🇳🇿 Maori phrases

How to Say "What does this mean?" in Maori

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
He aha tēnei e pā ana ki?
"What does this mean?" in Maori · say it like he ah-ha tay-nay eh pah ah-nah kee

The most natural way to say "What does this mean?" in Maori is He aha tēnei e pā ana ki?. 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

He aha tēnei?
A more casual way to ask about something specific.
He aha te tikanga o tēnei?
A more formal way to ask for the meaning.

When to use it

Use this phrase when you want to understand the meaning of something. It is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. You can use it in conversations, classrooms, or when asking for clarification.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "What does this mean?" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Maori

MaoriEnglish
He aha tēnei e pā ana ki?What does this refer to?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'e pā ana ki' with 'mo', which can change the meaning.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear He aha tēnei e pā ana ki?, 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

Can I use this phrase in a formal setting?

Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Learn Maori by speaking it

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