Whakataukī (Proverbs) Flashcards

1
Q

Procrastination is the thief of time.

A

E tata tepahi, e roa whakatū.

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2
Q

Long on words, short on actions.

A

Hōhonu kakī, pāpaku uaua.

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3
Q

Never say die.

A

Okea ururoatia.

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4
Q

There is no place like home.

A

Kia mau ki te tokanga nui a noho.

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5
Q

What’s done is done.

A

E kore a muri e hokia.

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6
Q

From the withered tree a flower blooms.

A

Iti noa ana he pito mata.

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7
Q

Long on words, short on actions.

A

Hōhonu kakī, pāpaku uaua.

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8
Q

Unlike the branch of the tītoki tree that decays and dies, people live on through their descendants.

A

Ehara te tangata i te peka tītoki.

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9
Q

Once bitten, twice shy.

A

E hia motunga o te weka i te māhanga.

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10
Q

Even though the wedge is small, it brings down the mighty tōtara tree.

(A little effort can achieve great things)

A

Ahakoa he iti te matakahi, ka pakaru i a ia te tōtara.

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11
Q

Soon evil disappears like the setting sun.

(A community can overcome evil if it tries hard enough)

A

Ākuanei a kino tō ai me he rā.

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12
Q

Here we are in the night, birthday is on the way.

(There is light at the end of the tunnel)

A

Anei tātou nā ko te pō, anā tātou nā he rā ki tua.

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13
Q

I am not a chiefly person, but rather the reflection of one.

(An expression of humility)

A

Ehara au i te rangatira engari he ata nō te tangata.

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14
Q

A fitting bellbird.

(She looks good, sounds good, but she flits about everywhere)

A

He kōpara kai rērere.

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15
Q

My strength is not mine alone, that comes from the collective/from the group.

A

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

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16
Q

It’s blustery below, but the sky above is clear.

(The difficult times over and the way ahead is now easier)

A

E haunui aha i raro, e hari ana i runga.

17
Q

The hākuwai is the bird that calls. It’s a name.

(A comment about a person who is always boasting of his or her achievements)

A

He hākuwai te manu e karanga tonu ana i tōna ingoa.

18
Q

Don’t block the blossoms of the rātā tree.

(Some things are perfect, just the way they are)

A

Kei whawhati noa mai te rau o te rātā.

19
Q

You shall never be lost for you are a sacred seed sown in the heavens.

A

E kore koe e ngaro, he kākano nō Rangiātea.

20
Q

They will not dispel the frost.

(A small number of workers cannot be expected to complete a task that requires many)

A

E kore e horo i a rātou te hauhunga.

21
Q

A warrior must always be alert.

(In today’s society, it could refer to a sports person)

A

Me ara te mata hī tauā.

22
Q

The tongue (slander or gossip) can injure many.

A

E patu te rau, e patu te arero.

23
Q

A complete disaster.

A

Harahara aitu, harahara ā-tai.

24
Q

Like a crooked paddle, he cannot be relied on.

A

He hoe kōnukenuke.

25
Q

People grow, adzes remain small.

(People are more valuable than material possessions)

A

He iti tangata e tupu, he iti toki e iti tonu.

26
Q

seek out that which is most important.

A

Tīkarohia te marama.

27
Q

With your contribution of food and mine the visitors will be sustained.

A

Ko tāu rourou, ko tāku rourou, ka ora te manuhiri.

28
Q

Just like a rainbow after the storm, successful is failure.

A

He iti hau marangai e tū te pokahoka.

29
Q

Although it is small, it is given with affection.

A

Ahakoa he iti, he iti nā te aroha.

30
Q

If the first group do the work properly, the following group can accomplish the task.

A

E ngaki ana a mua, e tōtō mai ana a muri.

31
Q

Unflinching Tangaroa, symbolising a brave intrepid warrior.

A

Tangaroa kiriuka.