For denoting a number of persons less than ten, toko is generally prefixed to the numeral; e. g.,
- tokowhitu tatou, we are seven in number.
For denoting distribution tātaki is prefixed to the numeral; kia tātaki rua pu nga utu i te tangata, let each man have four payments.
Note.—Tataki prefixed does not always denote distribution; e. g., Ka tataki-hia nga whakato o ta koutou mara? How many baskets (are these) that have been sown in your cultivation?
In measuring length, a fraction is denoted by huka; e. g.,
- E ono whatianga, huka to te whitu, It is six whatiangas[10] long, not quite seven.
- E waru maro[10], huka to te iwa, It is eight maro, not quite nine.
Ordinals.—The ordinal numbers are formed:
1. By tua prefixed to the cardinal; e. g., tua toru, third, tua iwa, ninth.
2. By whaka prefixed; e. g., whakatekau, tenth.
3. By the simple cardinal with the definite article, ko te wha tenei o aku haerenga mai, this is the fourth of my comings here; i. e., this is the fourth time I have come here.