abinoojii
The Ojibwe word for "child" is abinoojii.
abinoojii is a noun used to refer to a son, a daughter or someone's child.
Meaning: son or daughter, someone's child (noun)
Did you know?
- Traditional Ojibwe naming customs often mean a child is not given their full name immediately, but is referred to by descriptive terms until a name is earned or gifted.
- In Ojibwe, the word abinoojii is an 'animate' noun. This means it triggers a completely different set of grammar rules for verbs and adjectives than a 'non-animate' object like a 'stone' would.
- In traditional storytelling, the concept of a 'child' is often used to represent the continuity of the 'seven generations' philosophy, where current actions are weighed against their impact on descendants.
Example conversation
Zhaawan and Miskwaa are talking about their families.
- ZhaawanMiskwaa, abinoojii gaa-izhaawag?Miskwaa, where is your child?
- MiskwaaNiizho abinoojii nindaa.I have two children.
- ZhaawanGichi-abinoojii yaa?Is the child big?
- MiskwaaEe, gaa-izhaawag gichi.Yes, they are big.
