Filters

Idioms

Phrases

Proverbs

Loan words

Historical loan words

Filters

Idioms

Phrases

Proverbs

Loan words

Historical loan words

pakiwaitara

1. (noun) legend, story, fiction, folklore, narrative, yarn.

Ahakoa he kōrero pakiwaitara, ngā kōrero mō Patupaiarehe, arā ia ki a tātou nei, he tino kōrero tawhito ia nā ngā iwi Māori katoa o ngā motu nei, kāore ō rātou tauhou ki ngā kōrero mō Patupaiarehe (JPS 1894:30). / Notwithstanding that the stories of Patupaiarehe are folklore, that is to us, they were veritable histories of old to the Māori tribes of these islands; none of them are strangers to the stories concerning Patupaiarehe.

Show example

Hide example

See also tara

Synonyms: kōrero tara, kōrero, kōrero paki, kōrero whakakata, paki


2. (noun) gossip, scandal, subject of gossip.

E kore e pai kia kitea te kope e te katoa, he pakiwaitara (W 1971:136). / It is not appropriate that a sanitary pad be seen by everybody, it is a subject of gossip.

Show example

Hide example

Synonyms: tarawau, heitara, paki, pakitara, māteatea, tara

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