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Te Reo Māori for Absolute Beginners • Lesson 6 of 8
He Pātai
Questions
Learn the main Māori question words, ask simple questions, give short answers and request help when you do not understand.
Whāinga AkoLearning goals
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Recognise question words
Identify words for what, who, where, when, how, how many and which.
Ask simple questions
Use familiar vocabulary to form useful beginner questions.
Give short answers
Respond with āe, kāo or a short information phrase.
Ask respectfully
Recognise that some questions are personal and people may choose not to answer.
Ngā Kupu Tūpātai
Question words. Select Listen and repeat each complete example.
| Question word | Meaning | Example | Listen |
|---|---|---|---|
| aha | what? | He aha tēnei?What is this? | |
| wai | who? | Ko wai tēnā?Who is that? | |
| hea | where? | Kei hea te wharepaku?Where is the toilet? | |
| āhea | when? — future | Āhea te hui?When is the meeting? | |
| pēhea | how? | Kei te pēhea koe?How are you? | |
| hia | how many? | E hia ngā pukapuka?How many books are there? | |
| tēhea | which? — singular | Ko tēhea tō pukapuka?Which is your book? |
He Aha? — What?
Use he aha to ask what something is.
Ko Wai? — Who?
Use wai for people and people’s names.
Kei Hea? and Āhea?
Ask where something is and when something will happen.
Yes-or-No Questions
Some questions use the same words as a statement but are spoken with questioning intonation.
Questions That Help You Learn
These phrases help when you need a word repeated or explained.
A Short Conversation
Read the English directly beneath each line, then practise both parts.
He Wāhi, He Pātai
Questions help us learn about people and places when they are asked with genuine respect.
Tikanga: Asking with Respect
A good question creates space for an answer; it does not demand personal information.
Consider the setting
Questions about whakapapa, age, health, finances or personal experiences may be sensitive. Ask only when it is appropriate.
Allow a choice
A person may answer briefly, change the subject or choose not to answer. Respect that boundary without pressure.
Listen fully
Do not prepare your next question while someone is speaking. Their answer may carry context that matters.
Whakarongo, Pātai, Whakautu
Listen, ask and answer. Practise with a partner or use objects around you.
- What: point to an object and ask He aha tēnei?
- Who: use a fictional name and ask Ko wai tēnā?
- Where: ask where a familiar object or room is.
- How many: count nearby objects using E hia?
- Ask for help: practise one clarification phrase without rushing.
Knowledge Check
Open each question after choosing your answer.
1. Which question word asks about a person?
Wai, usually in a pattern such as Ko wai?
2. How do you ask, “What is this?”
He aha tēnei?
3. Which word asks “when?” about the future?
Āhea.
4. What can you say when you do not understand?
Kāore au i te mārama.
5. Must someone answer every question you ask?
No. Respect their privacy, boundaries and choice not to answer.