migizi
The English word eagle is translated into Ojibwe as migizi or giniw.
Meaning: any of several large carnivorous birds in the family Accipitridae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ojibwe |
|---|
| migizi |
| giniw |
Both words refer to the large carnivorous birds of the family Accipitridae.
Which one should you use?
migizi is the most common general term for an eagle, while giniw is another form used for the same animal.
When do people say it?
In many Anishinaabe cultures, the eagle is considered a sacred messenger between humans and the Creator.
Did you know?
- The word giniw is also used in some dialects to refer to a 'thunderbird', a supernatural creature with power over storms.
- Because migizi is seen as a messenger, it is common to offer tobacco when requesting a feather or seeing the bird.
- The eagle's feathers, associated with migizi, are often used in smudge ceremonies to fan smoke over a person for purification.
Examples in context
- Bibigwe migizi.A bald eagle makes fluting sounds.This sentence illustrates the use of migizi.
- Migizi niibaa.An eagle is flying.
Example conversation
Nibi and Zhaawan are walking in the forest.
- NibiZhaawan, waabamigizi!Zhaawan, look at the eagle!
- ZhaawanAaniish, migizi aana?Where, is the eagle there?
- NibiEeyaan, migizi gaa-wiindam.Yes, the eagle is flying.
- ZhaawanGichi-migizi e!It's a big eagle!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eagle” translations and entries migizi, giniw, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
