jea
The Marshallese word for sister is jea.
jea refers to a woman or girl having the same parents.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
Did you know?
- The concept of 'sister' in Marshallese extends to include cousins of the same gender, blending the English categories of 'sister' and 'female cousin'.
- Because Marshallese is an Austronesian language, the word jea belongs to a linguistic family that spans from Madagascar to Easter Island.
- In Marshallese culture, a jea may be addressed as an aunt or a mother depending on the age gap and the hierarchical role she plays within the extended family.
Example conversation
John is introducing his family to Mary.
- JohnMary, jiljār jea nio.Mary, this is my sister.
- MaryYōkāi, jea.Hello, sister.
- JohnEje jea nio n̄an m̧āne.She is my older sister.
- MaryKajūm̧m̧ān eō.Nice to meet you.
