🇳🇿 Maori phrases

How to Say "Family" in Maori

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
whānau
"Family" in Maori · say it like fah-now

The most natural way to say "Family" in Maori is whānau. 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

whānau extended
used when referring to extended family or relatives
whānau katoa
means the whole family, often used in gatherings

When to use it

Use 'whānau' when talking about your immediate family or close relatives. It can also refer to a wider group of people who share a common bond. In Māori culture, whānau is important for social support and connection.

Say it out loud, get corrected

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

Examples in Maori

MaoriEnglish
Kei te haere mātou ki te hui o te whānau.We are going to the family gathering.
Common mistake
Some learners confuse 'whānau' with 'hāpu', which refers to a sub-tribe.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear whānau, 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 does 'whānau' mean?

'Whānau' means family, including immediate and extended family.

Learn Maori by speaking it

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