apisis
apisis is the Cree word for little.
apisis is used as an adjective to describe something that is small in size.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Did you know?
- Cree words for size are often deeply tied to the shape of the object, meaning 'little' might be expressed differently for a small round stone than for a small long stick.
- Because Cree is polysynthetic, the concept of 'little' can be swallowed by a verb to describe a 'small action', such as 'to limp' instead of 'to walk a little'.
- In some Cree contexts, the concept of 'little' is expressed through reduplication, where part of a word is repeated to indicate a smaller version or a diminutive.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a baby animal.
- Aapisis ᐄᐯᐤ!apisis ayaw!That one is little!
- Bᐄ, apisis ᓂᐱᐤ.ii, apisis nipi.Yes, it is very little.
- Aᑭᐄᐤ ᒫᐤᐄᐤ?kiiu maaiu?Is it yours?
- Bᐄ, ᓂᐘ ᓂᐄᐤ.ii, nitw niiu.Yes, it is mine.
