agaashiinh
The English word 'small' is translated into Ojibwe as agaashiinh.
agaashiinh is an adjective used to describe something that is not large in size.
Meaning: not large (adj)
Did you know?
- The concept of 'smallness' can be expressed through 'diminutives' that don't just mean small, but can also convey endearment or affection for a person.
- Ojibwe uses 'classifiers' to categorize the shape of things, so a 'small' round object and a 'small' long object use different linguistic markers.
- An Ojibwe speaker might use a different word for 'small' if the object is physically tiny versus if the object is simply far away in the distance. English uses 'small' for both, but Ojibwe distinguishes between physical scale and visual perception.
Example conversation
Makwa and Miskwaa are looking at a garden.
- MakwaAgaashiinh ogo maashkig.That plant is small.
- MiskwaaEyaaye, gaawiin gaa-mizhaatig.Yes, it did not grow large.
- MakwaAgaashiinh wiin gaa-niizoom.The dog is small too.
- MiskwaaEndamogoon, agaashiinh eyaaye.You are right, it is small.
