makadewaa
inanimate, verb
black in Ojibwe is expressed through several forms. If unsure, use makadewaa. Wiktionary also lists makade- and makadewizi.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Ways to say it
| Ojibwe | Note |
|---|---|
| makadewaa | inanimate, verb |
| makade- | |
| makadewizi | animate, verb |
The term describes the color black, specifically the quality of absorbing all light.
What does it mean word for word?
The form makade- functions as a prefix used to create compound words, such as those describing a black liquid or a black object.
Which one should you use?
The form you choose depends on whether the subject is animate or inanimate. Use makadewizi for animate objects like people or animals, and use makadewaa for inanimate objects like boats or stones. The prefix makade- is used to build compound words.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ojibwe grammar requires you to distinguish between animate and inanimate subjects when using this color. Use makadewizi to describe an animate being and makadewaa to describe an inanimate thing.
Did you know?
- In traditional Ojibwe culture, colors are often linked to the four cardinal directions, and 'black' is frequently associated with the West and the setting sun.
- The word for 'black' is not a static adjective, but is actually a verb meaning 'to be in a state of blackness'.
- Because of the animate/inanimate rule, an English speaker might accidentally imply a stone is a living creature by using the wrong form of 'black'.
Examples in context
- Makadewaa 'iw jiimaan.That boat is black.This sentence is useful for practicing the inanimate form makadewaa to describe a boat.
- Makadewaagamin makade-mashkikiwaaboo.Coffee is black.This sentence demonstrates how to use the prefix makade- in a compound word context.Tatoeba #13334234 by Radek, translation #13334245 by Radek
- Makadewaa jiimaan.The car is black.
Example conversation
Miskwaa and Makwa are looking at a piece of fabric.
- MiskwaaMakadewaa 'ino-giizhigoon.Your cloth is black.
- MakwaEya, makadewaa.Yes, it is black.
- MiskwaaAazhoo gashkibaa.It looks nice.
- MakwaMiigwech, Miskwaa.Thank you, Miskwaa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black” translations and entries makadewaa, makade-, makadewizi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
