* Heart: This is the most common and direct translation of "manawa." It refers to the physical organ, but also metaphorically to the seat of emotions, courage, and strength.
* Life: "Manawa" can also refer to life itself, especially in phrases like "manawa ora" (life force).
* Soul: In a spiritual context, "manawa" can be understood as the soul or essence of a person.
* Breath: "Manawa" can also relate to breathing, as it's closely linked to the heart and life force.
To understand the specific meaning of "manawa" in a particular context, you'll need to consider the surrounding words and phrases.
For example:
* "He tangata manawa nui." This phrase means "He is a person of great heart," emphasizing courage and strength.
* "Kaore he manawa i roto i ahau." This means "I have no life in me," expressing feelings of despair or hopelessness.
Ultimately, the meaning of "manawa" is rich and multifaceted, reflecting the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life in Māori culture.