馃嚦馃嚳 Maori phrases

How to Say "No" in Maori

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Aroha mai
"No" in Maori 路 say it like ah-roh-hah my

The most natural way to say "No" in Maori is Aroha mai. 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

K膩o
Used in more formal contexts
K膩ore
More emphatic, often used in discussions

When to use it

You can use 'Aroha mai' when you want to decline an offer or request politely. It is a gentle way to say no, often used in everyday conversations. For more formal situations, consider using 'K膩o' instead.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "No" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Maori

MaoriEnglish
Aroha mai, k膩ore au e hiahia ana.No, I do not want that.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'Aroha mai' with 'Aroha' which means love or compassion.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Aroha mai, 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

Is there a more formal way to say no in Maori?

Yes, 'K膩o' is a more formal way to say no.

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