ᐆᑕ
ota
The English word "here" is translated into Cree as ᐆᑕ (ota).
ᐆᑕ is an adverb used to indicate being in, on or at this specific place.
Meaning: in, on, or at this place (adv)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ota.
Did you know?
- In the Cree syllabic system used to write ᐆᑕ, a single character encodes both a consonant and a vowel. The orientation of the character's shape is what determines which vowel is being spoken.
- While 'here' in English is a static point, in Cree, the way you say 'here' can change depending on whether the object you are pointing to is moving toward you or staying still.
- The word 'here' is part of a broader system of spatial deictics in Cree that tracks not just distance, but also whether the object is visible or invisible to the speaker.
Example conversation
Two people are meeting at a designated spot.
- Aᐆᑕ ᓂᐣᐄᐣ.ôhta ninîn.I am here.
- Bᐄᐣᐄᐣ ᓂᐣᐄᐣ.înin ninîn.I see you.
- Aᐆᑕ ᑲᐄᐣᐄᐣ ᒫᐣᐄᐣ.ôhta kâinin mânin.Let's stay here for a while.
- Bᐄ, ᐄᐣᐄᐣ.î, înin.Yes, let's.
