ᓇᒨᔭ
namôya
The English word "no" is translated into Cree as ᓇᒨᔭ (namôya).
ᓇᒨᔭ is used as a particle to show disagreement or to express negation.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is namôya.
Did you know?
- The syllabic character ᓇ in ᓇᒨᔭ changes its sound based on its rotation, a unique feature of the script that differs from the static letters of the English alphabet.
- Cree speakers may use an 'avoidance' register in specific kinship relationships, where different words or indirect phrases replace ᓇᒨᔭ to show respect.
- In many Cree dialects, the negation is not a separate word but is built into the very structure of the verb itself. A single word can change its shape to mean 'I am not walking' instead of needing a 'no' particle.
Example conversation
A and B are discussing if they are ready to leave.
- Aᒫᑲᐣ ᓂᐌᐣᐤᐣ ᒫᑲᐣ?makan ninenon makan?Are you ready?
- Bᓇᒨᔭ, ᓂᐤᐣ ᒫᑲᐣ.namoya, ninon makan.No, I am not.
- Aᐅᐣ ᒫᑲᐣ ᓂᐌᐣᐤᐣ ᒫᑲᐣ?oon makan ninenon makan?Are you not ready yet?
- Bᓂᐤᐣ ᒫᑲᐣ.ninon makan.I am not.
