pēho
The Cree word for 'wait' is pēho.
pēho is a verb used to express the action of delaying an activity or staying in a place until a specific event occurs.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
Did you know?
- A single word built from the root pēho can encode not just the action, but also the direction of the person's attention while they wait.
- Cree is a polysynthetic language, meaning the root pēho can be expanded with prefixes and suffixes to describe exactly who is waiting and for whom within a single word.
- While pēho is used for 'wait', if you are waiting for a person to arrive, many Cree speakers prefer to use a verb that translates more closely to 'to expect' or 'to look for'.
Example conversation
Two people are getting ready to leave the house.
- Akīyām, nīyāw kīyām.kīyām, nīyāw kīyām.Wait, I am ready.
- Bpēho kīyām, nīyāw māci.pēho kīyām, nīyāw māci.Wait a moment, I am not.
- Amāka nīhīw.māka nīhīw.I will be fast.
- Bkīyām, pēho.kīyām, pēho.Wait, just wait.
