Ko ngā kupu matua o roto i te reo e hāngai ana ki ngā āhuatanga o ia rā o te tangata. Hei tauira:
The main words in a language that apply to a person’s everyday circumstances. For example:
Ko tētahi whāinga tōmua i te ako pānui, kia mau ki te pūmahara o te ākonga ngā kupu waiwai o te reo.
E mōhio pai ana a Tama ki te nuinga o ngā kupu waiwai.
He auau te kitea o ngā kupu waiwai i roto i ngā tuhinga mā te hunga tamariki.