Gaining knowledge about different languages and cultures can be a rewarding experience. If you’re curious about how to say the year in Te Reo, the Māori language of New Zealand, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the formal and informal ways of expressing the year, while providing tips, examples, and even a glimpse into regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for the Year
Formal expressions are typically used in official settings, ceremonies, or any situation that requires a more respectful tone. Here is how you can say the year formally in Te Reo:
- Whakatūwheratia te Tau – Open the Year
This phrase can be used when you want to express the beginning of a new year. It signifies the act of “opening” the year with hope, excitement, and anticipation.
Example: E whakanuia ana tātou i tēnei rā whakatūwheratia te tau i te whakatūnga o te whare wānanga. (We are celebrating today the opening of the year at the university.)
Te Tau Hou – The New Year
When referring to a specific year, you can simply prefix “Te Tau Hou” (The New Year) with the desired year.
Example: Ko te tau 2022 te tau hou i tēnei wā. (The year 2022 is the new year at this time.)
Whakamihi i te Tau Kua Pahure – Greetings for the Past Year
At the end of each year, it is customary to express gratitude and acknowledge the events and challenges that transpired. “Whakamihi i te Tau Kua Pahure” carries a respectful tone and allows you to convey thanking sentiments for the past year.
Example: Ngā mihi whakamiha ki te tau kua pahure, ki ngā momo mahi i mahia e tātou i tēnei tau. (Greetings and thanks for the year that has passed and the various activities we have done this year.)
Informal Expressions for the Year
Informal expressions are commonly used in day-to-day conversations, among friends, or in casual settings. Here’s how you can say the year informally in Te Reo:
- Kia Whakatā – Chill Out!
In more relaxed settings, when you want to casually refer to the current year, “Kia Whakatā” is a great option. It carries the meaning of “chill out” and signifies a laid-back approach.
Example: Ahakoa te haerenga o ngā wā, kia whakatā tātou i tēnei tau. (Despite the changing times, let’s chill out this year.)
Te Tau Hōu – The New Year
Similar to the formal expression, “Te Tau Hōu” denotes the new year in a more casual manner. It can be combined with any desired year.
Example: Ko te tau 2022 tēnei. Kei te whiwhi tēnei tau i te wāhi whakatā. (This is the year 2022. This year is all about relaxation.)
Whakamoemiti i te Tau i Pahure – Thanks for the Past Year
If you want to express gratitude for the past year in an informal context, “Whakamoemiti i te Tau i Pahure” is an appropriate phrase to use. It allows you to show appreciation for the experiences shared.
Example: Tēnā ko te tau i pahure, kei te whakamoemiti au ki ngā āhuatanga katoa i tātou i whiwhi i tēnei tau. (Well, the past year, I’m thankful for all the experiences we had this year.)
Regional Variations
While Te Reo is a national language in New Zealand, there are slight variations in dialects across different regions. Here are a couple of examples:
- Tātou vs. Tātou Katoa
In some regions, the phrase “tātou katoa” (all of us) is commonly used, while others simply use “tātou” (us). Both versions are understood nationwide, so feel free to choose the one that suits your preference.
E whakanuia ana vs. Kei te whakanuia ana
The expression “e whakanuia ana” (is celebrating) can also be heard as “kei te whakanuia ana” (is currently celebrating) in certain regional dialects. The meaning remains the same, conveying the act of celebration.
Remember, these regional variations shouldn’t hinder communication or learning Te Reo, as they are minor nuances that locals are accustomed to.
Conclusion
Learning to say the year in Te Reo is a gateway to understanding Māori culture and language. This comprehensive guide has provided you with formal and informal expressions, along with regional variations in certain phrases. By embracing Te Reo, you are not only enriching your linguistic skills but also fostering a deeper connection with New Zealand’s heritage. So, why wait? Open the year with enthusiasm and say it loud and proud in Te Reo!
