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Warning someone

Kei hinga koe!

Ngā Tohutohu

When ‘kei’ is placed directly before a verb, whether it is a stative or a universal, it is indicating caution or a warning to the listener. Look at the following examples which demonstrate this particular use of ‘kei’.

Kia tere, kei mahue koe i te pahi! Hurry up or you'll miss the bus!
Kia tūpato, kei pakaru te pereti i a koe. Be careful or you'll smash the plate.
Kia kamakama, kei mahue koe i a au. Look lively or I'll leave you behind.
Tuhia te nama waea, kei wareware i a koe. Write down the number or you'll forget it.

Further explanations and exercises: Te Kākano p. 59; Te Aka

Whakamāoritia ngā rerenga  kōrero nei.

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