha mai

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Aroha mai" literally asks for compassion and covers both a light excuse-me and an apology.

6. Kei te pōuri au

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Kei te pai

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Kāore au i te mārama

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Kei te mārama au

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Kua oti i a au

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Tatari koa

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Taihoa

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Kotahi pakeke

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Kāore taku rāhui

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    "Rāhui" originally denotes a restriction on use; in modern usage it also covers a booking or reserved place.

15. He rāhui tāku

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Āwhinatia mai au

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Anō koa

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Kōrero pōturi koa

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. He iti noa taku kōrero

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Kei te kōrero Pākehā koe?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Tēnei

    This

    Usage

    Point at something right in front of you

22. Tēnā

    That (near you)

    Usage

    Point at something near the listener

23. Tērā

    That over there

    Usage

    Point at something away from both of you

24. Konei

    Here

    Usage

    To say "here" while pointing

25. Konā

    There

    Usage

    To point at a spot near the listener

26. Korā

    Over there

    Usage

    To point at a spot away from both of you

27. Au

    I / me

    Usage

    To indicate yourself

28. Koe

    You

    Usage

    To indicate the person you are talking to

29. Ngātahi

    Together

    Usage

    To say you are together with someone

30. Tokotahi

    One person

    Usage

    Māori counts people with the toko- prefix

31. Tokorua

    Two people

    Usage

    Māori counts people with the toko- prefix

32. Tokotoru

    Three people

    Usage

    Māori counts people with the toko- prefix

33. Ka nui tēnā

    That is enough

    Usage

    To say you do not need any more

34. Katoa

    All

    Usage

    To say "all of it"

35. He iti noa

    Just a little

    Usage

    To ask for just a little

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