yôtin
The Cree word for "wind" is yôtin.
The word yôtin is used to refer to the movement of air.
Meaning: movement of air (noun)
Did you know?
- In many Cree dialects, the concept of wind is inextricably linked to 'breath' or 'spirit', suggesting that the air moving across the land is a living force.
- Because the Cree language is often polysynthetic, you might not just say yôtin, but could build a single, long word that describes the wind's specific action, like 'it is blowing the trees'.
- The direction of the wind is often expressed by describing the land it comes from rather than using a single cardinal direction word.
Example conversation
Two people are standing outside on a breezy day.
- Ayôtin kâ-pê-mâska ê-kî-pê-kî.yotin ka-pe-maska e-ki-pe-ki.The wind is very strong today.
- Bê-yam, nî-mâska.e-yam, ni-maska.Yes, it is strong.
- Akâ-pâ-cihkiyâ yôtin.ka-pa-cihkiya yotin.The wind is cold.
- Bmâ-miywâcin kî-pê-kî.ma-miywacin ki-pe-ki.It is not nice today.
