🇳🇿 Maori phrases

How to Say "Slow down" in Maori

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Tēnā te haere
"Slow down" in Maori · say it like teh-nah teh hah-reh

The most natural way to say "Slow down" in Maori is Tēnā te haere. 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

Haere ngātahi
used in more casual contexts
Tēnā te haere ki te āta
more formal way to say it

When to use it

You can use this phrase when you want someone to reduce their speed, whether driving or walking. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations. It can be used with friends or in a classroom setting.

Say it out loud, get corrected

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

Examples in Maori

MaoriEnglish
Tēnā te haere i te motokā.Slow down the car.
Tēnā te haere ki te āta, e hoa.Slow down a bit, friend.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 'haere' which means 'to go' without the slowing down context.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Tēnā te haere, 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

When should I use 'Tēnā te haere'?

Use it when you want to ask someone to slow down in a respectful manner.

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