Filters

Idioms

Phrases

Proverbs

Loan words

Historical loan words

Filters

Idioms

Phrases

Proverbs

Loan words

Historical loan words

kōtua

1. (modifier) with the back towards one.

Kua huri kōtua ia kia kore ai e kitea e tangi ana. / She's turned her back so that she can't be seen crying.

Show example

Hide example


2. (modifier) ill luck, luckless, unlucky, unfortunate.

He rangi kōtua ki a au taua Paraire i ngaro ai i a au taku mahi (Ng 1993:263). / The Friday I lost my job was a luckless day for me.

Show example

Hide example

Synonyms: taitaiā, wairuatoa


3. (noun) ill omen, bad omen.

Mehemea ka anga te roro o te whare ki te tonga, he kōtua tēnā, he aituā (W 1971:150). / If the verandah of the house faces south that's a bad omen, it's trouble.

Show example

Hide example

Synonyms: aroākapa

New favourites & quiz!

The Te Aka Māori Dictionary mobile app now has the ability to sort your favourite words into folders. Plus, these folders can be turned into a quiz for a fun way to learn words and definitions. Download or update the app today!

iOS Android

The App

Te Aka Māori Dictionary is also available as an iOS and Android app. Download below.

iOS Android

The Book

Te Aka Māori-English, English-Māori Dictionary and Index by John C Moorfield comprises a selection of modern and everyday language that will be extremely useful for learners of the Māori language.

More info

He Pātaka Kupu

Te kai a te rangatira

He Pātaka Kupu is a monolingual Māori language dictionary, and was designed using its own culturally authentic terms.

Visit website

00:00