ᖃᔭᖅ
qayaq/qaˈjaq/
The Inuktitut word for kayak is ᖃᔭᖅ (qayaq).
The term refers to a type of small boat.
Meaning: a type of small boat (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Eastern Arctic region, the word qajaq is used. In the Northwest Alaskan region, the word iqyax̂ is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is qayaq. The IPA pronunciation is /qaˈjaq/.
Did you know?
- Traditionally, a ᖃᔭᖅ was designed specifically for the individual hunter, with the length and width tailored precisely to the person's height and shoulder breadth.
- Inuit hunters developed a specialized 'roll' technique to right a ᖃᔭᖅ without leaving the boat, preventing hypothermia in freezing Arctic waters.
- While ᖃᔭᖅ is the word for the boat, the Inuit people developed a complementary boat called the umiaq, which is much larger and used for transporting families and gear.
Examples in context
- ᖃᔭᖅ ᐊᑐᖅᑐᖅ.qajaq atuqtuq.He is using a kayak.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kayak” translations and entries ᖃᔭᖅ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
