🇳🇿 Maori phrases

How to Say "Brother" in Maori

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Tāne
"Brother" in Maori · say it like tah-neh

The most natural way to say "Brother" in Maori is Tāne. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Tāne matua
used to refer to an older brother
Tāne teina
used to refer to a younger brother

When to use it

Use 'Tāne' when referring to a brother in a general sense. It can be used among friends or family. For older or younger brothers, use 'Tāne matua' or 'Tāne teina' respectively.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Brother" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Maori

MaoriEnglish
E haere ana au ki te whare o tāne.I am going to my brother's house.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'Tāne' with 'Tāne matua' and 'Tāne teina' when referring to siblings.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Tāne, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Maori with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'Tāne' and 'Tāne matua'?

'Tāne' is a general term for brother, while 'Tāne matua' specifically means older brother.

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