nistês
Plains Cree, my older brother
Plains Cree has no single word for "brother". You say nistês for "my older brother" and nisîmis for "my younger brother or sister".
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cree | Note |
|---|---|
| nistês | Plains Cree, my older brother |
| nisîmis | Plains Cree, my younger sibling |
Is it said differently in some regions?
Plains Cree is spoken on the Canadian prairies. The circumflex marks a long vowel in the standard Roman spelling.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kin words are normally said with a possessor. The starting ni- means "my" and ki- means "your", so "your older brother" is kistês.
Did you know?
- Cree speakers use separate words for older and younger siblings, which English does not.
Examples in context
- Awa nistês.This is my older brother.
- Awa nisîmis.This is my younger sibling.
Example conversation
Dana introduces her older brother to her friend Mia at a gathering in Saskatchewan.
- DanaTânisi! Awa nistês.Hello! This is my older brother.
- MiaTânisi, nistês.Hello, older brother.
- DanaHiy hiy.Thank you.
