ningashkendam
In Ojibwe, the phrase for "I am sad" is ningashkendam.
The phrase ningashkendam is used to express that you are currently feeling sorrow or unhappiness.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a verb form where the structure implies the subject is experiencing a state. It literally means "I am making myself sad" or "I am experiencing sadness".
How does it change in a sentence?
The prefix ni- in ningashkendam indicates the first-person singular "I".
Did you know?
- While ningashkendam describes a personal state, Ojibwe often uses different phrasing to express empathy, focusing on 'sharing the burden' rather than just stating a feeling.
- Ojibwe distinguishes between 'sadness' as a general state and 'sadness' caused by a specific loss, often using different verb stems to indicate the source of the grief.
- The verb structure in ningashkendam treats the speaker as the physical site or location where the sadness is taking place.
Examples in context
- Ningashkendam.I am sad.
Example conversation
Makwa is talking to Miskwaa about a lost pet.
- MakwaNingashkendam, Miskwaa.I am sad, Miskwaa.
- MiskwaaAaniish, Makwa. Aaniish gaa-izhi-wiidookaa?Oh, Makwa. What happened?
- MakwaNimbimin nimbimi-zaaga'igan.I lost my dog.
- MiskwaaGidishkendam aaniish, nindigiiyig.You are sad, we are with you.
