ni-
The English word 'my' is translated into Ojibwe using the prefix ni-.
Meaning: belonging to me (det)
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive prefix ni- is attached directly to the beginning of the noun or verb it modifies.
Did you know?
- In Ojibwe, the way you say 'my' changes depending on whether the object is an inanimate thing or a living being, a distinction not found in English.
- In Ojibwe, the prefix ni- can indicate both that something belongs to you and that you are actively performing an action, such as 'I am eating'.
- Because ni- is a prefix, a single Ojibwe word can function as an entire sentence in English. For example, a word starting with ni- can translate to 'It is mine' or 'I have one'.
Example conversation
Winona and Bemizii are looking for their belongings.
- WinonaBemizii, ni-mazaagan gaa'igoo?Bemizii, where is my gun?
- BemiziiOdaa ni-mazaagan, Winona.My gun is over there, Winona.
- WinonaNi-mazaagan gaa'ii gaa'oo.That is not my gun.
- BemiziiAaniish, ni-mazaagan gaa'igoo?Oh, where is my gun?
