/ˈmaːtau/, [ˈmɑːtɐʉ]
PūtakeFrom Proto-Polynesian *ma(a)taqu, from Proto-Oceanic [Term?], from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *taqu (compare with Malay tahu (“to know”)), from Proto-Austronesian *Caqu.
- knowledge, understanding
“Ma te mātau ka ora.” — Through knowledge comes well being.
- to know, to understand
“Kāore i pērā rawa te tokomaha o te hunga kaiako he mātau ki te reo Māori, he mātau hoki ki te mahi whakaako.” — There weren't as many teachers who knew the Māori language and also knew how to teach.
Pūtake: Wiktionary