ᓃᒥᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ
nîmihitowin
The Cree word for "dance" is ᓃᒥᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ (nîmihitowin).
This verb is used to describe the act of moving rhythmically to music.
Meaning: move rhythmically to music (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
nîmihitowin
Did you know?
- Because Cree is a polysynthetic language, a single word can contain a whole sentence describing who is dancing, how many people are involved, and the specific way they are moving.
- The rhythmic movement described by ᓃᒥᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ is traditionally tied to the heartbeat, which is mirrored by the steady beat of the drum.
- The act of dancing in Cree culture is often categorized as a form of medicine or prayer rather than entertainment.
Examples in context
- ᓃᒥᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ.ni mihihtiwon.I am dancing.
Example conversation
Two friends are at a community gathering with music playing.
- Aᓃᒥᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ ᐋᐣᐴ!niimihiitowiin aanstoo!Dance now!
- Bᐋᐣ, ᓃᒥᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ ᐋᐣᐴ ᓃᐤ.aan, niimihiitowiin aanstoo nii.Yes, I will dance now.
- Aᐅᐤᐣᐣᐤᐣ ᓃᒥᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ ᐋᐣᐴ.uunnuun niimihiitowiin aanstoo.Dance over there now.
- Bᐄ, ᓃᒥᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ ᐋᐣᐴ ᐄ!ii, niimihiitowiin aanstoo ii!Yes, I'll dance now!
