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tuakana

(NZ) In Maori contexts, the elder brother of a male or the elder sister of a female; also, a same-sex cousin of a more senior branch of the family; loosely, a mentor.

tuˈkɑnə59 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 27, 2026

(NZ) In Maori contexts, the elder brother of a male or the elder sister of a female; also, a same-sex cousin of a more senior branch of the family; loosely, a mentor.

For parents

"tuakana" means: In Maori contexts, the elder brother of a male or the elder sister of a female; also, a same-sex cousin of a more senior branch of the famil.... The term has a sexual reference, so parents may want to know the context in which a child uses or hears it. In most cases it is part of normal teenage curiosity rather than a concrete worry. A short, non-judgemental conversation about consent, respect and online safety is usually the best response. Look at the wider pattern of behaviour, not the one word.

For ESL learners

"tuakana" means: In Maori contexts, the elder brother of a male or the elder sister of a female; also, a same-sex cousin of a more senior branch of the famil.... Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.

Cluster: sibling
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For specific readers

"tuakana" means: In Maori contexts, the elder brother of a male or the elder sister of a female; also, a same-sex cousin of a more senior branch of the famil.... The term has a sexual reference, so parents may want to know the context in which a child uses or hears it. In most cases it is part of normal teenage curiosity rather than a concrete worry. A short, non-judgemental conversation about consent, respect and online safety is usually the best response. Look at the wider pattern of behaviour, not the one word.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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