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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.

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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



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