Ready to sound like you actually know what you’re saying in Māori? In this episode, we cover the essentials: saying hello without looking awkward, asking “How are you?” (and actually knowing how to reply), introducing yourself like a pro, and even asking where someone’s from without sounding like a stalker. Oh, and we’ll wrap it up with a couple of handy exits: “That’s enough” and “See ya.”

I’ll say each phrase nice and slow, leave space for you to repeat (yes, out loud ; don’t just sit there nodding), and by the end, you’ll have enough survival phrases to impress your friends, confuse strangers, and maybe even hold a short conversation.

Conversation 1

A: Kia orāna, pe’ea koe?

B: Meitaki au. Pe’ea koe?

A. Meitaki.

Conversation 2

A: Koai tōou ‘ingoa?

B. Toku ingoa ko May. Koai tōou?

A. Toku ingoa ko Tom.

Conversation 3

B. Tom, no’ea mai koe?

A: Nō Aitutaki mai au. May, no’ea mai koe?

B. No Aotearoa mai au.

A: May, e aka teia. Ka kite

B: Ka kite Tom.