e hia

Asking How Many

Level 2

Ask E hia ngā + noun? Answer with kotahi for one or an appropriate number predicate.

How It Works

E hia functions as a quantity predicate in this pattern. The following noun phrase identifies what is being counted. This e is numerical; it does not introduce an ongoing action or command.

Full answers use te for a single item and ngā for a plural set. Most noun bases remain unchanged. Compare E hia ngā pōro?, ‘How many balls are there?’, with Kotahi te pōro, ‘There is one ball’. The question does not presuppose that the answer exceeds one.

A short answer omits the counted noun phrase when the question has established it: E rua, ‘Two’. For personal counts, learn tokohia and the toko- series. Requested quantities can use kia hia. These separate constructions follow the intended question.

Examples (3)

  1. E hia ngā kapu? E rua ngā kapu.

    How many cups are there? There are two cups.

    The full answer includes the plural counted noun phrase.

  2. E hia ngā pōro? Kotahi te pōro.

    How many balls are there? There is one ball.

    A plural question receives a singular answer.

  3. E hia ngā waka? E rua.

    How many vehicles are there? Two.

    The short answer omits the established noun phrase.

How It Connects

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

e hiaLevel 2Asking How Many

Learn This First

Introduce e hia as a quantity predicate and teach its short and full answers within the lesson. Numerical e has its own role, and a plural question can receive a one-item answer.