taku aroha
/ˈtaku aˈroha/word by word
The English phrase "my love" is translated into Maori as taku aroha.
taku aroha is a term of endearment used to address someone who is loved. It functions both as a noun phrase and as a direct address to a person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: taku, which means "my" and aroha, which means "love" or "affection".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtaku aˈroha/
Did you know?
- The word aroha has a much more physical origin than just a feeling, traces back to the ancient concept of 'beckoning' or 'waving' to someone.
- The word taku is a specific form of 'my' used when the following word begins with a vowel, like the 'a' in aroha.
- In Māori culture, expressing aroha often extends beyond romantic love to encompass communal empathy and social responsibility.
Examples in context
- Haere rā, ko koe taku arohaGoodbye, you are my love
- E te tau, ko koe taku aroha whakahirahiraOh my darling, you are my exceptional love
- E noho pai ana koe, taku aroha?Are you sitting comfortably, my love?
Example conversation
A couple greeting each other in the morning.
- ArohaMōrena, taku aroha.Good morning, my love.
- RawiriMōrena, e taku aroha.Good morning, my love.
- ArohaKua oho koe?Are you awake?
- RawiriAe, kua oho au.Yes, I am awake.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (taku, aroha) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aroha, taku, CC BY-SA 4.0.
