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Indefinite Phrases & Classifying Sentences

Indefinite phrases and sentences are indicated by the word He. 

Indefinite Phrases

He + noun.

He kiore.
A rat (or some rats).

Contrast this with the following definite phrases in which we know specifically which rat or rats we are talking about:

Ko te kiore.
The rat.

Ko ngā kiore.
The rats.

Classifying Sentences

He + noun / adjective + subject.

He pukapuka tenei.
This is a book. 

He wahine ia.
She is a woman.

He māhana tēnei waina.
This wine is warm.