Definite Phrases & Equative Sentences

Definite phrases and sentences are indicated by the particle Ko.

Definite Phrases

A definite phrase indicates something/someone we are referring to specifically.  For example: The boy, as opposed to A boy.  In this example we are referring to someone in particular (the boy), as opposed to a non-specified boy (a boy).  Ko is specific. 

A definite phrase may also contain what we refer to as 'definite articles' te and ngā.  Te is the Māori word for 'the - singular' and ngā is the Māori word for 'the - plural' (see example below).

Ko te ngeru.
The cat. (singular - 1 cat)

Ko ngā ngeru.
The cats. (plural - more than 1 cat)

Equative Sentences (Definite Sentences)

An equative sentence (also called definite) consists of a definite phrase and a subject, for example:

Definite phrase + Subject

Ko te ngeru + tērā.
That is the cat. (singular - 1 cat)

Ko ngā ngeru ērā.
Those are the cats. (plural - more than 1 cat)

Ko ia te kaiako.
He is the teacher.

Ko tēnei whare te whare o Hone.
This house is Hone's house.

In the examples above, tērā and ērā are examples of demonstratives.