1. Work: This is the most common meaning of "mahi." It refers to any kind of work, from physical labor to intellectual tasks.
Examples:
* Ka mahi ahau i te kāinga. (I work at home.)
* He mahi nui tēnei. (This is a big job.)
* Mahi pai. (Good work.)
2. Fish: "Mahi" can also refer to the fish known in English as the mahi-mahi or dolphin fish.
Example:
* I kainga te mahi-mahi e matou. (We ate mahi-mahi.)
3. Skill: "Mahi" can also refer to a skill or talent.
Example:
* He mahi ahau ki te hanga whare. (I am skilled at building houses.)
4. Effort: "Mahi" can also mean effort or hard work.
Example:
* Me mahi tātou kia angitu. (We must work hard to succeed.)
5. Magic: While not as common, "mahi" can sometimes refer to magic or sorcery.
Example:
* Nā te mahi ka taea te whakaora i tēnei tangata. (This person can be healed through magic.)
It's important to consider the context when trying to understand the meaning of "mahi." If you're unsure, asking a Māori speaker or looking for the word in a Māori dictionary can help.