ng / wh
Reading Ng and Wh
Read ng and wh as Māori letter pairs.
How It Works
The ng in ngā is one consonant, like the final sound of English sing, but it can begin a Māori word. Do not insert a separate g sound.
Wh is also a letter pair. An f-like pronunciation is widespread, while regional pronunciations are legitimate parts of te reo Māori. Learn the voice you hear with its regional context rather than declaring one regional sound wrong.
Examples (3)
- He whare nui tēnei.
This is a large house.
- Kei te moana ngā ngaru.
The waves are in the sea.
- Kei te haere te whānau.
The family is going.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- Vowel Length and Meaning
Vowels keep their Māori length beside these consonants.
Level 1 - Tūhoe n / ngA Labeled Regional Sound Pattern
Some regional speech uses n where other varieties use ng.
Level 6 - Kāi Tahu k / ngA Labeled Southern Sound Pattern
Kāi Tahu usage includes a different regional correspondence.
Level 6
Practice ng / wh in Bubblegum
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