First Lessons in Maori
§ 49
§ 49.
The Infinitive Active is merely the verb treated as a noun, and is always, as stated (§ 46), attended by one or other of the definitives (§ 18). It may be used with the preposition kei, making a present imperfect indicative, or with the preposition i, making a past imperfect indicative.
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He aha tana? He pupuri i tou hoiho, What is his (object)? To hold your horse.
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E haere ana ia ki te mahi, he is going to work.
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Kei te pupuri ahau, I am holding.
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I te pupuri ahau, I was holding.
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Kei te aha ia? What is he doing? (What is he at?).
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Kei te mahi ia, He is at work.