tō ingoa
The phrase tō ingoa is the Maori way to say "your name".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive pronoun tō (your, singular) and the noun ingoa (name).
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase from "your name" to "his/her name", replace the possessive pronoun tō with tōna to form tōna ingoa.
Did you know?
- The word tō has an ancient root meaning 'sugar cane', though that plant did not survive the cold climate of New Zealand.
- Traditional Māori introductions often prioritize a person's lineage and tribal affiliations over their individual ingoa.
- A person's ingoa can change throughout their life to mark significant achievements or life events.
Examples in context
- Ko te aha tō ingoa?What is your name?
- He tino pai tō ingoa.Your name is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time at school.
- ManaiaKia ora! He aha tō ingoa?Hi! What is your name?
- MaiaKia ora. Ko Maia tōku ingoa.Hi. My name is Maia.
- ManaiaKo Manaia ahau.I am Manaia.
- MaiaKa kite, Manaia.See you, Manaia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ingoa, tō, CC BY-SA 4.0.
