koe
/ˈkoe/singular
In Māori, the English word "you" is expressed through different forms depending on how many people you are addressing. The default form is koe. Wiktionary also lists kōrua du and koutou.
Meaning: subject pronoun: the person being addressed (pron)
Ways to say it
| Maori | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| koe | /ˈkoe/ | singular |
| kōrua du | ||
| koutou | /ˈkoutou/ | plural |
These pronouns are used to address the person or people being spoken to.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which uses "you" for both single and multiple people, Māori distinguishes between the number of people being addressed. Use koe for one person, kōrua specifically for exactly two people and koutou when addressing three or more people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form koe is used only when addressing a single person. When addressing a group, use the dual form kōrua for two people and the plural form koutou for three or more people.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkoe/
Did you know?
- The word koe is thought to be onomatopoeic, potentially mimicking a sound or a specific vocalization.
Examples in context
- Me utu e koe āu nama.You should pay back your debts.This sentence shows how to use koe regarding debts.Tatoeba #4459798 by iarere91, translation #16014 by 6dDcHYgMAg
- Ka tuarihia tēnā e koe?Are you going to share that?This sentence uses koe to ask about sharing something.Tatoeba #4458395 by iarere91, translation #4458088 by danepo
- Ākene pea kei te hē koe.You are probably wrong.This sentence uses koe to express a possibility of being wrong.Tatoeba #4459772 by iarere91, translation #1721047 by Spamster
- Kia ora kōruaHello to both of you
- Kei te pai koe?Are you well?
- Tēnā koutou katoaGreetings to all of you
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aroha and Wiremu are greeting each other in the morning.
- ArohaKia ora, kei te pai koe?Hello, are you well?
- WiremuKia ora. Kei te pai au.Hello. I am well.
- ArohaHe aha tō ingoa?What is your name?
- WiremuKo Wiremu tōku ingoa, ā koutou koe?My name is Wiremu, and you?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries koe, koutou, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries koe, koutou, kōrua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
