Nibakade
Nibakade is the Ojibwe way to say "I am hungry".
This phrase is used to express a physical need for food.
Did you know?
- Ojibwe is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single word like nibakade can contain the subject and the state of being combined into one unit.
- In traditional Ojibwe culture, stating one is hungry might be followed by an offer of 'manoomin' or wild rice, a sacred food central to the people's identity.
- Ojibwe grammar allows for 'animacy', meaning the way hunger is discussed can change based on whether the food being craved is considered animate or inanimate.
Example conversation
Migizi and Oma are sitting together in the afternoon.
- MigiziNibakade.I am hungry.
- OmaAaniash? Gichi-nibakade?Really? Are you very hungry?
- MigiziEeye, nibakade gaawe.Yes, I am very hungry.
- OmaMaaji-biizindam, Migizi.Let's eat, Migizi.
