ᓂᒧᓲᒼ
nimosôm
The English word "grandpa" is translated into Cree as ᓂᒧᓲᒼ (nimosôm).
This term is used to refer to a grandfather in an informal context.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ᓂᒧᓲᒼ is the default form, you may also encounter the informal terms mushum and mishomis used to address a grandpa.
How do you pronounce it?
nimosôm
Did you know?
- While English uses 'grandpa' for any grandfather, in Cree, a person might use different terms depending on whether the grandfather is from the mother's or father's side.
- Cree is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single word like nimosôm can be modified with prefixes and suffixes to change the meaning to 'my grandfather' or 'your grandfather'.
- In some Cree-speaking contexts, calling an older man mishomis is a way to honor him even if you are not biologically related to him.
Example conversation
A child is introducing their grandfather to a friend.
- Aᓂᒧᓲᒼ ᓇᐹᒼ ᒫᑲᐄ.nimusoo napaw makai.My grandpa is here now.
- Bᑕᓂᐹᒼ ᐴᒼ ᒫᑲᐄ?tanapaw o makai?Is he over there?
- Aᐋᐄ, ᓂᒧᓲᒼ ᓇᐹᒼ ᐴᒼ.aa, nimusoo napaw o.Yes, that is my grandpa.
- Bᐄ, ᒫᑲᐄ.ii, makai.Oh, I see.
