Common Maori Words and Phrases
This page will help expand your vocabulary by teaching some common Maori words and phrases you are likely to come across early on in your language learning journey.
First up you will find the Maori to English translations for simple words like yes, no, and maybe. Then you'll find the translations for please, thank you, and you're welcome. After this, you will find some translated question words. Scroll down for the full list of basic words and phrases and if you find them helpful, check out our other Maori pages as well to learn more vocabulary.
Common Words and Phrases in Maori:
Words in bold added during the last update. You can also view this list of basic words from English to Maori.
Yes, No, and Maybe in Maori
Āe ➔ Yes
Ehē ➔ No
Kāo ➔ No
Tērā pea ➔ Maybe
Please, Thank You, and You're Welcome in Maori
Koa ➔ Please
Kia ora ➔ Thank you
Tēnā rawa atu koe. ➔ Thank you very much. (to one person)
Kei te pai. ➔ You're welcome.
Question Words in Maori
Wai ➔ Who
Aha ➔ What
Hea ➔ Where
*Maori common words and phrases last updated: February 4, 2025.
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Random Maori Words and Phrases: Learn how to say random words and phrases in Maori.
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