* "The sacred spirit" or "The holy spirit".
Let's break it down:
* Te: This is the definite article, similar to "the" in English.
* Wairua: This word refers to the spirit, soul, or essence of a person or thing.
* Tapu: This word means sacred, holy, or consecrated. It's often used to denote something that is forbidden or off-limits due to its sacred nature.
Therefore, the phrase "te wairua tapu" refers to a spiritual entity or force that is considered sacred and holy. This concept is important in Māori culture and is often associated with ancestors, gods, and the spiritual world.