ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ
sâkahikan
The word for lake in Cree is ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ (sâkahikan).
ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ is a noun used to refer to a body of water, such as a lake.
Meaning: body of water (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the root for water and a suffix denoting a container or body.
How do you pronounce it?
sâkahikan
Did you know?
- In Cree culture, many lakes are not just seen as bodies of water but as living entities with their own spirits and personalities.
- The word ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ follows a polysynthetic structure, where complex meanings are built by adding many small pieces to a central root.
- In Cree culture, words for landmarks like lakes are often tied to specific oral histories and the movements of ancestors.
Examples in context
- ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ ᒫᓯᓇᓇᐦᐑsakihikan masinanahwThe lake is large.
- ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ ᐊᐦᐑsakihikan awiThere is a lake.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a map of the region.
- Aᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ ᒫᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ?sâkihikan mâkihikan?Is this a lake?
- Bᐁ, ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ ᒫᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ.ê, sâkihikan mâkihikan.Yes, it is a lake.
- Aᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ ᒫᐦᐃᐦᐃ?sâkihikan mâhihi?Is the lake big?
- Bᐁ, ᒫᐦᐃᐦᐃ ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓐ.ê, mâhihi sâkihikan.Yes, the lake is big.
