ᓂᓵᑭᐦᐋᐤ
nisakihaw
The English phrase "my love" is translated into Cree as ᓂᓵᑭᐦᐋᐤ (nisakihaw).
ᓂᓵᑭᐦᐋᐤ is a term of endearment used to address someone who is loved.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix ni- meaning "my" and a root related to "love" or "affection".
How do you pronounce it?
nisakihaw
Did you know?
- In Cree culture, it is common to use kinship terms such as 'grandmother' or 'aunt' as expressions of love for people who have no biological relation to the speaker.
- Because of its polysynthetic nature, the single word ᓂᓵᑭᐦᐋᐤ can function as a complete sentence that contains the subject, the emotion, and the recipient.
- While an English speaker might reserve 'my love' for a romantic partner, a Cree speaker may use similar endearments to express deep communal affection for a child or a close relative.
Examples in context
- ᓂᓵᑭᐦᐋᐤ.nisakihaw.My love.
- ᐱᐦᐑᐤ ᓂᓵᑭᐦᐋᐤ.pihow nisakihaw.Good morning, my love.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before work.
- Aᑭᐤᐤᐤ ᓂᓵᑭᐦᐋᐤ, ᐤᐤᐤᐤ ᐤᐤᐤᐤ.kI-u-u nisā-kIha-u, u-u-u u-u-u.Goodbye my love, have a good day.
- Bᑭᐤᐤᐤ ᓂᐤᐤᐤ, ᐤᐤᐤᐤ ᓂᐤᐤᐤ.kI-u-u ni-u-u, u-u-u ni-u-u.Goodbye dear, you too.
- Aᓂᐤᐤᐤ ᒫᑲᐦᐤᐤᐤ ᓂᓵᑭᐦᐋᐤ.ni-u-u mākih-u-u nisā-kIha-u.I love you, my love.
- Bᓂᐤᐤᐤ ᒫᑲᐦᐤᐤᐤ ᓂᐤᐤᐤ.ni-u-u mākih-u-u ni-u-u.I love you too.
