How to say “No” in Maori
The most common way to say “no” in Maori. Tap to copy or hear it pronounced.
Kāo
Frequently asked
How do you say "No" in Maori?
"No" in Maori is "Kāo". This is the most common everyday rendering; depending on context, formal/informal or dialectal variants may apply.
How is "Kāo" written in Maori?
"Kāo" is the standard written form in Maori, rendered left-to-right.
How do you pronounce "Kāo" in Maori?
Tap the speaker icon on this page to hear "Kāo" pronounced by a native-style synthetic voice. For practice, repeat the phrase out loud immediately after listening — the rhythm and stress are usually what trips learners up, not the individual sounds.
What does "Kāo" mean in English?
"Kāo" is the Maori way of saying "No" in English. It's used in everyday conversation in roughly the same situations as the English original.
Are there formal or informal ways to say "No" in Maori?
Many languages — including Maori — distinguish formal and informal registers, and may also vary by speaker gender, plurality, or regional dialect. "Kāo" is the most broadly understood form; for register-specific variants, use the full translator above with your exact sentence.
Where is Maori spoken?
Maori is spoken by an estimated 185,000 people worldwide. Use the language page to translate full text and explore where the language is used.
Is there a free Maori dictionary?
Yes — Polytranslator provides a free Maori dictionary with word-by-word translations and example usage. Click the dictionary link on this page to look up individual words from "Kāo" or any other Maori text.