Saying 'or'

Rānei

Ngā Tohutohu

The word ‘or’ in English is the equivalent to the word rānei in Māori. However, the word rānei comes after the second option and not between the two options like ‘or’ in English. It may also be placed after both options. In addition any particles such as ko, ki, nā, nō combined with words such as te, ngā and possessives need to be repeated before the second option. Below are some examples of how to use rānei in a sentence.

Hei tauira:

Ka haere tātou ki te hī ika, ki te kaukau rānei? Will we be going to fish or to swim?
Nō Ngāti Kahungunu, nō Rongowhakaata rānei a Terena. Terena is either from Ngāti Kahungunu or Rongowhakaata.
Kei te pīrangi koe i te kawhe rānei, i te mairo rānei? Do you want a coffee or a milo?

Further explanations and examples: Te Kākano pp. 100-101.
Whakapākehātia ēnei rerenga kōrero.

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