Here's why:
* Abbeys are a specific type of religious building: Māori culture and religion don't have the same concept of an abbey as a building with a monastic community.
* Māori language is focused on specific meanings: Māori often has precise words for specific things, and "abbey" is not something commonly encountered in traditional Māori culture.
Instead of a direct translation, you could use descriptive phrases:
* "Whare karakia nui" (literally "big prayer house") could be used for a large religious building.
* "Whare tapu mo nga tohunga" (literally "sacred house for priests") could describe a place where religious leaders reside.
Ultimately, the best way to describe an abbey in Māori would depend on the specific context and what aspects of the abbey you want to emphasize.