ngeru
/ˈŋeru/
The English word "cat" is translated into Maori as ngeru. Wiktionary also lists poti and tori.
Meaning: domestic species (noun)
Ways to say it
| Maori | IPA |
|---|---|
| ngeru | /ˈŋeru/ |
| poti | /ˈpoti/ |
| tori |
All the terms provided refer to the domestic species of cat.
Which one should you use?
poti and tori are also used to refer to cats.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈŋeru/
Did you know?
- The word ngeru is actually a description of a cat's physical quality, derived from the word for 'smooth', 'soft' or 'sleek'.
- While ngeru is the standard term, the existence of three different words like poti, ngeru and tori for one animal reflects the various historical influences on the language.
Examples in context
- Ko tēnei te ngeru tino nui kua kitea e au.This is the biggest cat that I've ever seen.This sentence is useful for emphasizing the size of a specific ngeru.Tatoeba #4458590 by iarere91, translation #55677 by CK
- He ngeru, he kurī rānei?Is that a cat or a dog?This sentence is useful for distinguishing between a ngeru and a dog.Tatoeba #1434653 by Quabazaa, translation #67041 by Eldad
- He tino pai tō ngeru!Your cat is very good!
- He pai tonu te miimii nei.This cat is great.
- Kia ora! Ko tō ngeru tēnei?Hello! Is this your cat?
- He angitūtanga tō mahi, he kaitiaki ngeru!Your job is amazing, being a cat caregiver!
- Kei te moe te ngeru.The cat is sleeping.
Example conversation
Aroha and Wiremu are sitting in their living room.
- ArohaHe ngeru tēnei a Wiremu.This is Wiremu's cat.
- WiremuAe, he ngeru pai tēnei.Yes, this is a good cat.
- ArohaKei hea te ngeru?Where is the cat?
- WiremuKei te moe tonu ia.He is still sleeping.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries ngeru, poti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ngeru, poti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
