Ako

/ˈɑkoʊ/ noun

Definition

A Māori word meaning 'to regard' or 'to acknowledge'; in English contexts, it refers to recognition or respect in Māori cultural traditions.

Etymology

From Māori (te reo Māori), an indigenous language of New Zealand, with roots in Polynesian language families. The word has been adopted into New Zealand English.

Kelly Says

Māori words are increasingly entering English, which shows how languages living together naturally blend—New Zealand English now includes hundreds of Māori words that non-Māori speakers use daily!

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