dibiki-giizis
The English word moon is dibiki-giizis in Ojibwe. If unsure, use dibiki-giizis. Wiktionary also lists giizis.
Meaning: the natural satellite of planet Earth (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ojibwe |
|---|
| dibiki-giizis |
| giizis |
The term refers to the natural satellite of planet Earth.
What does it mean word for word?
The compound dibiki-giizis is formed from dibiki, which refers to the planet Earth and giizis, which refers to the sun or a celestial body/light.
Which one should you use?
While dibiki-giizis specifically refers to the moon, the shorter form giizis can be used more broadly to refer to the sun or a bright celestial light.
Did you know?
- In Ojibwe, the word giizis is used for both the sun and the moon. This reflects a cultural view of both as similar celestial lights in the sky.
- The word giizis is closely related to giizhig, the word for 'sky'. This suggests a conceptual link between the light and the space it occupies.
- The word giizis is a descendant of the Proto-Algonquian word *kiᐧšeʔθwa, which meant 'sun'.
Example sentences for Ojibwe are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Bemizii and Oma are looking at the night sky together.
- BemiziiWaabamigaa dibiki-giizis!Look at the moon!
- OmaEyaam, nindaa goaa zaagi'in.Yes, I really love it.
- BemiziiDibiki-giizis gaawebi zhibii.The moon is shining brightly.
- OmaAwenakiin nindaa waabamigaa.I can see it clearly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moon” translations and entries giizis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries giizis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
