ᒥᔪᑮᓯᑲᓂᓯ
miyo-kîsikanisi
The phrase "have a good day" in Cree is ᒥᔪᑮᓯᑲᓂᓯ (miyo-kîsikanisi).
ᒥᔪᑮᓯᑲᓂᓯ is a polite expression used when parting ways. It is intended to wish someone a pleasant day, but it is used as a parting expression rather than a greeting used when arriving.
How do you pronounce it?
miyo-kîsikanisi
Did you know?
- The Cree syllabary used to write ᒥᔪᑮᓯᑲᓂᓯ was developed in the 19th century and allows the language to be written phonetically using a system of rotating shapes.
- Because Cree is a polysynthetic language, the phrase functions more like a single complex verb than a collection of separate English words like 'have', 'a', and 'good'.
- In some Cree contexts, a blessing for a 'good day' is not just a social politeness but a way to acknowledge the interconnectedness of the person and the land.
Example conversation
Two friends are parting ways after a walk.
- Aᓂᐘᐤᔭᐣ ᒫᑲᐣ.nituuyan makan.I am going now.
- Bᒥᔪᑮᓯᑲᓂᓯ!miyukuusikanishi!Have a good day!
- Aᑭᐣᐯ ᒫᑲᐣ!kinew makan!You too!
- Bᐣᐘᐤᔭᐣ.nituuyan.Goodbye.
