🇳🇿 Maori phrases

How to Say "Stop" in Maori

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
"Stop" in Maori · say it like too

The most natural way to say "Stop" in Maori is . 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

Kāti
more formal or emphatic way to say stop
Tū mai
used to indicate stopping in a specific position

When to use it

Use 'Tū' when you want someone to stop what they are doing. It can be used in both casual and formal situations. 'Kāti' is more appropriate in formal contexts or when you want to emphasize the command. 'Tū mai' is useful when you want someone to stop and stay in a particular place.

Say it out loud, get corrected

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

Examples in Maori

MaoriEnglish
Tū, kāore e pai ki a au.Stop, I don't like it.
Kāti te kōrero.Stop talking.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'Tū' with 'Kāti', thinking they are interchangeable, but 'Kāti' is more formal.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Tū, 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 'Kāti' instead of 'Tū'?

'Kāti' is best used in formal situations or when you want to be more emphatic.

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