ᒣᑕᐍ
mêtawê
The English verb 'play' can be translated into Cree as ᒣᑕᐍ (mêtawê).
This verb describes acting in a manner such that one has fun.
Meaning: act in a manner such that one has fun (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is mêtawê.
Did you know?
- Because Cree is an Algonquian language, the word ᒣᑕᐍ behaves differently depending on whether the object being played with is 'animate' or 'inanimate'. Using the wrong grammatical gender can make the sentence nonsensical.
- Because Cree is a polysynthetic language, you can often attach many small words to 'play' to mean 'they played with it for a long time' in a single, long word.
- In Cree culture, 'playing' is not seen as a separate activity from 'living' or 'working' in the same way Westerners might view leisure. It is often an integrated part of social interaction and learning.
Example conversation
Two friends are outside in the yard.
- Aᒣᑕᐍ ᒫᐄ!mīca mā!Play now!
- Bᐄ, ᒣᑕᐍ ᓂᐘᐣ.ī, mīca niwn.Yes, play with me.
- Aᐄ, ᒣᑕᐍ ᓂᐘᐣ.ī, mīca niwn.Yes, play with me.
- Bᒣᑕᐍ ᒫᐄ!mīca mā!Play now!
