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Vocabulary in Native American Languages: Washo Words

Welcome to our Washo vocabulary page! Washo is an indigenous language of California. Some linguists consider it a relative of the Hokan language family, related to other languages like Shasta and Mohave. We have included twenty basic Washo words here, to compare with related American Indian languages. 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 words
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

   Washo
   Nevada Native Americans
   Native folktales
   Native American names
   Basin tribes

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