ᐋᒧᐤ ᐲᒥᐦᑌᐤ
âmow-pîmihtêw
The English word honey is expressed in Cree as ᐋᒧᐤ ᐲᒥᐦᑌᐤ (âmow-pîmihtêw).
This term refers to the sweet substance produced by bees.
Meaning: sweet substance produced by bees (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
âmow-pîmihtêw
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'honey' as a term of endearment, using the Cree word for honey to address a loved one is not a standard linguistic custom.
- The Cree writing system using syllabics, seen in ᐋᒧᐤ ᐲᒥᐦᑌᐤ, was developed in the 19th century to allow for rapid literacy among Indigenous peoples.
- Historically, honey in Cree territories was often sourced from wild bees or even birds like swifts, rather than just managed honeybee hives.
Example conversation
Two people are eating breakfast together.
- Aᐋᒧᐤ ᐲᒥᐦᑌᐤ ᐣᐃᐣᐄᐣ ᐣᐃᐣᐄᐣ?aamuu biimikhte niiniin niiniin?Is this honey?
- Bᐋᐤ, ᐋᒧᐤ ᐲᒥᐦᑌᐤ ᐣᐃᐣᐄᐣ.aa, aamuu biimikhte niiniin.Yes, this is honey.
- Aᐣᐃᐣᐄᐣ ᐣᐃᐣᐄᐣ ᐣᐃᐣᐄᐣ ᒥᐤᐣᐄ.niiniin niiniin niiniin munii.It tastes very sweet.
- Bᐋᐤ, ᐣᐃᐣᐄᐣ ᐣᐃᐣᐄᐣ ᒥᐤᐣᐄ.aa, niiniin niiniin munii.Yes, it is sweet.
