How to Say “Strength” in Ojibwe

By Karl Ryan • Updated October 3, 2026

mashkawiziiwin

Strength in Ojibwe is mashkawiziiwin.

mashkawiziiwin is a noun used to describe the quality of being strong.

Meaning: quality of being strong (noun)

Did you know?

The root of 'strength' in this word relates to the concept of 'medicine' or 'spiritual power' in many Algonquian traditions.
Ojibwe uses a complex system of 'animacy' where nouns are categorized as animate or inanimate, affecting how mashkawiziiwin interacts with other words.
The structure of mashkawiziiwin shows that Ojibwe is a polysynthetic language, meaning one long word can function as an entire English sentence.

Examples in context

Gichi-mashkawiziiwin nindoodenaamog.
I need great strength.

Example conversation

Oma and Zhaawan are lifting a heavy box together.

Oma

Zhaawan, mashkawiziiwin wiidookin!
Zhaawan, strength helps!
Zhaawan

Aao, we giizhigoon.
Yes, we can do it.
Oma

Mashkawiziiwin gaaweendagoon.
Strength is needed.
Zhaawan

Niizho own iizhi gaaweendamigoon.
It takes both of us.

Sources

Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mashkawiziiwin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.

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About The Author

Karl Ryan

Boozhoo! I'm Karl, an Ojibwe language enthusiast and self-proclaimed foodie, especially a lover of apple pie (ominjakendaagoziibingwebishigan). I spend my free time bicycling, hunting, or boxing—building physical "strength" or ogichi-taadine in Ojibwe. I also adore my little bear (makoons), my quirky pet cat. They say I'm like a "hunter" (ogichi-taadine) for words, collecting, understanding and sharing everything about the beautiful Ojibwe language and culture. Miigwech (Thank you) for joining me on this journey! Let's be explorers of languages together!

Karl RyanHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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