What is the Maori word for I love you?

There is no direct translation for "I love you" in Māori. Instead, Māori expresses love in a variety of ways, often through actions and gestures rather than a single phrase.

Here are some ways to express love in Māori:

* Aroha: This is a general term for love, affection, and compassion. You can say "Aroha ahau ki a koe" (I love you) or "He aroha nui taku ki a koe" (I have great love for you).

* Tangihia: This literally means "to weep for", but it can also express deep affection and longing. You could say "Tangihia ahau ki a koe" (I weep for you) to express strong love.

* Kia ora: This means "be well", but it can also be used as a greeting to express care and concern. You could say "Kia ora koe" (be well) to someone you love.

* E hoa: This means "friend", but it can also be used to express love and closeness. You could say "E hoa, aroha ahau ki a koe" (Friend, I love you).

* Ko koe taku: This means "You are mine". It's a more possessive way to express love.

It's important to remember that the best way to express love in Māori is to be genuine and heartfelt. There is no single phrase that can perfectly capture the complexity of love, but the language offers many beautiful and meaningful ways to express your feelings.