enya'
The Ojibwe word for "yes" is enya'.
enya' is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Did you know?
- In many Ojibwe dialects, the equivalent of 'yes' is not a single word but a repetition of the verb used in the question. If someone asks if you are 'eating', you respond by saying 'I am eating' rather than just 'yes'.
- In many traditional Ojibwe settings, direct eye contact while saying an affirmative can be perceived as aggressive, so a modest glance away is often paired with the word.
- The word enya' is often used specifically to answer 'yes' to a negative question to contradict the speaker. This functions similarly to the English 'yes, I actually am' when someone asks 'Aren't you coming?'
Examples in context
- Enya'.Yes.
Example conversation
Oma asks Migizi if he wants some water.
- OmaAandizhuwaa, weenani minigwizhindam?Migizi, do you want some water?
- MigiziEnya', miigwech.Yes, thank you.
- OmaAaniin, gimiwan?Here, do you have it?
- MigiziEnya', niiyigawin.Yes, I have it.
