Hari
Happy / joy
Usage
"Kei te hari ahau" means "I am happy"
Koa
Glad
Usage
Close to "hari"; the compound "harikoa" is stronger
Harikoa
Delighted
Usage
A compound of "hari" and "koa", common at celebrations
Whakahī
Proud
Usage
Pride in the good sense; the reduplicated "whakahīhī" means vanity or arrogance instead
Aroha
Love / compassion
Usage
Covers empathy and compassion as well as romantic love; cognate with Hawaiian "aloha"
Hiahia
To want
Usage
"Kei te hiahia ahau ki ..." means "I want ..."; useful when shopping
Manawareka
Pleased / satisfied
Usage
"Manawa" (heart) plus "reka" (sweet); good for telling someone you are happy with their service
Rangimārie
Peaceful / calm
Usage
Covers inner calm and social peace alike, and is sometimes added to a farewell
Kata
To laugh
Usage
"Kei te kata au" means "I am laughing"
Ohorere
Surprised
Usage
Being caught off guard; it also works adverbially as "suddenly"
Pōuri
Sad
Usage
Literally "dark"; "Kei te pōuri ahau" also serves as "I am sorry"
Mokemoke
Lonely
Usage
Feeling alone; a word long-haul travellers end up needing
Riri
Angry
Usage
Anger in general; as a noun it can also mean a quarrel or battle
Pukuriri
Angry / annoyed
Usage
"Puku" (belly) plus "riri" (anger) — anger you feel in the gut
Mataku
Afraid
Usage
Fear in general; "Kei te mataku ahau" is "I am scared"
Māharahara
Worried
Usage
From "thinking about something repeatedly", so it covers preoccupied worry
Whakamā
Shy / embarrassed
Usage
Spans shyness, embarrassment, and a sense of inadequacy; an important concept in Māori social life
Hōhā
Bored / fed up
Usage
Applies to the boring thing and to the fed-up person alike; extremely common in everyday speech
Ngenge
Tired
Usage
"Kei te ngenge ahau" means "I am tired"
Hiamoe
Sleepy
Usage
"Hia" (want to) plus "moe" (sleep); the same pattern gives "hiakai" for hungry
Kei te ora ahau
I am well
Usage
The reply to "Kei te pēhea koe?"; the same "ora" as in the greeting "Kia ora"
More Māori phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Diving & Water Sports
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences