he wera koe
/ˈhe ˈwera ˈkoe/word by word
In Maori, "you're hot" is expressed as he wera koe.
This phrase is used specifically to tell someone that they feel warm or are experiencing a high body temperature.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "a heat you" or "you are heat".
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I am hot", you can change the pronoun koe (you) to au (I), resulting in he wera au.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhe ˈwera ˈkoe/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should note that wera refers to physical temperature and does not carry the slang connotation of being "attractive" in this context.
Did you know?
- The word koe is thought to be onomatopoeic, meaning its sound may have been modeled after a specific sound in the environment.
- While wera describes physical heat, Maori has other words for 'hot' depending on whether you are describing the weather or a spicy food.
Example conversation
Wiremu touches Kahu's forehead to check if she has a fever.
- WiremuHe wera koe, e Kahu.You're hot, Kahu.
- KahuAe, he wera ahau.Yes, I am hot.
- WiremuKei te hīkoi koe ki te moana?Are you walking to the beach?
- KahuKao, ka haere au ki te moe.No, I am going to sleep.
