Basic Ojibwa Glossary Dictionary
Basic Ojibwe words and phrases:
Double Vowel Chart
This is how to pronounce Ojibwe words.
All consanants sound the same as in English.
“Zh”- sounds like the “su” in measure
“a”- sounds like the “u” in sun
“aa”- sounds like the “a” in father
“i”- sounds like the “i” in sit
“ii”- sounds like the “ee” in feet
“o”- sounds like the “o” in go
“oo”- sounds like the “oo” in food
“e”- sounds like the “ay” in stay
Let's Start Ojibwe - Lesson 1, Facts and Welcome
Questions
Do you know him/her?- Gigikenimaa ina?
Do you remember?- Gimikwenden ina?
How are you?- Aaniin ezhi-ayaayan?
How is it outside(what is the weather like)?- Aaniin ezhiwebak agwajiing?
How old are you?- Aaniin endaso-biboonagiziyan?
What are you called(name)?- Aaniin ezhinikaazoyan?
Where are you from?- Aandi wenjibaayan?
Where are you going?- Aandi ezhaayan?
Learn Ojibwe conversation with PImsleur
Phrases
Come here!- Ondaas
Come in- Bendigen
Hello- Boozhoo or Aaniin
My name is (your name)- Niin (your name) nindizhinikaaz.
Please- Daga
Say it again(repeat)- Ikidon miinawaa
See you again- Giga-waabamin menawaa
See you later- Giga-waabamin naagaj
Thank you- Miigwech
I am…
Afraid- Ningotaaj
Cold- Ningiikaj
Crazy- Ningiiwanaadiz
Hungry- Nimbakade
Mad- Ninishkaadiz
Resting- Nindanweb
Sad- Ningashkendam
Sick- Nindaakoz
Sorry- Nimaanendam
Thirsty- Ninoondeminikwe
Tired- Nindayekoz
Warm- Ningiizhooz
Well- Nimino-ayaa
Working- Nindanokii
Colors
Black- Makadewaa
Red- Miskwaa
White- Waabishkaa
Blue or Green- Ozhaawashkwaa
Brown or Yellow- Ozhaawaa
Family Members
Aunt, father’s sister(s)- Ninzigos(ag)
Aunt, mother’s sister(s)- Ninoshenh(yag)
Brother(s), older- Nisaye(yag)
Brother(s) or sister(s), younger- Nishiime(yag)
Daughter(s)- Nindaanis(ag)
Father(s)- Nindede(yag) or Imbaabaa(yag)
Friend(s)- Niwiijiwaagan(ag) also, Niijii(male) and Niijikwe(female)
Grandchild(childeren)- Noozhis(ag)
Grandfather(s)- Nimishomis(ag)
Grandmother(s)- Nookomis(ag)
Husband(s)- Ninaabem(ag)
Mother(s)- Nimaamaa(yag)
Sister(s), older- Nimise(yag)
Son(s)- Ningozis(ag)
Sweetheart(s)- Niinimooshe(yag)
Uncle, Father’s brother(s)- Nimishoome(yag)
Uncle, Mother’s brother(s)- Inzhishenh(yag)
Wife(wives)- Niwiiw(ag)
Animals
Ant(s)- Enigoons(ag)
Bass(s)- Ashigan(ag)
Bear(s)- Makwa(g)
Beaver(s)- Amik(wag)
Bee(s)- Aamoo(g)
Bird(s)- Bineshii(yag)
Blackbird(s)- Asiginaak(wag)
Bluejay(s)- Diindiisi(wag)
Bobcat(s)- Gidagaa-bizhiw(ag)
Butterfly(s)- Memengwaa(g)
Buffalo(s)- Mashkodebizhiki(wag)
Cat(s)- Gaazhagens(ag)
Chickadee(s)- Gijigaaneshii(yag)
Chicken(s)- Baaka’ aakwe(yag)
Chipmunk(s)- Agongosens(ag)
Coyote(s)- Wiisagi-ma’ iingan(ag)
Cow(s)- Bizhiki(wag)
Crane(s)- Mooshka’ oosi(wag)
Crow(s)- Aandeg(wag)
Deer(s)- Waawaashkeshi(wag)
Dog(s)- Animosh(ag)
Dragonfly(ies)- Boochikwanishi(wag)
Duck(s)- Zhiishiib(ag)
Bald Eagle(s)- Migizi(wag)
Golden Eagle(s)- Giniw(ag)
Firefly(ies)- Waawaatesi(wag)
Fish(s)- Giigoo(yag)
Fly(ies)- Ojiins(ag)
Fox(es)- Waagosh(ag)
Frog(s)- Omakakii(g)
Canadian Goose(geese)- Nika(g)
Snow Goose(geese)- Wewe(g)
Hawk(s)- Gekek(wag)
Horse(s)- Bebezhigooganzhii(g)
Hummingbird(s)- Nenookaasi(wag)
Loon(s)- Maang(wag)
Mallard(s)- Aninshib(ag)
Marten(s)- Waabizheshi(wag)
Mink(s)- Zhaangweshi(wag)
Minnow(s)- Giigoozens(ag)
Moose(s)- Mooz(oog)
Mosquito(s)- Zagime(g)
Mouse(mice)- Waawaabigonoojii(yag)
Muskrat(s)- Wazhashk(wag)
Northern Pike(s)- Ginoozhe(g)
Oriole(s)- Asiginaak(wag)
Owl(s)- Gookooko’ oo(g)
Otter(s)- Nigig(wag)
Partridge(s)- Bine(wag)
Pheasant(s)- Mayagi-bine(wag)
Pig(s)- Gookoosh(ag)
Porcupine(s)- Gaag(wag)
Rabbit(s)- Waabooz(oog)
Raccoon(s)- Esiban(ag)
Robin(s)- Opichi(wag)
Skunk(s)- Zhigaag(wag)
Sparrow(s)- Gakaashkinejii(wag)
Spider(s)- Asabikeshii(yag)
Squirrel(s)- Ajidamoo(g)
Snake(s)- Ginebig(oog)
Painted turtle(s)- Miskwaadesi(wag)
Snapping turtle(s)- Mikinaak(wag)
Sturgeon(s)- Name(wag)
Sucker(s)- Namebin(ag)
Sunfish(s)- Agwadaashi(wag)
Thunderbird(s)- Binesi(wag)
Turkey(s)- Mizise(g)
Turtle(s)- Mishiike(yag)
Vulture(s)- Wiinaange(wag)
Walleye(s)- Ogaa(wag)
Weasel(s)- Zhingos(ag)
Whitefish(s)- Adikameg(wag)
Wolf(wolves)- Ma’ iingan(ag)
Woodchuck(s)- Makakojiishi(wag)
Downey Woodpecker(s)- Baapaase(wag)
Pileated Woodpecker(s)- Meme(g)
Woodtick(s)- Ezigaa(g)
Wren(s)- Anaamisagadaweshii(wag)
Trees
Tree(s)- Mitig(oog)
Balsam fir(s)- Zhingob(iig)
Black Ash(s)- Aagimaak(wag)
Jack Pine(s)- Wakikaandag(oog)
Maple(s)- Aninaatig(oog)
Norway Pine(s)- Apakwanagemag(oog)
Poplar(s)- Azaadi(wag)
Red Cedar(s)- Miskwaawaak(oog)
Red Osier Dogwood(s)- Miskwaabiiminzh(iig)
Speckled or Tag Alder(s)- Wadoop(iig)
Spruce(s)- Gaawaandag(oog)
White Ash(s)- Baapaagimaak(wag)
White Birch(s)- Wiigwaasi-mitig(oog)
White Cedar(s)- Giizhik(ag)
Willow(s)- Oziisigobiminzh(iig)
Food
Bean(s)- Miskodiisimin(ag)
Blackberry(s)- Odatagaagomin(ag)
Blueberries-Miinan
Bread- Bakwezhigan
Cherry(s)- Ookwemin(an)
Coffee- Makademashkikiwaaboo
Cookie(s)- Bakwezhigans(ag)
Corn- Mandaamin(ag)
Cranberry(s)- Mashkiigimin(ag)
Fry Bread- Zaasakokwaanibakwezhigan(ag)
Maple Sugar- Anishinaabe Ziinzibaakwad
Meat- Wiiyaas
Milk- Doodooshaaboo
Pea(s)- Anijiimin(an)
Pepper- Wiisagad
Raspberry(s)- Miskomin(ag)
Salt- Zhiiwitaagan
Strawberry(s)- Ode’ imin(an)
Sugar- Ziinzibaakwad
Tea- Aniibiish
Tomato(s)- Gichi-ogin(iig)
Wild Rice- Manoomin
Weather
It is…
A cool wind- Dakaasin
A nice day- Mino Giizhigad
Clear- Mizhakwad
Cloudy- Ningwaanakwad
Cold- Gisinaa
Foggy- Awan
Hot- Gizhaate
It Freezes Over(lake)- Gashkadin
Nasty Weather- Niiskaadad
Raining- Gimiwan
Slippery- Ozhaashaa
Snowing- Zoogipon
There are Northern Lights- Waawaate
There is a tornado or whilrwind- Ashibishidosh
Thundering- Animikiikaa
Warm and mild- Aabawaa
Windy- Noodin
Four Seasons
Winter- Biboon
Spring- Ziigwan
Summer- Niibin
Fall- Dagwaagin
Four Directions
East- Waabanong
North- Giiwedinong
South- Zhaawanong
West- Ningaabi’ anong
Four Races
African American(s)- Makade-Wiiyaas(ag)
Asian(s)- Aniibiishike-inini(wag)
European(s)- Gichi-mookomaan(ag) or Wayaabishkiwed(waad)
Indian(s)- Anishinaabe(g)
Four Stages of Life
Baby(ies)- Abinoojiiyens(ag)
Child(childeren)- Abinoojii(yag)
Boy(s)- Gwiiwizens(ag)
Girl(s)- Ikwesens(ag)
Women(Women)- Ikwe(wag)
Man(men)- Inini(wag)
Old Woman(women)- Mindimooye(yag)
Old Man(men)- Akiwenzii(yag)
Four Medacines
Ceder- Giizhikaandagoons
Sage- Bashkodejiibik
Sweet Grass- Bashkodemashkosiw
Tobacco- Asemaa
Four Parts of a Plant
Flower(s)- Waabigwan(iin)
Leaf(s)- Aniibish(an)
Root(s)- Ojiibik(an)
Stem(s)- Shiizhins(an)
Numbers
How old are you?- Aaniin endaso-biboonagiziyan?
One- Bizhig
Two- Niizh
Three- Niswi
Four- Niiwin
Five- Naanan
Six- Ningodwaaswi
Seven- Niizhwaaswi
Eight- Nishwaaswi
Nine- Zhaangaswi
Ten- Midaaswi
Eleven to nineteen add Ashi before number
Eleven- Ashi bezhig
Twenty to twenty-nine add Niizhtana ashi before number
Twenty-one- Niizhtana ashi bezhig
Thirty to thirty-nine add Nisimidana ashi
Thirty-one- Nisimidana ashi bezhig
Forties add Niimidana ashi
Forty-one- Niimidana ashi bezhig
Fifties add Naanimidana ashi
Fifty-one- Naanimidana ashi bezhig
Sixties add Ningodwaasimidana ashi
Seventies add Niizhwaasimidana ashi
Eighties add Nishwaasimidana ashi
Nineties add Zhaangasimidana ashi
Hundereds add Ningodwaak ashi
One week- Ningo anami’e giizhig
One month- Ningo giizis
One year- Ningo biboon
Pounds- Dibaabiishkoojigan
Gallons- Mnikwaajigan
Miles- Dasodiba’igan
Time
What time is it?- Aaniin endaso-diba’ iganed?
One o’clock- Ningo-diba’ iganed
Two o’clock- Niizho-diba’iganed
Three o’clock- Niso-diba’ iganed
Four o’clock- Niiyo-diba’ iganed
Five o’clock- Naano-diba’ iganed
Six o’clock- Ningodwaaso-diba’ iganed
Seven o’ clock- Niizhwaaso-diba’ iganed
Eight o’clock- Nishwaaso-diba’ iganed
Nine o’clock- Zhaangaso-diba’ iganed
Ten o’clock- Midaaso-diba’ iganed
Eleven o’clock- Ashi ningo-diba’ iganed
Twelve o’clock- Ashi niizho-diba’ iganed
Hour- Diba’igan
Minute- Diba’iganens
Days of the Week
Monday(day after prayer day)- Ishwaa-anami’e giizhigad
Tuesday(second day)- Niizho-giizhigad
Wednesday(half way)- Aabitoose
Thursday(fourth day)- Niiyo giizhigad
Friday(fifth day)- Naano giizhigad
Saturday(floor washing day)- Giziibiigiisaginige-giizhigad
Sunday(last work day or prayer day)- Ishwaaj-anokiigiizhigad or Anami’e-giizhigad
Months
January(Great Spirit Moon)- Gichi-Manidoo-Giizis
February(Sucker Fish Moon)- Namebini-Giizis
March(Crust on the Snow Moon)- Onaabani-Giizis
April(Sap Boiling Moon)- Iskigamizige-Giizis
May(Flower Budding Moon)- Zaagibagaa-Giizis
June(Strawberry Moon)- Ode’ imini-Giizis
July(Half -Way, Summer Moon)- Abitaa-Niibini-Giizis
August(Wild Rice Moon)- Manoominike-Giizis
September(Leaves Changing Color Moon)- Waatebagaa-Giizis
October(Leaves Falling Moon)- Binaakwe-Giizis
November(Freezing Over Moon)- Gashkadino-Giizis
December(Little Spirit Moon)- Manidoo-Giizisoons
Body Parts
Arm(s)- Ninik(an)
Back(s)- Nipikwan(an)
Ear(s)- nitawag(an)
Eye(s)- Nishkiinzhig(oon)
Finger(s)- Nininjiins(an)
Foot(feet)- Ninzid(an)
Head(s)- Nishtigwaan(an)
Heart(s)- Ninde’(an)
Hand(s)- Ninij(iin)
Leg(s)- Nikaad(an)
Mouth(s)- Nindoon(an)
Nose(s)- Injaanzh(an)
Stomach(s)- Nimsad(an)
Toe(s)- Niibinaakwaanizidaan(an)
Tongue(s)- Nindenaniw(an)
Reservations
Bad River- Mashkii-ziibing
Bay Mills- Gnoozhekaaning
Fond du Lac- Nagaajiwanaang
Grand Portage- Gichi-Oniigaming
Keewenaw Bay- Wiikwedong
Lac Courte Oreilles- Odaawaa-zaaga’iganiing
Lac du Flambeau- Waaswaaganing
Lac Vieux Desert- Getegitigaaning
Leech Lake- Gaa-Zagaskwaajimekaag
MilleLacs Lake- Misi-Zaaga’iganing
Nett Lake- Asabiikone-Zaaga’iganing
Red Cliff- Gaa-Miskwaabikaag
Red Lake- Miskwaagamiiwi-Zaaga’iganing
Mole Lake- Zaka’aaganing
Sault Ste Marie- Baawitigong
Vermilion Lake- Onamani-Zaaga’iganing
White Earth- Gaa-Waabaabiganikaag
Other
Birch bark- Wiigwaas
Blanket(s)- Waabooyaan(an)
Casino-Endazhi-ataading
College(s)- Gabe-gikendaasoowigamig
Dancers- Naamiwaad
Day- Giizhigad
Drink- Minikwe
Drum(s)- Dewe’igan(ag)
Earth- Aki
Eat- Wiisini
Feather(s)- Miigwan(ag)
Gas Station- Waasamoobimide-adaawewigamig
Hospital- Aakoziiwigamig
Lake(s)- Zaaga’igan(an)
Medicine Man- Mashkikiiwinini
Medacine Woman- Mashkikiikwe
Money- Zhooniyaa
Moon(s)- Dibiki-giizis(oog)
Night- Dibikad
No- Gaawiin
Ojibwe people(s)- Anishinaabe(g)
Ojibwe language- Anishinaabemowin
Outside- Agwajiing
Pipe(s)- Opwaagan(ag)
Powwow- Niimi’idim
Resaurant- Wiisiniiwigamig
River(s)- Ziibi(wan)
School- Gikinoo’amaadiiwigamig
Singers- Negamowaad
Smudge- Nookwezigan
Star(s)- Anang(oog)
Store- Adaawewigamig
Stream(s)- Ziibiins(an)
Sun- Giizis
Sunset- Bangishimog
Today(now)- Noongom
Tonight- noongom dibikad
Town(s)- Oodena(wan)
Warrior(s)- Ogichidaa(wag)
Yes- Eya’
