How to Say “No Problem” in Ojibwe

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gaawiin gegoo
The English phrase "no problem" can be said in Ojibwe as gaawiin gegoo.
This phrase is used to indicate that no apology is necessary.
Meaning: no apology is necessary (intj)

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, gaawiin gegoo translates to "not anything" or "nothing" in this context.

Did you know?

  • The phrase can be used to dismiss a gift or an offer as much as an apology, signaling that nothing is owed.
  • Because Ojibwe is a polysynthetic language, many phrases that require multiple words in English can be expressed as one long complex word, though gaawiin gegoo remains a short common pair.
  • While English speakers use 'no problem' to mean 'you are welcome', an Ojibwe speaker might use this phrase to highlight that no harm was actually done.

Example conversation

Winona accidentally bumps into Bemizii in the hallway.

  1. Winona

    Maaniwiin, gichi-biizhoo!
    Sorry, I bumped you!
  2. Bemizii

    Gaawiin gegoo, Winona.
    No problem, Winona.
  3. Winona

    Aaniin, mii gaa-wiidookaa?
    Oh, is it really okay?
  4. Bemizii

    Eya, gaawiin gegoo.
    Yes, no problem.

Sources

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Anne Marilyn
Anne MarilynHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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