Setting a Topic

Level 4

Ko + definite topic phrase + nominal, locative or verbal comment.

How It Works

A definite noun phrase introduced by ko can establish a topic before a following comment. The comment can classify or describe the referent, locate it, or report an event involving it. Its relationship to the topic must remain recoverable. Fronting creates no special verb agreement and does not cancel other participants’ marking.

Compare He taumaha te pouaka, “The box is heavy”, with Ko te pouaka, he taumaha, “As for the box, it is heavy”. The second explicitly presents the box as the matter being discussed. An earlier sentence can establish the referent, and taua can continue that reference.

Ko also identifies or contrasts participants. An initial ko phrase therefore needs its discourse context: it may continue an established topic or emphasize an alternative. This lesson teaches definite ko topics rather than unrestricted fronting of bare nouns.

Examples (3)

  1. Kua kitea te pouaka. Ko taua pouaka, he taumaha.

    The box has been found. As for that box, it is heavy.

    The second sentence continues an established referent.

  2. Ko ngā kākahu, kei roto i te kāpata.

    As for the clothes, they are in the cupboard.

    A plural topic precedes a location comment.

  3. Kua kōrero mātou mō te waka. Ko taua waka, i horoia e Rangi.

    We have talked about the vehicle. That vehicle was washed by Rangi.

    The passive comment retains its actor phrase; mātou excludes the listener.

How It Connects

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

Setting a TopicLevel 4

Learn This First

Introduce a definite ko phrase as the matter under discussion, followed by a description, location or event comment. The established box and vehicle examples show how the comment continues a recoverable referent; context distinguishes topic continuation from identifying emphasis.