nibi
/nɪˈbɪ/inanimate
The English word "water" is nibi in Ojibwe.
nibi refers to the inorganic compound H₂O.
Meaning: inorganic compound H₂O (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
nibi is an inanimate noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɪˈbɪ/
Did you know?
- In traditional Ojibwe culture, nibi is often regarded as a living entity with its own spirit and agency, despite its grammatical classification as inanimate.
- The word nibi can be combined with other roots to create complex words for 'water-dwelling' creatures or 'water-based' activities.
- The word nibi is inherited from the Proto-Algic root nepiʔi, which predates the separation of the Algonquian and Wiyot-Yurok language branches.
Examples in context
- Anaamakamig bimaabikisin i'iw nibi.The water line runs under the ground.This sentence demonstrates the use of nibi in the context of a water line.
- Wegonen minikwewin eyaayan. Nitii na, nibi na, maagizhaa gaapii.What do you have to drink? Tea? Water? Or maybe coffee?This sentence shows how to offer nibi as a choice of drink alongside tea and coffee.
Example conversation
Migizi and Oma are sitting at a table during a meal.
- MigiziOma, nibi aandaago.Oma, give me some water.
- OmaAaniish, aawe nibi.Here, here is the water.
- MigiziMiigwech, Oma.Thank you, Oma.
- OmaGichi-miigwech.You are very welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water” translations and entries nibi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nibi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
