nisis
The Blackfoot word for sister is nisis.
nisis is a noun used to refer to a woman or girl having the same parents.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
Did you know?
- The Blackfoot language uses a complex system of kinship terms where the word for 'sister' changes depending on whether the speaker is male or female.
- In traditional Blackfoot society, a 'sister' might also refer to a female cousin, as the language often groups extended family members into a few core kinship categories.
- The Blackfoot language is characterized by 'polysynthesis', meaning a single word can sometimes function as an entire sentence in English.
Examples in context
- Nisis niton'it.She is my sister.
- Nisis o'isii'pi.My sister is small.
Example conversation
Robert is introducing his family to Sarah.
- RobertNisis iisin.My sister is here.
- SarahKinníi nisis?Where is your sister?
- RobertNisis kiiyooko.That is my sister.
- SarahOonáko.Hello.
