me
The English word 'and' is expressed in Maori using the forms me or a.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Ways to say it
| Maori | IPA |
|---|---|
| me | |
| a | /a/ /ˈa/ |
Both forms are used as conjunctions to connect similar words or phrases.
How does it change in a sentence?
When connecting two specific people, the construction rāua ko is often used instead of me.
Did you know?
- The word me can also function as a particle meaning 'should' or 'must' depending on its position in the sentence.
- The word me is a cognate with the Hawaiian word me, which translates as 'with' rather than 'and'.
- Maori uses different conjunctions for 'and' based on whether the nouns are animate or inanimate, a distinction not found in English.
Examples in context
- He hoa tūturu a Tom rāua ko Mary?Are Tom and Mary really friends?This sentence shows how to use a when referring to two people.Tatoeba #4460576 by iarere91, translation #4239739 by CK
- I whakatangitangihia e rāua/rātou te rakuraku me te akōtiana.They played guitar and accordion.This sentence demonstrates the use of me to connect two musical instruments.Tatoeba #4441407 by iarere91, translation #4211735 by Hybrid
- I ētahi wā, he pai ki a au te eke hōiho.I like to ride a horse now and then.This sentence shows the use of a in the phrase 'now and then'.Tatoeba #4464828 by iarere91, translation #258157 by CK
- He tino whakamiharo me he toa tūroa a ia.He is extremely talented and brave.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rawiri and Anahera are discussing what to bring for a picnic.
- RawiriKa taea e koe te whai i te āestatite me te wai?Can you bring the fruit and the water?
- AnaheraĀe, ka whai au i ngā mea katoa.Yes, I will bring everything.
- RawiriMe whai rānei tāu i te taro me te hūhonu?Should you also bring bread and butter?
- AnaheraKāore, kua whai au i tērā.No, I have already brought that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries me, a, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
