toi
The English word art is expressed in Māori as toi.
toi is the general term for the expression of creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture. When referring specifically to the traditional art of Māori wood carving, the term Whakairo is used.
Did you know?
- The word whakairo refers specifically to carving, but it is used to describe the 'carving' of words into a story or speech as well.
- Māori art often avoids the concept of 'art for art's sake', as toi is typically integrated into functional objects or storytelling structures.
- In Māori culture, the 'art' of weaving and carving was historically reserved for specialists who held a high social status known as tohunga.
Examples in context
- I enjoy exploring different forms of mahi toi, such as painting and sculpture.I enjoy exploring different forms of art, such as painting and sculpture.
- Teaching our children about toi helps them develop a deep appreciation for culture and creativity.Teaching our children about art helps them develop a deep appreciation for culture and creativity.
- The whakairo on the meeting house displays the rich cultural history of our ancestors.The carving on the meeting house displays the rich cultural history of our ancestors.
- He toi tēnei.This is art.
- Ka pai tō toi.Your art is good.
- Kei te ako ahau i te toi.I am learning art.
Example conversation
Aroha and Wiremu are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- ArohaHe toi tēnei!This is art!
- WiremuAe, he toi tino pai.Yes, it is very good art.
- ArohaHe pai tō toi, Wiremu.Your art is good, Wiremu.
- WiremuTēnā koe, Aroha.Thank you, Aroha.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry toi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
