kwe, skennenko:wa ken?
The English phrase "hello, how are you?" is translated into Mohawk as kwe, skennenko:wa ken?
This phrase is a common greeting used to initiate a conversation and inquire about the well-being of another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: kwe, which means "hello" and skennenko:wa ken?, which means "are you well?"
When do people say it?
When someone asks you skennenko:wa ken?, a common and appropriate response is to say Skennen, which means "I am well" or "Well/Good".
Did you know?
- Mohawk is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single word like skennenko:wa can carry the meaning of an entire English sentence.
- The root of skennenko:wa is related to the concept of peace and health, reflecting a cultural worldview where being 'well' is tied to being in harmony.
- The use of the colon in skennenko:wa represents a specific elongated vowel sound common in Mohawk orthography.
Examples in context
- Kwe, skennenko:wa ken? Skennen!Hello, how are you? Good!
Example conversation
Tsiiontekali and Kateri meet each other on the street.
- TsiiontekaliKwe, skennenko:wa ken?Hello, how are you?
- KateriSkenennok, ha'enon.I am well, thank you.
- TsiiontekaliIatsté:ren.That is good.
- KateriSkenennok.Peace.
