te mea ... rawa

A Highest Degree in a Set

Level 3

Te mea nui rawa atu can mean “the largest one.”

How It Works

Form a definite phrase with te mea, a suitable description, and rawa, often followed by atu. Te mea nui rawa atu selects “the largest one”; te mea iti rawa atu selects “the smallest one.” Tino can precede the descriptive base for added emphasis. A specific noun can replace mea. The adjective has no special superlative ending.

The comparison set comes from conversation or an explicit phrase. “The largest one” among three baskets need not be the largest basket anywhere. Compare He nui rawa tēnei, “This is very/too large,” with a definite phrase selecting the largest member. Rawa alone does not always mean “most.” Keep the selected property clear: the best item, largest item and smallest item express different judgments.

Examples (3)

  1. Ko tēnei te mea nui rawa atu o ngā kete e toru.

    This is the largest of the three baskets.

    The following phrase supplies the comparison set.

  2. Kei te hiahia au ki te mea iti rawa atu.

    I want the smallest one.

    Context supplies the set; ki te introduces a noun phrase here.

  3. Ko tērā te mea tino pai rawa atu.

    That is the very best one.

    Tino strengthens pai within the superlative.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

te mea ... rawaLevel 3A Highest Degree in a Set

Learn This First

Use a definite description to select an extreme member of a known set. Mea stands for the item; the property and comparison set determine whether it is largest, smallest or best.