Indigenous languages Native American tribes What's new on our site today!

Vocabulary Words in Native American Languages: Maidu/Nisenan

We have included ten basic words, enough to give you a feeling for each language. All the nouns are singular and all the verbs are 3rd person singular ("he or she sings") because many Native American languages don't have a separate infinitive ("to sing") the way English and French do.

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, buy a Nisenan dictionary, or visit our main Maidu language site for more free resources.

Thanks for your interest in Native American languages!

Maidu/Nisenan Word Sets

English (Français)	Konkow	Maidu	Nisenan
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 Nisenan vocabulary words compared to words in related Penutian languages: Penutian Indian Words

Additional Resources

   Native Americans in California
   Indian myths
   Native American names
   Penutian

Back to the American Indian Words homepage
Back to American Indian Cultures

Native American art Indian home builders Native American genealogy Indian girls names

Would you like to help support our organization's work with endangered American Indian languages?