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Vocabulary Words in Native American Languages: Washo

We have included twenty 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 Washo word that is not currently on our page, you can take part in our American Indian words fundraiser or visit our main Washo language site for more free resources.

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Washo Word Set

Many Washo vocabulary words are borrowed from Uto-Aztecan languages, whose speakers lived on all sides of the Washo tribe. However, the structure of the Washo language is very different from Uto-Aztecan, and some linguists think it may be related to the Hokan languages.

English (Français)	Washo
One (Un)	Lak'a
Two (Deux)	Heske
Three (Trois)	Helme
Four (Quatre)	Hawa
Five (Cinq)	Tupalti
Man (Homme)	Telihu
Woman (Femme)	Ta'mo'mo'
Dog (Chien)	Su'ku
Sun (Soleil)	Tibe
Moon (Lune)	Tibe
Water (Eau)	Timme
White (Blanc)	Talpopo'i
Yellow (Jaune)	Taltsatsimi
Red (Rouge)	Teleleghi
Black (Noir)	Talyawi

Additional Resources

   Nevada Native Americans
   Native folktales
   Native American names
   Hokan Indian tribe

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