mahi

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See also: Mahi

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Borrowed from Maori mahi.

Noun[edit]

mahi (uncountable)

  1. (New Zealand) the work required to complete a task
    • 2021 December 2, “Unvaccinated private boat owners a risk to Aotea's community - iwi”, in Radio NZ[1]:
      It's[sic] spokesperson Leonie Howie did not want to be interviewed but said they "will do the mahi" when it comes to trying to both encourage vaccinations as well as managing any health risks to the community when visitors arrive.

Usage notes[edit]

Often found in the phrase do the mahi.

See also[edit]

Hawaiian[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Proto-Polynesian *mafi (strong, powerful, energetic, hardworking).

Verb[edit]

mahi

  1. to cultivate, to farm

Derived terms[edit]

Noun[edit]

mahi

  1. farm, plantation

Maori[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Proto-Polynesian *mafi (strong, powerful, energetic, hardworking).

Verb[edit]

mahi (passive mahia or mahingia)

  1. to work, do, perform, make, accomplish, practise, raise (money)

Noun[edit]

mahi

  1. work, job, employment, trade (work), practice, occupation, activity, exercise, operation, function
  2. abundance, lots of, many, heaps of

Derived terms[edit]

Descendants[edit]

  • English: mahi