tū
The English phrase "stop" is translated into Maori as tū.
tū means to not continue, similar to the English verbs cease or desist. In certain informal contexts, a phrase like Kati te whakarongo can be used specifically to tell someone to stop listening or to stop paying attention.
Meaning: not to continue (verb)
Did you know?
- The word tū appears in the name of the Māori god of war and human activities, Tūmatauenga, suggesting a connection between 'standing' and 'steadfastness' in battle.
- If you use the phrase Kati te whakarongo to tell someone to stop listening, you are literally saying 'cut the listening'.
- In traditional Māori performance arts like the haka, tū is used to describe a specific static posture of readiness and power.
Examples in context
- Kati te whakarongo, haere ana tātou ki wahoStop listening, we are going outside.
- Kati te whakarongo ki āku kupu!Stop listening to my words!
- Me tū te rere o te wai.The flow of the water must stop.
Example conversation
Rawiri and Aroha are walking together.
- RawiriAroha, tū ki konei.Aroha, stop here.
- ArohaHe aha tēnā, Rawiri?Why is that, Rawiri?
- RawiriTū! Titiro ki te manu.Stop! Look at the bird.
- ArohaĀe, he tino ataahua ia.Yes, it is very beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tū, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
