omaa
The English word "here" is translated into Ojibwe as omaa.
omaa is an adverb used to indicate that something is in, on or at this place.
Meaning: in, on, or at this place (adv)
Did you know?
- If you are pointing to something slightly further away than 'here', you would switch from omaa to goozh, creating a precise scale of distance that English lacks in a single adverb.
- The structure of words like omaa follows a pattern of 'proximal' and 'distal' markers that are used across many Algonquian languages.
- While English speakers use 'here' to mark a point in space, Ojibwe speakers often use omaa to indicate a sense of 'this-ness' or the immediate presence of a person or object.
Examples in context
- Aandi awe diba'igiiziswaan. Omaa ningii-asaaban.Where is the clock? I put it here.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use omaa when stating the location of a placed object.
- Omaa nindisigaan.I am sitting here.
Example conversation
Two friends are meeting at a park.
- ZhaawanMiskwaa, omaa iinikaayan?Miskwaa, are you saying it is here?
- MiskwaaEyen, omaa nindaa.Yes, I am here.
- ZhaawanAwenen omaa iwiidag?Who else is here?
- MiskwaaAwenen omaa iwiidag, Zhaawan.No one else is here, Zhaawan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “here” translations and entries omaa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
