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Vocabulary in Native American Languages: Maidu/Nisenan Words

Welcome to our Maidu vocabulary page! The Maidu language and its closely related dialects, Nisenan and Konkow, are indigenous languages of California. Some linguists associate them with the Penutian language family. We have included twenty basic Maidu words here, to compare with related American Indian languages. If you need to know a Nisenan word that is not currently on our page, you can take part in our translation of Native American languages fundraiser or visit our main Maidu language site for more free resources.

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Maidu/Nisenan Word Sets

English (Français)	Konkow words	Maidu words	Nisenan words
One (Un)	Wuku	Wiiti	Wyttee
Two (Deux)	Pene	Pēne	Peen
Three (Trois)	Sa'apu	Sāpwi	Sapyj
Four (Quatre)	Suye	Tsöye	Cyyj
Five (Cinq)	Masani	Māwike	Maawyk
Man (Homme)	Yepim or Maidum	Maidüm	Majdykym
Woman (Femme)	Kulem	Küle	Kylem
Dog (Chien)	Sum	Söm	Syym
Sun (Soleil)	Ekimpakaum	Pokom	Okpajim
Moon (Lune)	Deipampakaum	Pōmpokom	Pombokom
Water (Eau)	Momim	Momim	Mom

Click here to see Maidu and Nisenan words compared to words in related Penutian languages: Penutian Indian Words

Additional Resources

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