ondaas
The English phrase "come here" is translated into Ojibwe as ondaas.
ondaas is a command used to tell one person to move toward the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ondaas is a command directed at a single person.
Did you know?
- Ojibwe is a polysynthetic language, which means a single long word can function as an entire sentence like 'come here', often packing in the subject and object.
- The root of the word for 'come' in Ojibwe can be expanded into complex sentences that describe exactly how the person is coming, such as coming by walking or coming by boat.
- Using a command form like ondaas with an Elder or someone in high social standing could be perceived as unintentionally blunt or even disrespectful without specific honorific markers.
Examples in context
- Ondaas.Come here.This sentence demonstrates the use of ondaas.Tatoeba #12607693 by urro, translation #39944 by Swift
Example conversation
Migizi is calling Oma to see something in the garden.
- MigiziOma, ondaas!Oma, come here!
- OmaAani? Aana?What is it? What?
- MigiziGichi-maamaang!A big butterfly!
- OmaOo, gichi-maamaang!Oh, a big butterfly!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
