The Maori alphabet has only 20 letters, consisting of the English alphabets a, e, h, i, k, m, n, o, p, r, t, u, w, ng, and wh. The other 5 alphabets are long vowels, which include a horizontal stroke over the vowels.

There is a catchy song to the tune of ‘Stupid Cupid’ that was used in kindergarten and preschool to teach children to pronounce Maori. It feels a bit like a kindergarten.

I had friends who took a Maori course at university to learn the language and better understand Maori culture. The first time I heard this song they were singing in our hallway patio. The song just stays in your head forever.

Also, it is helpful to learn how to pronounce basic Maori words. Many places in New Zealand use Maori names, only the largest cities have English names. Also, it is good to learn a little of a new language.

How to pronounce Maori vowels?

A E I O U

Sounds like: Are there three or two?

Pronounce NG as in siNGer.

Pronounce WH as an F.

Maori Alphabet Song Lyrics ‘Stupid Cupid’

To haka mana for tawa ngawha

E heke lead pere tewe ngewhe

I hiki mini piri tiwi ngiwhi

O hoko monkey pore towo ngowho

A – E – I – O – U (sounds like “there are three or two”)

U huku munu puru tuwu nguwhu

Practice singing a few times and you will probably be proficient in Maori pronunciation.

Maori alphabet song (version 2)

Do you think you need more practice?

Try this challenging “reverse” version on your own. Also sing to the tune of Stupid Cupid.

U whungu wutu rupu numu kuhu

O whongo woto ropo nomo koho

I whingi witi ripi nimi kihi

E whenge wete repe neme kehe

U – O – I – E – A (sounds like “you to me em-ma”)

A whanga wata rapa nama kaha

Happy singing!