tīma
In Māori, the English phrase 'team' can be expressed as tīma or kapa.
Meaning: group of people (noun)
Ways to say it
| Maori | IPA |
|---|---|
| tīma | |
| kapa | /ˈkapa/ |
Which one should you use?
tīma is a transliteration of the English word 'team' and is commonly used in modern contexts like sports. In contrast, kapa is a more traditional term used to describe a group, troupe or organized team.
When do people say it?
In the context of performing arts, kapa is the standard term used when referring to a group or troupe, such as in the phrase 'kapa haka' for traditional Māori performing arts groups.
Did you know?
- The word kapa shares an unexpected etymological history with the English word 'copper', having been borrowed during a period of intense linguistic contact.
- Using the word tīma to describe a traditional cultural group like 'kapa haka' might make you sound overly Westernized.
- Because Māori has a strict phonetic system, the English 'team' was transformed into tīma to ensure it could be easily pronounced within the language.
Examples in context
- Ko ēnei ngā mema o te rōpū whutupaoro.These are the members of the soccer team.
- Whakakaha ana i te tira whakahaere.Empowering the management team.
- Kia whakapakari tō tira whānau!Strengthen your team/family!
- He tino pai te tīma.The team is very good.
- Kei te haere te tīma ki te mahi.The team is going to work.
- Ko wai te rangatira o te tīma?Who is the leader of the team?
Example conversation
Kahu and Rawiri are talking about a sports game.
- KahuI roto i a aha tō tīma?Which team are you in?
- RawiriI te tīma kōwhai ahau.I am in the yellow team.
- KahuHe tīma pai tēnā.That is a good team.
- RawiriĀe, he pai mātou.Yes, we are good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “team” translations and entries kapa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kapa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
