1. Wind: This is the most common meaning of "hau". You might hear it in phrases like "te hau o te tonga" (the south wind), "hau māhana" (warm wind), or "hau makariri" (cold wind).
2. Breath: Hau can also refer to breath, especially in the context of life force or spirit. You might see it used in phrases like "hau o te ora" (breath of life) or "hau o te atua" (breath of the gods).
3. Essence/Spirit: Hau can also refer to the essence or spirit of something, especially a place or a person. This meaning is closely related to the "breath" meaning. For example, "hau o te whenua" (the spirit of the land) or "hau o te tīpuna" (the spirit of the ancestors).
4. Power/Influence: Hau can also refer to power or influence. This is less common than the other meanings but still exists. For example, "hau o te kingi" (the power of the king).
5. As a prefix: "Hau" can also be used as a prefix in some words, like "haurangi" (drunk), which literally means "wind-head", implying someone who is "blown around" by their own thoughts.
Understanding the context is key when trying to figure out the meaning of "hau." If you see it in a phrase, look at the surrounding words for clues. If you're unsure, ask a native Māori speaker!