zaaga'igan
The English word 'lake' is translated into Ojibwe as zaaga'igan.
zaaga'igan 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 zaaga'igan literally means 'lake'.
Did you know?
- Because Ojibwe is an animacy-based language, zaaga'igan is categorized as an inanimate noun, even though the water within it is often viewed as a living spirit.
- Many place names in the Great Lakes region that end in '‑agone' or '‑igan' are derived from zaaga'igan.
- In Ojibwe, many place names are actually descriptive phrases involving the word zaaga'igan, meaning the map itself is a series of descriptions rather than just names.
Examples in context
- Gaawiin niminwendanziin i'iw zaaga'igan.I don't like that lake.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for the zaaga'igan.Tatoeba #13359514 by Radek, translation #13359522 by Radek
- Niminawendaan i'iw zaaga'igan.I like that lake.This sentence shows how to express a liking for the zaaga'igan.Tatoeba #13359511 by Radek, translation #13359512 by Radek
- Miskwaagamiiwi-zaaga'iganing indaa.I live on the Red Lake Reservation.This sentence demonstrates the use of the locative form zaaga'iganing to indicate living on a specific lake area.Tatoeba #13334293 by Radek, translation #13334299 by Radek
Example conversation
Oma and Bemizii are looking at a map.
- OmaAaniish zaaga'igan i'iw?Which lake is that?
- BemiziiI'iw zaaga'igan gashkwaadizi.That lake is small.
- OmaGaa'awen zaaga'igan i'iw?Is that lake far?
- BemiziiAa, zaaga'igan gaa'awen i'iw.Yes, that lake is far.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lake” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
