Māori Grammar

Nā reira, nō reira

Meaning and function
Nā reira and nō reira are fixed connecting phrases meaning “therefore / so / consequently / for that reason.” They link what has just been said (a reason, cause, or situation) to what follows (a conclusion, result, next step). In other words, they work as kupu hono (connectives/conjunction-like linkers) that keep a text or speech coherent. (Te Aka Māori Dictionary)

Form and placement

• Most commonly they sit between two clauses: [statement]. Nā/Nō reira [result]. (New Zealand Curriculum)

• They can also appear at the start of a sentence (often followed by a comma): Nā/Nō reira, … (New Zealand Curriculum)

• They frequently occur with an “ai” result pattern (especially in narrative/explanations): Nā/Nō reira … ai … (Māori Dictionary)

Nā vs nō
In practice, both are widely used with the same “therefore/so” meaning, and preference often comes down to dialect, style, or speaker habit. Modern reference dictionaries list them as close equivalents/synonyms. (Te Aka Māori Dictionary)

Writing and spelling
They should be written as two words (nā reira, nō reira), and macrons matter.

Examples

He ua te rangi, nō reira ka noho au ki te kāinga.
It’s raining, so I will stay home.

Kua pau te pene, nā reira me kimi au i tētahi atu.
The pen has run out, so I need to find another one.

Kāore he wā i tēnei rā, nō reira āpōpō tātou kōrero ai.
There’s no time today, so we’ll talk tomorrow.

Kua ngaro taku waea, nā reira kei te rapu ahau i a ia.
My phone is lost, so I’m looking for it.

He tawhiti te toa, nō reira ka haere mā runga pahi mātou.
The shop is far, so we’ll go by bus.

Kua kati te tatau, nā reira kāore mātou e taea te tomo.
The door is closed, so we can’t enter.

He uaua tēnei mahi, nō reira kei te pōuri ahau.
This work is hard, therefore I am sad.

He māmā tēnei mahi, nō reira kei te harikoa ahau.
This work is easy, therefore I am happy.

Kua oti taku mahi, nō reira ka whakatā au.
My work is finished, so I will rest.

Kāore he huka i te kīhini, nā reira ka inu au i te tī kāore he huka.
There is no sugar in the kitchen, so I’ll drink tea without sugar.

I hapa taku pahi, nā reira i tae tōmuri ai au.
I missed my bus, so I arrived late.

Kua makariri te ruma, nō reira ka whakakā au i te whakamahana.
The room is cold, so I’ll turn on the heater.

Nō reira… me tīmata tātou ināianei.
So… let’s start now.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.
Therefore/so, greetings to you all. (New Zealand Curriculum)