waabishkii
The Ojibwe word for the color white is waabishkii.
waabishkii is used to refer to the color white as a noun.
Meaning: color (noun)
Did you know?
- In some stories, the concept of 'white' is associated with the direction North and the winter season, linking color to geography and time.
- The root of waabishkii is shared with the word for 'to see', as the concept of 'white' is closely linked to visibility and light in Ojibwe.
- In many Ojibwe dialects, the word for 'white' is also used to describe the action of 'being bright' or 'shining'.
Example conversation
Oma and Bemizii are looking at a piece of paper.
- OmaAaniin waabishkii omaa?How white is this?
- BemiziiWaabishkii gaa-giizhigamig.It is as white as the sky.
- OmaGaa-izhaawasin waabishkii.The white is bright.
- BemiziiEyen, waabishkii gaa-izhaawasin.Yes, it is bright white.
