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Demonstrative pronouns Exercises in Maori language

Students focusing intently on pronunciation guides.

Demonstrative pronouns in the Māori language play a crucial role in communication, as they help to specify and distinguish between different objects, people, and places. These pronouns are essential for providing clarity and context within a conversation, pointing out whether something is near or far, singular or plural. Understanding and using demonstrative pronouns correctly can greatly enhance your ability to convey precise meaning and improve your overall fluency in Māori. By focusing on these pronouns, you will be able to navigate conversations with greater ease and confidence. In Māori, demonstrative pronouns include terms like "tēnei" (this, near the speaker), "tēnā" (that, near the listener), and "ērā" (those, away from both the speaker and the listener). Each of these pronouns is context-dependent and changes based on the location and number of the items being referred to. This exercise page is designed to help you practice and master the use of Māori demonstrative pronouns through a variety of engaging activities and examples. By regularly practicing these exercises, you will develop a stronger grasp of how to accurately use these pronouns in everyday conversation, thereby enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the Māori language.

Exercise 1

1. Kei *konei* te pukapuka (near speaker). 2. Kei *reira* te whare (over there, away from both speaker and listener). 3. He pai *tērā* kākahu (that over there, away from both speaker and listener). 4. Kei *konei* tāu peke (near speaker). 5. Kei *konei* te kai (near speaker). 6. Kei *kōnei* ngā tamariki e tākaro ana (near listener). 7. Kei *kōnā* te rākau (near listener). 8. Kei *konei* tōku whare (near speaker). 9. Kei *kōnā* te kurī (near listener). 10. Kei *reira* te waka (over there, away from both speaker and listener).

Exercise 2

1. Kei te kite ahau i *tērā* whare (that house over there). 2. He rākau nui *tēnei* (this tree here). 3. E noho ana *ērā* tamariki ki waho (those children over there). 4. Kei te pai *tēnei* rīwai (this potato here). 5. *Tērā* waka e haere ana ki te moana (that vehicle over there). 6. Kei te kai ngā kurī i *ēnei* kai (these foods here). 7. He pukapuka hou *tēnei* (this book here). 8. *Tēnā* whare rākau he mōrearea (that wooden house near you). 9. Kei te haere mātou ki *ērā* tāone (those towns over there). 10. Ko wai e noho ana i *tēnā* whare? (that house near you).

Exercise 3

1. That book on the table is *tēnā* (demonstrative pronoun for something near the listener). 2. This apple in my hand is *tēnei* (demonstrative pronoun for something near the speaker). 3. Those mountains in the distance are *ērā* (demonstrative pronoun for something far from both the speaker and listener). 4. Look at this beautiful flower, *tēnei* (demonstrative pronoun for something near the speaker). 5. Can you pass me that pen over there, *tēnā* (demonstrative pronoun for something near the listener). 6. Those stars in the sky are *ērā* (demonstrative pronoun for something far from both the speaker and listener). 7. This house we are in is *tēnei* (demonstrative pronoun for something near the speaker). 8. That car parked over there is *tēnā* (demonstrative pronoun for something near the listener). 9. These shoes on my feet are *ēnei* (demonstrative pronoun for something near the speaker). 10. Those birds flying high are *ērā* (demonstrative pronoun for something far from both the speaker and listener).