tânisi
In Cree, "how are you?" is said as tânisi.
tânisi is used as a standard greeting to initiate conversation, much like "how are you?" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tânisi is a contraction of tânisi-yan or similar forms, essentially meaning "how are you?" or "how is it?"
Did you know?
- Cree is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single word like tânisi can be expanded into a complex sentence by adding prefixes and suffixes to change the subject or mood.
- While 'tânisi' is a common way to ask 'how are you', in some Cree communities, a person might respond by describing their immediate surroundings or the weather instead of their personal feelings.
- In many Cree dialects, the response to tânisi often focuses on the state of the heart or spirit rather than just physical health.
Example conversation
Two people meet on a walking path.
- Atânisi!tânisi!How are you!
- Bjamâz, tânisi?jamâz, tânisi?Good, how are you?
- Anî-pîsim!nî-pîsim!I am doing well!
- Bkîyâm!kîyâm!That is good!
