otirā
A Further Contrast
Contrasting statements can mean “but”; related purposes can receive an additive reading.
How It Works
Otirā introduces contrast or qualification, with readings such as “but” or “but at the same time”. In the tired-person example, readiness to work qualifies the expectation raised by tiredness. Both clauses retain their own grammatical marking; the connective has no agreement endings.
Otirā can also link compatible ki te action-purpose phrases. In that setting, an English additive rendering can express the extension. Helping the children and finding their ball are compatible purposes in the first example.
The following phrase retains its complements: i ngā tamariki marks a common-noun object and i a rātou a personal object. Compare adding another purpose with contrasting two assessments. The intended relation depends on the linked material.
Examples (4)
- I haere au ki te āwhina i ngā tamariki, otirā ki te kimi i tō rātou pōro.
I went to help the children and also to find their ball.
The related second purpose extends the first; the additive rendering is contextual.
- Ka hui mātou ki te kōrero mō te mahi, otirā ki te whakarite i te haerenga.
We will meet to discuss the work and also to arrange the trip.
The future interpretation assumes a planned meeting; the purposes are compatible.
- I noho a Mere ki te tautoko i a Hana, otirā ki te āwhina i a ia.
Mere stayed to support Hana and also to help her.
The personal objects retain i a; ia refers to Hana in this reading.
- Kei te ngenge a Mere, otirā kei te rite tonu ia ki te mahi.
Mere is tired, but she is still ready to work.
The second statement qualifies an expectation raised by the first.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Introduce otirā as adjusting or extending the preceding account. It can qualify an expectation between statements or connect compatible ki te action-purpose phrases; teach the purpose-phrase use here directly, without equating it with selected wanting or learning complements.
- engariJoining a Contrast
Contrasting and qualifying claims provide a familiar discourse relation for the tired-but-ready example.
Level 2 - i a + objectA Personal Object
Personal object marking explains Hana and ia in the compatible support-and-help purposes, keeping those participants distinct from subjects.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- ki te + verb complementAn Action After Wanting or Learning
Provides a related action construction; selected complements and purpose adjuncts have different roles.
Level 3 - kia ... aiDoing Something for a Purpose
Expresses a desired purpose or result through another construction.
Level 3 - arāClarifying a Meaning
Clarifies preceding wording rather than adding a further purpose.
Level 4
Practice otirā in Bubblegum
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