How to Say “Spring” in Cree

By Will Levi • Updated October 3, 2026

sekwan

The Cree word for the season of spring is sekwan.

sekwan is a noun used to refer to the season between winter and summer in temperate climates.

Meaning: season between winter and summer in temperate climates (noun)

Did you know?

The Cree language is polysynthetic, meaning a single word built from sekwan can express an entire sentence like 'it is springtime'.
While English uses a fixed calendar date for the start of spring, Cree speakers traditionally signal the arrival of sekwan by the return of the geese.
In Cree-speaking cultures, sekwan is not always one block of time but can be divided into several distinct phases based on snow levels and plant growth.

Example conversation

Two friends are discussing the weather change.

A

Kâ-itâskwak sekwan.
Ka-itaskwak sekwan.
Spring is coming.
B

Êyâw kî-pîsim.
Eyaw ki-pisim.
It was a long month.
A

Kî-pîsim sekwan nîya.
Ki-pisim sekwan niya.
It is the month of spring now.
B

Kî-âwâsa.
Ki-awasa.
It is sunny.

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About The Author

Will Levi

Hello there! I'm Will, your friendly neighbourhood guide on all things Cree. As an avid adventurer, I harbour a deep passion for the Cree language, evident in my comprehensive guides on expressing ourselves in this beautifully rich tongue. Whether you're learning how to say "Amen", "I love you, Mom" or even "White Woman", you're in good hands with me. When I'm not etching words in the Cree language, I'm usually chasing the "Moon" (ᐯᐦᑯᔭᐤ pîhkoya) into interesting new forests or paddling my "Canoe" (ᒋᒋᓂᐢ seeseenis) across quiet, serene lakes. Blackfoot is spoken not far from Cree, and it has become another language close to my heart, so you will now find my guides to Blackfoot here too. Join me on my linguistic-adventures. Awâsis ᐊᐋ wasis!

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