nîstâs
The Cree word for cousin is nîstâs.
The term nîstâs is a noun used to describe the child of a person's parent's brother or sister.
Meaning: child of a person’s parent’s brother or sister (noun)
Did you know?
- In some Cree dialects, a person might use a specific term for a 'cross-cousin' (children of a parent's opposite-gender sibling) that differs from a 'parallel-cousin'.
- Depending on the dialect, the word for 'cousin' may change to reflect the gender of the speaker or the gender of the relative.
- The grammatical structure of Cree often incorporates the relationship into the verb, meaning you might not just say 'he is my cousin', but rather use a form that expresses 'he is related to me as a cousin'.
Example conversation
Two people are talking about a family visit.
- Anîstâs ê-mâwin.nistâs ê-mâwin.My cousin is here.
- BÂwan ê-mâwin?Âwan ê-mâwin?Who is here?
- Anîstâs ê-kîyâwin.nistâs ê-kîyâwin.My cousin has arrived.
- BKîyâwin nîstâs.Kîyâwin nistâs.Your cousin has arrived.
