Māori Grammar
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A chair to sit on is o category, if you make the chair is it a category - a, o
Work, or mahi, is in the a category, including things that you or someone else made.
For example, a chair is in the o category, because it is something you sit on and if therefore associated with the body.
He tōku tūru tēnei.
This is my chair.
But if a person made the chair then it in the a category:
He tāku tūru tēnei.
This is my chair (that I made).
Similary, means of transport are in the o category.
Te waka o Rangi.
Rangi's car.
But one of the names of the South Island is:
Te Waka a Māui.
Māui's canoe.
It is a Māui and not o Māui because it is the waka that Māui made, and so is the result of his work or mahi and is therefore in the a category.
▶
The chair my father made is good
See also: