rānei
1. (particle) whether, or - a particle to indicate alternatives. Follows the second phrase or word, but may also follow the first option as well.
(Te Kākano Textbook (Ed. 2): 100-101;)
Ko tēnei te wā tika, kāore rānei? / Is this the right time or not?
He kānga papā rānei, he aihikirīmi rānei hei timotimo māu? (HJ 2015:92) / Do you want popcorn or ice cream to nibble on?
See also rainei
Synonyms: rainei, tērā rānei
2. (particle) nor, neither - follows the second phrase or word.
Kai atu, kai atu, tē paku hawa, tē paku koto rānei, engari ia, kaha kē atu ko te pīkoko ki tāna i āhei ai te whāngai mai (HM 4/2009:1). / I ate and ate but was not even a little satisfied nor did I tire of it, but instead my hunger increased for whatever she was able to feed me.
3. (particle) whether ... or, either ... or - follows the second option and may be used after the first option as well.
(Te Kākano Textbook (Ed. 2): 100-101;)
Kāore i tatū me kai rānei, me waiho rānei. / It was not decided whether it should be eaten or left.
4. (particle) A word giving an interrogative sense to a sentence when it will be placed at the end of the first phrase, or to imply that an alternative exists.
E kore rānei koe e pai kia haere mai a Hine hei hoa mōku? / Don't you approve of Hine coming as a companion for me?
Āe rānei ko te rōpū tōrangapū hou nei tō tātou oranga? (HJ 2015:93). / Is this new political party in our best interests?
5. (particle) Used to emphasise that a range of alternatives exists, and that the correct or prevailing one is not known. The phrase with rānei may be repeated.
Ko wai rānei te tangata māna tēnei kaupapa whakahirahira e taki? (HJ 2015:94). / Who is the person who will lead this important project?
Ka tatari a Tinirau ki a Tutunui kia hoki mai; ā ka roa, ka mea ia, "Kei whea rānei, kei whea rānei?" (NM 1928:29). / Tinirau waited for Tutunui to return, and after a long time he said, "Where is he?"
