Adjective Agreement in Maori: Usage Rules and Practice Exercises

Mastering adjective agreement in Maori is a crucial step for anyone looking to gain fluency in this vibrant and expressive language. In Maori, adjectives must agree with the nouns they describe, in terms of both number and definiteness. This means that understanding the rules of adjective agreement is essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. Whether you are a beginner looking to get a grasp on the basics or an advanced learner aiming to refine your skills, a solid understanding of adjective agreement will significantly enhance your ability to communicate accurately and effectively in Maori. Our comprehensive guide on adjective agreement in Maori is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of the underlying principles and practical usage rules. We offer clear explanations, illustrative examples, and a variety of exercises to reinforce your learning. By engaging with these exercises, you will develop the ability to use adjectives correctly in different contexts, ensuring that your Maori language skills are both precise and polished. Dive into the exercises and start mastering this essential aspect of Maori grammar today!

Exercise 1

1. Ko te whare *nui* tēnei (large).

2. He *pai* te keke nei (good).

3. Kei te *whero* te rākau (red).

4. He tamaiti *māia* ia (brave).

5. He *rāwera* te rā (hot).

6. Ko te ngeru *pango* tōku (black).

7. Kei te *paru* ngā kākahu (dirty).

8. He *wānanga* te tangata nei (wise).

9. Kei te *mā* te whare (clean).

10. He tamaiti *iti* ia (small).

Exercise 2

1. Kei te kite ahau i te tama *pai* (adjective for "good").

2. Ko te pukapuka *nui* kei runga i te tēpu (adjective for "big").

3. He whare *whakamīharo* tēnei (adjective for "amazing").

4. He rākau *roroa* tērā (adjective for "tall").

5. Ko te kurī *iti* kei roto i te whare (adjective for "small").

6. He waiata *ataahua* tēnei (adjective for "beautiful").

7. Kei te kai ahau i te āporo *whero* (adjective for "red").

8. He ngeru *mā* tāku (adjective for "white").

9. Ko te moana *kikorangi* i runga i te kāri (adjective for "blue").

10. He tangata *pūkenga* ia (adjective for "skilled").

Exercise 3

1. Ko te pōtae *whero* tēnei (color).

2. He *nui* te whare (size).

3. Ko te tamaiti *harikoa* kei te tākaro (feeling/emotion).

4. He *pai* te kai i te wharekai (quality).

5. Ko te kurī *tere* kei te oma (speed).

6. He *mākū* te whenua i te ua (condition).

7. Ko te pukapuka *pango* kei runga i te tēpu (color).

8. He *kaha* te tangata ki te hiki i te taumaha (strength).

9. Ko te rākau *tiketike* kei te ngahere (height).

10. He *ātaahua* te rangi i tēnei rā (beauty).