Pick a place name
Pick a place name above.
What this solves
Māori place names are everywhere in NZ and most visitors mangle them. Whakatāne is "Fahka-tah-neh" (with the wh as 'f'), not "Whack-a-tan". Aotearoa is "Ow-tay-ah-row-ah". The vowels are simple: a = "ah", e = "eh", i = "ee", o = "aw", u = "oo". The consonants are mostly like English except wh = "f" and ng is a single sound as in "singing".
This tool gives you a phonetic transcription and a slow-audio playback. It does not replace the subtleties of regional dialects, but covers the major patterns.
How to read the result
- Vowels: a = ah, e = eh, i = ee, o = aw, u = oo (Tahitian/Spanish style).
- Wh: pronounced as "f" in most dialects.
- Ng: a single nasal sound, as in "singing" — never pronounce as "n" + "g".
- Macronhō: long vowel — hold the sound for twice as long.
Limitations
- Regional dialect variations exist (Tūhoe pronounce "ng" differently from Ngāi Tahu).
- Browser audio is computerised; for the "real" pronunciation, ask a local.
FAQ
Q: Why do vowels have macrons??To show a long vowel (held for twice the duration). Important for meaning — "mana" (authority) vs "mānā" (a personal name).
Q: Is it OK if I mispronounce?
A: Most locals appreciate effort. Asking "How do you say this?" is welcomed.
A: Most locals appreciate effort. Asking "How do you say this?" is welcomed.
Q: What about wh?
A: Mostly "f" in modern pronunciation. Historically closer to "hw" as in "when".
A: Mostly "f" in modern pronunciation. Historically closer to "hw" as in "when".