gwenawiikwe
The Ojibwe phrase for "beautiful woman" is gwenawiikwe.
This phrase is used to describe a woman who is physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The word gwenawiikwe is a compound consisting of gwenawi-, meaning "to be beautiful/good" and -ikwe, meaning "woman".
Did you know?
- Ojibwe grammar allows for 'animacy', where gwenawiikwe is treated as an animate noun, requiring specific verb forms that differ from inanimate objects.
- Because Ojibwe is an polysynthetic language, you could potentially expand this phrase by adding many more descriptors into a single long word to create a highly specific compliment.
- In Ojibwe, the word ikwe refers specifically to a female human, distinguishing her from female animals which use different suffixes.
Example conversation
Winona and Zhaawan are talking about a guest at a community gathering.
- WinonaGwenawiikwe nindaa kii-waabam.I saw a beautiful woman.
- ZhaawanAaniin, ono gwenawiikwe aki-izhi-gaagi-izhi-gichi-mijigone?Who is that beautiful woman?
- WinonaOno nindaa-izhi-gii-waabam.That is the one I saw.
- ZhaawanEdaa, gwenawiikwe nindaa-izhi-waabam.Yes, she is a beautiful woman.
