Note.—For the difference between i and no see the latter proposition § 4. Under this head may be mentioned a partitive sense in which i is sometimes taken; e. g.,
- Tangohia i ā Hone, take some of John's.
4. To, (denoting possession, used somewhat similarly to the dative we find in Latin when sum is used for habeo;) e. g.,
- I a au tenei kainga, this is my farm (or possession).
- Kahore he maripi i a au, there is no knife to me; I have no knife.
Note.—Beginners are often misled by natives and each other in the use of this preposition. Such sentences as the following are incorrect, I a koe haere, go thou, I a koe korero, you said. It should be, Haere koe; and, nau i korero.
5. Through, (or in consequence of),
- E kore e tae mai nga raupo i te ua, the raupo cannot be brought here in consequence of the rain.
- To tatou matua i te rangi, our Father in Heaven.
- I hea tenei e takoto ana? Where has this been lying? In the cupboard.
- E aha ana kae i kona? What are you doing there?
7. At, (past time),