ᐃᐢᒁᐦᑌᒻ
iskwahtem
The Cree word for "door" is ᐃᐢᒁᐦᑌᒻ (iskwahtem).
ᐃᐢᒁᐦᑌᒻ refers to a portal of entry into a building, a room or a vehicle.
Meaning: portal of entry into a building, room or vehicle (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
iskwahtem
Did you know?
- A single Cree word for 'door' can function like an entire English sentence by adding prefixes or suffixes to describe the door's state or use.
- The concept of a 'door' in traditional Cree culture is inextricably linked to the flap of a tipi, where the direction it faces is a matter of survival against the elements.
- Because Cree is a polysynthetic language, a single word can often describe not just a 'door', but a 'door that is being opened' or 'a door for a specific person'.
Example conversation
A and B are entering a house.
- Aᐃᐢᒁᐦᑌᒻ ᐯᐦᐩᐦᐩᐩ.ishkwatēm wehpīpī.The door is locked.
- Bᐄ, ᐦᐩᐦᐩᐩ ᐦᐩᐦᐩᐩ.ī, hīpī hīpī.Yes, it is.
- Aᒫᐩᐩ ᐃᐢᒁᐦᑌᒻ ᐱᐦᐩᐦᐩᐩᐩ.māpī ishkwatēm pihpīpī.I will open the door.
- Bᒥᐦᐩᐦᐩᐩ.mihpīpī.Thank you.
