Galo Welfare Society

Galo-English
Dictionary

with English-Galo Index

<<< International Edition >>>
Not to be disseminated electronically without prior
permission of the Galo Welfare Society

Compiled by the Galo Language Development Committee:

`Igoo Rbaa Mark W. Post `Il Rbaa
`Miil `odu `Kenjum `Bagra `Bomcak Rbaa
Toomoo Rbaa Notoo Aado Dambom Keenaa

Under Chairmanship of:

Tadoo Karloo






Published by:

Galo Welfare Society
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

First International Edition
2009 Galo Language Development Committee

All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission
of the Galo Language Development Committee.

Permission to store and use electronic copies is hereby extended to local and
international scholars under fair use. Permission to further disseminate
electronic copies is not extended to this group.

Violation of the conditions stated above shall be in breach of Article 8 of the World
Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty. Prosecution in accordance
with Indian and International Copyright Laws and Treaties would be pursued.








ii

Contents

Preface to the International Edition iv

Foreword vi

Introduction vii

Acknowledgements x

About Galo Language xi

Orthography and Alphabetical Order xiv

How to Write in `Galoo Ennam (using an IPA-based script) xvi

Abbreviations xxiv

How to Read an Entry xxiv

Galo-English Dictionary 1-326

English-Galo Index 327-444

Appendix: Galo Lexicon and Grammar 445-456

References 457
iii

Preface to the International Edition

This is an international edition of the Galo-English Dictionary. The
local edition of this dictionary was published by the Galo Welfare Society
(GWS) in early 2009. The greater part of 500 hard-bound copies of the local
edition are currently being distributed free-of-charge to all schools in Galo-
dominated areas of Arunachal Pradesh, as part of an integrated language
development project being spearheaded by the Galo Language
Development Committee, also with GWS sponsorship. Since the chances of
international linguists being able to get their hands on one of these copies
are, accordingly, pretty remote, it was decided to make an international
edition available via .pdf. This is that document.

For this international edition, the majority of the text is identical to the local
edition. The major change is that all text in Galo language is presented in
an IPA-based orthography rather than in the exclusively Roman-based
Galo orthography known as `Galoo Ennam (Galo Script). The decision to
produce a separate IPA-based version was primarily made in order to
make the presentation more accessible to linguists. Otherwise, discussions
in a few places have been adapted to make them more precise and/or
technical from a linguists perspective, but in most cases the relatively less
technical perspective of the original is retained here. Readers interested in
a more detailed discussion of many of the points raised herein are referred
to A Grammar of Galo (Post 2007).

Whether local or international, it must be said that this is a very
preliminary edition. Preliminary in two senses: first, in the sense that a
relatively small percentage of the information that could have been
included is actually included here (for example, no etymological
information is included, although a good amount has been recorded).
Second, in the sense that a fair number of items which are included, such as
vocabulary for flora and ritual objects, receive no better identification or
explanation than variety of x which tells the reader next to nothing. The
fact is that some things just dont get done quickly, particularly in a part of
the world that lacks general reference works of any reasonable scale or
reliability (no large-scale, reliable ethnographic studies, no compendia of
flora and fauna not even a recent and reliable map). Since completion at
this level of detail is expected to take another several years at least, it was
decided to release this albeit preliminary edition rather than simply sit
on what data we do have and let it be of use to no one.
iv

One sense in which this is not a preliminary edition is in the treatment of
data. While we cant be certain that no mistakes remain, data herein have
been checked and re-checked for the Lare dialect of Galo (and for this
dialect only) by several expert speakers working together over a long
period of time. So, with the usual caveats that mistakes inevitably creep in
and linger, we believe that there is good consistency and accuracy here in
terms of those dimensions of the language that we have been able to treat.

Lastly, and on a somewhat more sensitive note: copyright infringement is a
serious problem in India, as it no doubt is in many other places in the
world. This dictionary has been produced by the Galo community, for the
Galo community, and we are concerned that control over its fate should
remain with the Galo community. As I mentioned above, the majority of
hard copies from the first print run are being distributed to schools free of
charge, although some have also been sold to the general public. Copies
from the second print run, which is scheduled for August 2009, will
primarily be sold. All proceeds from sales of both the first and second print
runs will be used to fund efforts by the Galo Language Development
Committee in teacher training, materials development and production, and
distribution. Local demand for this dictionary is currently very high, and it
would be extremely easy for an unscrupulous individual with a .pdf to
publish an identical edition for personal profit, and go entirely unpunished
(as has happened in similar situations in the past). The GWS was so
concerned about this possibility that it was initially decided not to release
electronic copies of this dictionary at all. However, in the interest of
furthering the research of legitimate scholars who could not be expected to
be able to obtain a hard copy, it was finally decided to release this
international edition via .pdf, free of charge, only to individuals who
undertake not to disseminate it further. If you possess this document, you
are either someone who has made this undertaking or you have received it
in violation of the aforementioned terms. In either case, you are asked to
please respect the wishes of the Galo community and not to disseminate
electronic copies of this dictionary further (data contained herein, however,
may be extracted, quoted and used freely). If this works out, there will be
future, expanded releases of this dictionary. If it doesnt, there wont be,
and I wont have any control over that. Thanks for your understanding.


Mark W. Post
Melbourne, Australia
v

Foreword

The Galo Welfare Society extends its deep gratitude and indebtedness to Dr.
Mark W. Post for his contributions in bringing out this Galo-English
Dictionary in its present form. Perhaps, it may never have been possible
without Dr. Post to achieve the present level of accuracy, inclusive of the
minutest details and meanings of words in the Galo language, and credit
must go to him for his personal initiative and compilation through research
work, albeit, with the patient and generous assistance of many members of
our Galo Society.

In this context, we also wish to extend sincere our sincere gratitude to `Igoo
Rbaa and `Il Rbaa for their equally sincere and dedicated effort, and for
having spent literally hundreds of hours of volunteer labour ensuring that
this Dictionary gave as accurate and consistent a representation of the Galo
language as possible.

The preservation of Galo culture rests with the preservation of Galo
language, and thus, the contribution of these individuals and the other
Compilers of this dictionary will always be acknowledged in posterity for
this contribution to the preservation of Galo culture and identity.

The Galo Welfare Society, on behalf of the Galo community, highly
appreciate and acknowledge the dedication, hard work and love of Dr.
Mark W. Post, `Igoo Rbaa, `Il Rbaa and the other Compilers of this
Dictionary, and will always cherish their significant contribution to Galo
welfare.

Er. Tomo Basar Shri Huzar Lollen, IAS
General Secretary President
Galo Welfare Society Galo Welfare Society





vi

Introduction


This volume is the first ever large-scale Dictionary of the Galo language of
Arunachal Pradesh, North East India. It is, however, a very preliminary
work. Official recognition of the Galo language has only been completed in
2008, and the first Galo language textbooks will only be introduced into
schools in Galo-dominated areas of Arunachal Pradesh in 2009. Both this
Dictionary and the mentioned textbooks are based on Galo Script, which
itself was only finalized and adopted by the Galo Welfare Society in 2008.
All of the Compilers of this Dictionary have completed whatever work they
could in their spare time only, trying to approximate in the space of only
two or three years what teams of professional lexicographers often spend
ten to fifteen years to complete with full dedication. Accordingly, there are
certain to be mistakes herein, and/or other points which are unclear and
should have been clarified, for which the Compilers can only apologize in
advance and beg for our readers patience and understanding.

A serious difficulty which we are only beginning to address concerns
dialect variation within the Galo language. While most of the Compilers of
this Dictionary speak `Laree Galo, the variety of Galo spoken mainly around
the Baasar area, there is in fact a large number of Galo dialects and
subdialects, which are spoken widely throughout West Siang District,
Upper Subansiri District, and East Siang District in Arunachal Pradesh. A
full survey of all Galo dialects would take many years of constant effort,
and while we have begun this survey, it is nowhere close to completion at
the present time of writing. Therefore, we have chosen to base this Edition
of the Dictionary on the `Laree dialect of Galo, although we have also
included a certain number of Puugoo Galo words where this was possible.
We intend to expand the number of Galo dialects that we are able to
include in the dictionary; however, we hope to do this in a systematic
manner. Therefore, it will take additional time and we must beg apologies
from speakers of Galo whose pronunciation and vocabulary is not well-
represented in this Edition.

Other challenges relate to the structure of Galo language, which is quite
different from the structures of English, Hindi, Chinese, or other languages
with long histories of writing and dictionary-making. While in English or
Hindi, for example, it is relatively easy to identify most meaning-units as
words and list them in dictionaries, in Galo and other Tani languages it is
vii
often difficult to do so. For example, consider the Galo word `immen stroll.
The first part of this word comes from innam to go, while the second part
is a suffix -`men which means play or do something playfully. So, while it
is easy to list English play as a word in a dictionary, what to do
with -`men? It isnt a word; however, failing to list it in a Galo dictionary
would make the dictionary incomplete. This is only one of hundreds of
similar problems encountered, for which in some cases only partial
solutions have been found up to now.

Despite the incomplete and partial nature of this Dictionary, we have
decided to publish this First Edition for one major reason: we are running
out of time! Only forty or fifty years ago, one could travel to a Galo village
and find that every single man, woman and child in the village spoke
fluent Galo, and learned and used other languages (such as Assamese,
English and Hindi) as second languages for education, work, government
purposes, and general communication with outsiders. Nowadays, however,
we find that these major languages are replacing Galo in the speech of
many Galo people. Even in so-called interior villages now, it is possible
to find Galo children and young adults who speak fluent English and
Hindi, but who can barely speak Galo at all. What is the future of the Galo
language under such conditions? Children who do not speak Galo cannot
teach Galo to their children, pure and simple. Unless parents can teach Galo
language to their children, without additional support, the Galo language will die.
We find this situation intolerable, and cannot sit back and do nothing about
it. We must do whatever we can.

With these facts in mind, we have begun a community-based project of
Galo dictionary-writing, script and textbook development, and language
research for one major reason, and that is to preserve the Galo language. That
means: we wish to honour the legacy of our ancestors and enable future
generations to appreciate Galo language and culture. But we also wish to
celebrate what we believe is truly a rich and beautiful language on its own
terms. The world is changing quickly, and Galo children can and should
continue to advance in society by learning major languages such as
Hindi and English. But this does not mean that it is necessary or even
advisable for Galo children to give up their mother tongue. It is possible,
and preferable, to have both. By teaching children the richness of Galo
language, Galo children will be able to understand much of the way of
thinking of a Galo ancestor, and will be able to see the world in a unique
and irreplaceable way. We believe that this will help rather than hinder
their cognitive development, as studies by international psycholinguists are
now beginning to show. We believe that this will also help Galo children to
viii
develop a coherent personal and social identity, which is both modern and
yet rooted deeply in longstanding tradition, and help avoid the social
problems of identity loss and disenfranchisement which are common in so
many other places. We cannot force Galo children to maintain their
language and culture. But up to now, the fact is that many Galo children
have not had a choice. How can a child who is sent to a boarding school in a
distant land, who spends most of his childhood away from his home
village, be expected to learn his or her mother tongue? We must give them
and all Galo children the choice to maintain their language if they choose,
by teaching it to them directly and, when that is not possible, by providing
them with materials so that they can learn, or supplement their knowledge,
by themselves. We hope that this Dictionary will constitute a solid first step
in that direction.

Galo Language Development Committee
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

ix

Acknowledgements

This book would not have been possible without support and aid of
various kinds (financial, logistical and moral) from a large number of
people and organizations over a long period of time.

The Galo Welfare Society sincerely acknowledges the contribution of Er.
Gaken Ete, Chief Engineer (WRD), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar
for sponsoring the publication and printing of this First Edition of the Galo-
English Dictionary. GWS while thanking Er. Gaken Ete wishes him all
success and happiness in life.

Er. Tomo Basar Shri Huzar Lollen, IAS
General Secretary President
Galo Welfare Society Galo Welfare Society



In addition, the Compilers would like to sincerely thank the following:

Toomoo Baasar, Moogii Oorii, Kto `Sooraa, Takoo Daabww, Toomoo
Rbaa, Boraa `t, `Tabom Baam, `Tumk `Bagr, Jiken Rbaa, Bomtoo
Rbaa, Idam `Bagr, Gumjum Haidar, Puutk `okr, `Tajap Keenaa,
`Rokom Baado, Huujar `Lolen, `Gyum Paaduu, `Teejum Paaduu,
Jumbom `Koyu, `Dooaa Rbaa, Jarjum `t, Karken Ciram, `Maraa
Ciram, Martoo Rbaa, Isaac Modi, Dakkar Gaaraa, and R. M. W. Dixon,
Alexandra Aikhenvald, and Randy LaPolla at The Research Centre for
Linguistic Typology at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.


Lastly, but, in fact, most importantly, we all thank:

All members of the `Galoo community of Arunachal Pradesh, who have
kept your language alive for us to learn. This book is for you, and for your
children.

x

About Galo language

Galo is a language of the Tani branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family,
one of the largest and most diverse language families in the world. Galo
may be spoken by anywhere from around 80,000 to 130,000 people in some
form, mainly in the West Siang, Upper Subansiri and East Siang Districts of
Arunachal Pradesh, North East India. Galo people have close cultural,
linguistic and social connections with other Tani tribes of Arunachal
Pradesh, notably Hills Miri in the West, Tagin in the Northwest and Adi in
the East, among others. According to Sun (1993; 2003) and Post (2007), Galo
is to be classified as a Western Tani language, with its closest linguistic
relations to Nishi and related tribes. Galo has also been referred-to as Adi
Galo. Adi and Galo people have traditionally shared close cultural
connections, are often exposed to one anothers languages, often make
efforts to learn one anothers languages, and therefore can often
understand each other relatively easily. However, in their pure forms, Galo
and Adi are not mutually intelligible and are to be identified as distinct
languages on these grounds. In addition, one often finds the spelling
Gallong. This is in fact an exonym, which is not used by Galo people in
general.

In 2008, the State Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh approved recognition of
Galo as an Official Language of areas of Arunachal Pradesh in which Galo
speakers predominate, with a distinct grammar and script. In early 2009,
the International Standards Organization (ISO 639-3) also recognized the
existence of Galo language, and recorded the official name of the language
as Galo. This book is a Dictionary of that language.

Dialects of the Galo language

Galo is a single language. By this it is meant that all Galo people can
understand each other when speaking Galo without great difficulty.
However, Galo has several dialects. This means that from region to region,
village to village, and clan to clan, Galo people speak slightly differently.
Sometimes differences are in pronunciation, sometimes in the actual words
used, sometimes in the meaning of those words, and sometimes in the way
they are used (i.e., the grammar). This makes it very difficult to design a
unified Galo dictionary. If words like hottum bear and hor wild boar
are also pronounced as sottum and sor, does that mean that the words
should be given twice once in the h section and once under s? Or should
xi
they be written with an oblique hottum/sottum or sottum/hottum? In that case,
should they go under the h section or the s section? And how can a
dictionary user whose Galo is not perfect understand which form is the one
they should use? Is it all just random?

The important thing to note is that these differences are not in fact random.
Someone who says sottum does not usually say hor, and someone who
says hottum does not usually say sor. Instead, expert speakers speak in
relatively consistent patterns, and these consistent patterns make up the
Galo dialects. We think that these patterns are very important, and can teach
us much about the history and heritage of Galo people and about the
richness and diversity of Galo culture. Therefore, we have decided in this
dictionary to not simply randomly include whatever words we could
without regard to dialect, but instead to carefully identify words according
to the Galo dialects that we know.

The problem is that not all Galo dialects have been comprehensively
studied at this point, because this is a project which requires several years
of continuous work. Therefore, instead of misrepresenting Galo dialects
which we dont know well, we have based this Dictionary on the `Laree
dialect of Galo as it is mainly spoken around Baasar area, simply because it
is the variety of Galo which we know best. In using `Laree as a standard
pronunciation, we do not mean to imply that `Laree is better or more
correct. However, we need to have a basic reference variety against which
to measure all other varieties, and for this purpose we have chosen the
variety which we know best.

We have also tried to include as much as we could of the Puugoo dialect of
Galo, mainly as it is spoken around the Aaloo area. Wherever a Puugoo
form is entered in the dictionary, it is identified as (P). Wherever a `Laree
form is contrasted with a Puugoo form, it is identified as (L). A very small
number of forms from the Dapo-Rjoo/Baar-Rjoo area which are not
found in either `Laree or Puugoo dialects are also included here. They are
identified as (NW) (for North-Western). However, please note that the
only fully comprehensive work contained here has been conducted on
`Laree only, and if a form occurs with no identifier, it should not be
automatically assumed to be pan-Galo (despite that this is usually, in fact,
the case). Similarly, the examples are almost exclusively written using
`Laree pronunciation, again in the interest of accuracy and consistency
keeping in mind the limitations of our knowledge and experience. We hope
to produce a more precise, inclusive, expanded edition of this dictionary in
xii
the future, and we invite any interested potential volunteers to join us in
this effort.


Goku Agom

Goku Agom, or Galo classical/ritual/poetic language, is a very important
part of Galo heritage, but it is also something which requires much time
and effort to be put into research. Up to this point, we have only been able
to compile a very small number of Goku words, with only very basic
definitions. We hope very much to include more such words in future
editions, although since accurate representation of Goku Agom requires
extensive and detailed knowledge and experience, it is our sincere hope
that people who know far more than we do about Goku Agom will take the
initiative to produce materials of their own for the benefit of everyone.
xiii

Orthography and Alphabetical Order

This International Edition of the Galo-English Dictionary is written in an
IPA-based practical orthography. It differs in several ways from the Galo
Script (`Galoo Ennam) which has recently been adopted by the Galo
community to write Galo language, but also incorporates a number of its
features.

The main differences beween `Galoo Ennam and the orthography employed
here are the consonants and , and vowels and , which are written as q,
x, w and v in `Galoo Ennam, respectively. The reason for reverting to IPA
norms for this International Edition is that most international users of a
Galo-English dictionary will already be familiar with IPA-based
orthographies, and are likely to find radical departures from IPA norms
jarring and cumbersome for their own research purposes.

However, some non-IPA aspects of `Galoo Ennam are also employed here,
for a variety of reasons. First, affricates c and j are chosen to write IPA
and , as in `Galoo Ennam (IPA palatal glide j is, accordingly, written as y).
This follows the Americanist tradition relatively closely, and avoids having
to write out geminate affricates which are common in Galo using
sequences of digraphs. For example, peccaa fool is written for IPA peaa.

It has also been decided to retain the Galo system for marking tones, which
is quite different from most standard practices. Namely, an accent marker
` marks only words specified for a Tense tone (phonetically low or
rising-falling, depending on word structure/length), while words specified
for a Plain tone (phonetically high and level) are left unmarked; in more
general practice, tone symbols would be carried in both cases, and marked
over the rhyme of a tone bearing unit. For many purposes, this will not
matter much; for example, users interested in simply determining the tonal
category of various lexemes (as for comparative purposes) will be able to
find these categories accurately distinguished in this Dictionary, despite the
non-standard representation. This is because all lexemes, most affixes, and
most functional words in Galo are specified for one of the two mentioned
tones; only a handful of articles and postpositions (and possibly some
affixes) are tonally unspecified. However, for some more advanced
applications, users may find this representation disappointing; for example,
Plain words are not formally distinguished from morphemes or words
which are unspecified for any tone. Accordingly, determining the behaviour
xiv
of the latter forms will largely be a matter of deduction (by examining tone
spreading behaviour in sentence examples). Similarly, the surface phonetics
of Galo tones, which interact with other prosodic features such as rhythmic
accent and syllable weight, are severely underdetermined by this
representation. Nevertheless, since the majority of users of this Dictionary
will be mainly interested in lexical rather than sentence-level-prosodic
information about Galo, and since further alteration of the representation
given herein would have required a disproportionate expense of resources
and energy, it was decided that the simplified `Galoo Ennam representation
of tones would be retained.

A final and quite serious drawback of the orthography used in this
Dictionary concerns non-representation of breathy versus glottal (stop) onsets
to otherwise vowel-initial words. This is an extremely important aspect of
Proto-Galo prosody which is unfortunately completely ignored in the
representation given here. The reason for this is that prosodic onset
contrasts are robustly retained in only a few Galo dialects; in several other
Galo dialects, including the `Laree dialect which forms the primary
reference point for this Dictionary, prosodic onset contrasts have decayed
to the point that even expert speakers are not able to recognize or
reproduce the relevant distinctions. One is hopeful that a future edition of
this Dictionary will be able to take greater account of more conservative
Galo dialects which robustly retain the proto-prosodic onset contrasts, but
we are not yet at that stage.

For the alphabetical order used in this Dictionary, it was decided to follow
the devanagari sort order which is already in widespread use throughout
the Himalayan region, and indeed throughout most of East, South, and
Southeast Asia. Devanagari order provides just as insightful an organization
of the phonemes of Galo as it does the phonemes of many other Asian
languages (particularly, those of Indic and Tibeto-Burman stock).

Sort Order

Vowels: a i u e o

Consonants: k g c [] j [] t d n p b m y r l s [s ~ ] h

Tones: 1) Plain *or* unspecified: (unmarked)
2) Tense: `

xv

Orthographic conventions

In this section we explain the orthographic conventions of `Galo Ennam
which are retained in this International Edition as they relate to Galo
prosody and morphophonology. For more detailed discussions of most
topics presented here, please refer to Post (2007).

Long and short sounds (consonants and vowels)

Unlike in English, Hindi or Assamese, Galo has long and short sounds in
both consonants and vowels. In Galo Script, short sounds are symbolized
using a single letter. Long sounds use two letters:

a aa panam to cut paanam to hover
i ii jinam to give piinam to prick
u uu unam to boil uunam to be awake
e ee `henam to pull `heenam to bear fruit
o oo `onam to fall oonam to tend
nam to pound nam to slither
nam to spread nam to decant

k kk `ako old `cokko chin
g gg `ago warm/hot yggoo circle
ao strange ao five

c cc `aco breast `accoo quiet; slow
j jj `ej clothing ejjum wring out
ai elder sister aii little bit

t tt `ato grandfather etto wrote
d dd `yad how much `yaddm when
n nn `giinam to transport `ginnam to wipe

p pp `apii darling appii four
b bb tab snake tabb its a snake
m m nam house `namm facial hair

y yy `ayo night `ayyom at night
r rr par will chop narr will borrow
l ll alo salt alloo tomorrow
xvi

s ss `isi water `iss its water
h ohoo rope; cane


It is also important to note that Galo has vowel length at the ends of words.
Although it may be difficult to notice in some cases, this is an important
part of the Galo sound pattern:

alo salt aloo bone (or aloo day)
ai elder sister alii seed
al good al forepaw

Some important properties which differentiate long and short vowels are:

1) word-final short vowels usually disappear when followed by
another word, whereas long vowels dont:

Abo Tanii Ab Tanii The Father of Humankind
aloo pookoo aloo pookoo skeleton

2) word-final short vowels which are preceded by only two
letters/segments (not three) disappear and cause a preceding
consonant to geminate (double) when followed by certain
grammatical words such as and `m, whereas long vowels dont:

ai + a its elder sister
al + all its good

alii + alii its a seed
al + al its a forepaw

Special phonological processes in Galo

Consonant voice copying within words

In Galo, most words end either with a vowel (such as ), a nasal consonant
(m or n), a liquid consonant (only r) or else with a voiceless consonant (k or
p). When word roots ending in a voiceless consonant form new words, the
voiceless consonant is sensitive to the following root and generally changes.
That is, if a voiceless consonant has a voiced consonant to its right, it will
also become voiced:
xvii

alak arm/hand lagbor palm of the hand
rap door `rabgo doorway


Consonant place copying within words

Roots ending in nasal consonants m or n also change when they are used to
form new words. They move to the place of articulation (location in the
mouth) of the following consonant. For example:

`igin basket variety `gig `igin basket spine
adin meat dimpaa chopping block
`Siyom river name Yogoo river name


Total consonant copying within words (-nnam verb forms 1 and 2)

Certain roots which appear to end in -n in fact fully copy any following
consonant. If they occur at the end of a word, they are pronounced k. If they
are followed by a vowel, they are pronounced g. These are roots which
once ended in *-t or *-s (they still do in Adi and Mising), but which have
changed in Galo. Other roots which appear to end in -n in fact do end in -n,
and these roots do not assimilate. Since it is not possible to differentiate a
real and a copied -n in the citation forms of verbs, we have adopted a
convention of marking the non-copying roots with a (1), and the copying
roots with a (2). For example:

cinnam (1) to pick `cinduu picking
cinto picked
`cinl want to pick
cinr will pick

cinnam (2) to throw a spear `cidduu throwing a spear
citto threw a spear
`cill want to throw a spear
cirr will throw a spear



xviii
Vowel deletion at ends of words

As we saw above, short vowels are usually deleted when they are followed
by some other word. According to this pronunciation, they are not written
in this dictionary, except in the main entry:

Abo Tanii Ab Tanii The Father of Humankind
alo go al go some salt
`ato-`ayo `at-`ayo grandparents
aci-abo ac-abo mature man
al `duu al `duu fine
`hn `hn ` its a tree


How to read and write Galo tones

Recognizing and writing tones is one of the most challenging aspects of
writing in Galo. However, it is also necessary, since hundreds of Galo
words are differentiated by tone only. Plain words are spoken with a
normal, level pitch; they are unmarked in Galo Script. Tense words are
spoken with a rising-falling pitch; they are marked by a symbol ` at the
beginning of a word.
1
For example:

Plain Tense

aci elder brother `aci pain
ibo guest `ibo priest
tab snake `tab sugar cane
ai tooth `ai heavy
au fat; grease `au spicy; chilli taste
ai elder sister `ai two
adr tired `adr unnaturally oriented
an leaf `an mother
tak squirrel `tak body louse

In general, if a tone is marked on a word in the dictionary, it is marked on
that word in a sentence, even though the contour of the pitch may be
slightly different for contextual reasons:

1
Note that this is not the same as present tense or past tense in English
grammar. Tense tone refers to the added tension in the vocal cords produced
when making these sounds.
xix

`b `ok acc `na Hes my elder brother.'
`b `ok `ann ` `na Shes my mother.

Another important point regards suffixes. In general, if any word contains a
suffix with a Tense tone, that word will itself be Tense. In this example,
donam is a Plain verb, but the Imperfective suffix -`duu is Tense. Therefore,
the word resulting from their combination is also Tense:

donam to eat + -`duu Imperfective `doduu (not doduu)
donam to eat + `-l Desiderative `dol (not dol)

If a Plain verb has a Plain suffix, the resulting word is also Plain:

donam to eat + -to Perfective doto (not `doto)
donam to eat + -r Irrealis dor (not `dor)

Any Tense verb will always be Tense, no matter what kind of suffix it
takes:

`duunam to sit + `-duu Imperfective `duuduu (not duuduu)
`duunam to sit + `-l Desiderative `duul (not duul)
`duunam to sit + -to Perfective `duuto (not duuto)
`duunam to sit + -r Irrealis `duur (not duur)

Here is the basic rule: if any part of a word is Tense, that entire word will be
Tense. If all parts of a word are Plain, that entire word will be Plain.


Where to put spaces between words

Word spacing can be extremely difficult in Galo. This is because Galo
grammar and Galo phonology operate somewhat differently in the way
boundaries are assigned to words. This is a common thing in Tibeto-
Burman languages, but it can be very frustrating when working out a
writing system or learning to write.

The majority of words in Galo are disyllabic (made of two syllables).
Examples are alak hand/arm and donam to eat. But this is not a
requirement. Several words are also monosyllabic (made of a single syllable).
Examples are ii person and paa dawn.
xx

The problem begins when grammatical forms are added. Grammatical
forms are usually not very good as independent words, and they tend to
lean on nearby words. Therefore, it can be tempting to write them as part
of the same word. But if we listen closely, there are differences between
what happens inside a word and what happens at the words edge. For
example, the special phonological processes discussed above happen
only inside words, not at a words edge. In the below example, note that -p,
as in kap- cry becomes -b when it occurs next to a voiced consonant inside a
word, but not when it comes at the end of a word, as in `rp begin:

kap- cry + -rp begin + -`duu Imperfective kabrp `duu

But now, note that the same -p in -rp begin becomes -b when it occurs
inside a word:

kap- cry + -`l want + -rp begin + -`duu Imperfective kabl `rbduu

Therefore, it is important to write kabrp and `duu as separate phonological
words even though -`duu Imperfective is a grammatical suffix. In this sense,
although kap-rp-`duu is a single grammatical word, it is realized in Galo as
two phonological words: kabrp and `duu. Since most Galo writers tend to try
to reflect their actual pronunciation when writing, we have also tried to
follow this principle.

Another important point regards tone marking. If kap-rp-`duu is written as a
single word kabrpduuwhere do we put the tone mark? In fact, kabrp is a
Plain word, while -`duu is a Tense suffix. So, can we put the tone mark in
the beginning: `kabrpduu? Probably not. Compare `kabl + -`duu, a Tense
word plus a Tense suffix. This word sounds different: `kablduu. If we write
`kabrpduu and `kablduu the same way, this violates the way Galo people
actually speak and makes the tone symbol almost meaningless. Instead, if
the phonological words are written separately, as they are spoken, then the
tone symbol can accurately represent pronunciation and reading and
writing become easier:

`kabrpduu kabrp `duu
`kablduu `kabl `duu

A similar problem concerns the Accusative (object) marker `m. This is a
very common word which sounds very much like a suffix, in that it leans on
a preceding noun. But here we have the same problem with tone marking.
xxi
Consider `opoo rice beer + `m Accusative and ohoo cane; rope + `m
Accusative. If we write `opom and `ohom, the sound is different, but the
spelling is the same. But, if we write the words separately, then the
pronunciation and the spelling match:

`opom `opoo `m
`ohom ohoo `m

This rule is followed even when the combination of a word plus the
Accusative create a disyllabic sequence (normally, a good word). This
may be difficult to grasp at first, but it is important to ensure that the
pronunciation and the spelling match:

tab snake + `m tabb `m
`tab sugar cane + `m `tabb `m

Finally, we note that certain grammatical words do not have an assigned
tone, but instead take tonal spreading from a neighbouring word. The most
important such example is , which functions as both an article and a
copula. When following a Tense word, is realized `. When following a
Plain word, is realized :

tab snake + tabb
`tab sugar cane + `tabb `

Conclusion

This section has outlined a basic system for writing Galo using Galo Script.
However, we are sure that other people will have other ideas, and it is also
possible that the system that we have outlined here does not suit the speech
of some particular Galo dialects which we have not considered. If this is so,
we hope that people will bring any problems they encounter to the
attention of the Galo Language Development Committee, and help us work
toward solutions. Everything in this book is a work in progress. Lets
complete it together.

xxii

Abbreviations

The following part-of-speech abbreviations are used:

ace. adjectival compound element
adj. adjective
adj:expr. expressive adjective
adj:mono. monosyllabic adjectival root
adjs. adjective suffix
adv. adverb(ial)
advs. split adverbial
art. article
clfr. classifier of kind (root form)
clfqr. classifier of quantity (root form)
cnj. conjunction
cop. copula
dem. demonstrative
expr. expressive
int. interjection
mono. monosyllabic
n. noun
n:clf. classifier of kind (nominal/citation form)
n:clfq. classifier of quantity (nominal/citation form)
n:kin. kinship term
n:num. numeral (nominal/citation form)
n:qual. qualifying noun
n:rel. relator noun
n:time time noun
name. proper name
nce. nominal compound element
num. numeral (root form)
onom. onomatopoeia
pcl. particle
pfx. prefix
poet. poetic/ritual
pos. postposition
pro. pronoun
xxiii
pro:int. interrogative pronoun
pros. pronoun suffix
v. verb (root)
v:c.arg. verb (root) with cognate (related) argument (noun)
vce. verbal compound element
vi. intransitive verb (root)
vt. transitive verb (root)
vd. ditransitive verb (root)
vs. verb suffix
vs:asp. verb suffix with aspectual function
vs:adv. verb suffix with adverbial function (predicate
derivation)
vs:advs. split adverbial suffix (predicate derivation)
vs:advsr. split reduplicative (repeating) adverbial suffix
vs:mod. verb suffix with modal function
vs:nf. non-final (subordinate) verb suffix
vs:nzr. verb suffix with nominalising function
vs:val. verb suffix with valence changing function


How to read an entry


-`kv Var: `-k (occurs in non-phrase-final positions). pros. 's. Gram: Genitive case
marker, occurring as a suffix to pronouns and demonstratives. `nok amin
`vm `menji `laka! 'Tell me your name!' See: `g Genitive case marker.
Variant
form
Headword
Explanation
of variation
Part of
speech
English
meaning
Grammar
Example
of use
English
translation
Cross-
reference

xxiv
a `aajin
1

A - a
a pcl. o! Hey! Gram: Vocative enclitic
on terms of address, epecially proper
names and kinship terms. Often
occurs together with Vocative
enclitic go to form an expression of
entreaty, as O my dear so-and-so.
Aci go acc a! `om `l ` geegap
`duu! Hey brothers, O brothers!
Im stuck on this rock! Ai
Mumsi go, Ai Mums a! no
`ok `lo `aaduu `b `rr ku! O
my dear Elder Sister Mumsi, you
must come to my (place, to marry
me)!
-aa vs:adv. toward. Gram: Venitive
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb is directed
at/to/toward here or
at/to/toward home. baa `tokee!
Bring it here! `rlii-boom
`laalee `laa, no nam lo gaa rku,
`i? After taking the Rili-Bongo,
youll bring it home, right?
`mrum `glk `menaa `duu.
Theyre continually talking since
last night (up to the present).
ppp paa kaa. The egg rotted.
`aa dem. that, on the same level, to
the east or west, or in an
unknown direction. `aa ii `k
`duud `ben. There seem to be
some people over there.
-`aa vs:adv. away. Gram: Andative
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb is directed
at/to there, off or away from
here. doo `oaa `duuku. The
sun is setting. `raa `tokee! Toss
it away! o `iss `m `paa kaa. I
threw away the water.
`aar n. sharp edge of a blade.
Usage: (P).
`aak n. itch. `aak `rduu. Its
itchy.
adj. itchy. `aak `agben `jaaduu!
Its just too itchy!
aak ace. See: ajik-aak disturbing.
`aakii nce.
See: `aakii-taaii-`taaree
dragonfly.
`aakii-taaii-`taaree n.
dragonfly. Var: aaii-aaree (P).
`aako n. entrance.
`aak Var: `aak (P). n. chest; area
of the lungs, ribcage and
mammary glands.
aagoo n:rel. west; direction of
sunset.
`aacoo Var: `aasoo (P). n. prefix.
Gram: Term in Galo grammar
denoting a type of affix (aatm)
which occurs prior to the word stem
to which it is affixed. Examples of
Galo prefixes include ta-
Masculine diminutive and ya-
Feminine diminutive. See: aatm
affix.
`aajin vi. stretch, as with tiredness;
stretch out. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound.
`aajin-aataa `aaruk
2
`aajin-aataa vi. stretch; stretch out
ones arms and chest, as to relax.
`aajup adj. lightweight.
aai n:poet. mithun. Usage: Goku.
aataa ace. See: `aajin-aataa stretch.
aatar n. variety of mushroom,
either same as or similar to a
chanterelle.
`aat n. 1 knot or joint on a
length of bamboo; branching
point from which leaves on a
stalk of bamboo or some other
type of reed or grass emerge.
`aat `labnam to hack the knots
off a length of bamboo.
2 knuckle of a finger.
See: `guucup tree knot.
aatm n. affix, especially suffix.
Gram: Term in Galo grammar
denoting a meaningful piece of
language smaller than a word, which
may be attached to a word to affect
its grammatical status and/or
change its meaning. See: `aacoo
prefix.
aanam vie. 1 enter, as a room,
house, a river, or any other
enclosed space. `hil-aanam to
dive into a river.
2 come; move toward a focal
reference point. luk `kook
`b, `yoo ` aar ku `d? After
April, what comes next?
3 go home; go to ones home
(house or home village).
4 walk or move on the same
topographical level, without
ascending or descending. `b
`aakur kumaa. Hes not coming
back (on the same level).
5 set, of the sun. doo `aaduu
ku. The sun is setting.
6 marry, of a woman; take a
husband. `b `t `lo `aaduu.
Shes married an `Ete (man).
`aanam vi. wail; cry with great
force. `aala `gogdu wailingly
crying.
`aan1 n. tea leaf; tea leaves.
`Aan2 name. Brahmaputra; more
specifically, section of the
Siang/Brahmaputra river
beginning near Pasigat when it is
no longer bounded by mountains
and is able to spread freely
throughout the floodplains.
aapam n. fog; mist especially of the
type almost perpetually drifting
over the Arunachali jungle. `hro
aapam maaji `dagee. The fog
was incredible this morning.
See: tapam snow; ice.
aapuu n. white tea; milk tea.
`aapuk n. heart (the organ).
aaboo n:rel. front; front side of a
structure. nam aaboo front of
the house.
`aab n. third use field; field being
used for the third and final time
before fallow period.
`aamik vt. hypnotize; immobilize
or paralyze a living thing by
manipulating its attention, as a
python does before striking or a
human being is when faced with
sudden impending danger such
as a landslide.
aar n. back or rear paws of an
animal; hind legs of an animal.
`aarm `mempk `laku. Its hind
legs broke.
`aaruk n. tea leaves which have
been already-used; steeped tea
`aaro aen
3
leaves.
`aaro n. lung; lungs.
Aaloo name. district headquarters
of West Siang District, Arunachal
Pradesh. Largest town in West
Siang district, and de facto
capital of the Puugoo dialect
area. Paleonym Along.
`aalok n. plain tea; black,
unflavoured, un-sugared tea.
aal n. black tea; red tea; tea
without milk.
`aahen Var: `aasen (P).vt.
smoke-dry, as fish, particularly
as carried out on the
diagonally-positioned drying
rack suspended from the base of
a fireplace shelving complex.
`nun oii `m `aahen tob `ree?
Have you dried the fish yet?
ai nce. See: ai-agam luck; agom-ai
topic.
ai-agam n. 1 luck. 2 religion.
See: agam providence.
aii Var: iijuu (P). n. tooth (any kind).
`aii adj. heavy. `aii namm `joolaa
maa. You cant pick up the
heavy ones.
`aik adj. cold. Usage: (P). See: `ark
cold (L).
`ain ace. See: `ain-`apak decrepit.
`ain n. treasure; ornament; thing of
value.
`ain-`apak adj. broken down;
decrepit, as of a vehicle or other
machine.
`ain-`murkoo n. money; cash;
wealth; funds. See: `ain treasure;
`murkoo money.
ai! int. oi! Usage: Interjection with the
intended function of quite
forcefully commanding a
hearers attention, as when a
child is not answering an
already-insistent question, as
when being scolded.
`au adj. spicy; hot; chilli taste. adin
`au `. The meat is spicy.
au n. grease; fat; oil.
adj. oily; greasy; fatty. adin au .
The meat is fatty.
aup n. rib; ribs; ribcage.
aup-`reeroo adj. of a rice plant, to
be at the stage when leaves begin
branching out into long lengths.
aum n:num. three. aum go `jilaa
`kee. Give me three.
adj. be three; be a quantity of
three. aum `duu `lakaa! Its
three, for goodness sake (I
expected it would be two)!
`aum n:clfq. mouthful of something,
especially liquid.
aur adj. loose. Usage: (P). See: ahur
loose.
aek n. stomach (the organ).
aek-cr n. corner of the torso;
lower side of the body, the area
under the armpit and above the
waist, especially the area on the
same level as the stomach.
See: aek stomach; cr corner.
aen adj. fast; quick; speedy. Gram:
usu. followed by `b `aen `bkee!
Hurry up (go quickly)!
aen n. shoulder strap of a dao
sheath, or belt-strap of a knife
sheath. See: gen loom
back-strap.
`ao akii-arii
4
`ao n. child; especially, son.
`ao gnam vt. be pregnant; be
carrying a child.
`ao bnam v:inc.arg.O. bear a
child; have a baby. `kohuk `m
im `laanam `, `tapek `m `ao
bto. Having taken a dried-up
leaf as a wife, the leech was born
as their child. See: `ao child;
bnam hold; bear.
aok n:clfq. grasped handful, as the
result of grasping into a pile of
leaves.
`ao-kai Var: `ao-`ab (P). n. eldest
child. See: `ao child; kai big.
`a dem. that very far away, on the
same level, to the east or west, or
in an unknown direction.
a n. body; especially, human body.
a `m `mm ` `gulaa. His body
was burned by fire.
n:qual. self; own, in the possessive
sense. Gram: May also be used to
denote all singular reflexive nouns
(according to context), including
myself, yourself, itself, oneself;
himself and herself rap a
cikkok hikaa. The door opened
by itself. a `g alak `dollom
`duu. They pound the paddy
with their own hands.
a-a n:qual. selves; each and every
one of ourselves, yourselves, or
themselves. In possessive sense,
our/your/their own. `ar `gon
`ogo, `bulu a-a `g nam lo
ikaa ku. The next morning
they went back to their own
homes. a-a `g `amin `m
`meji `tokaa. Tell him all of
your names. See: a self.
ak n. unease; lack of confidence.
adj. uneasy or without
confidence, as when experiencing
vertigo or when in the presence
of the opposite sex. ak `doo?
Are you dizzy (at that height)?
ar n. sweat.
`a dem. that way over there, on the
same level, to the east or west, or
in an unknown direction. `a
`rken maa. Its not nice way
over there.
`ar n. strip of flesh taken from the
back of an animal, viewed as a
cut of meat. `ar go `rji `tokee.
Cut him a strip from the back.
-ak vs:adv. dare. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject dares to
bring about the event/state indicated
by the verb.
akak ace. clean. Usage: Usually
occurs in compound.
See: abin-akak razed.
akak-alak adj:expr. naked or empty
feeling; feeling of missing
someone or something which
should properly be there.
akak-alak ! I feel naked (as
though something which I
should have is not with me)!
akii n. belly; stomach; guts;
innards. `bk akii al `maaduu.
He has a stomach ache.
See: kiinam to disembowel (an
animal).
akii-arii1 Var: lkii-lrii (P). adj.
store carefully and well, as a
museum curator. See: anam
keep; store.
akii-arii2 adj. adamant;
argumentative and pushing ones
own points or opinions.
akii-jugnam `ako
5
akii-jugnam vi. have diarrhoea;
have loose motion/bowels.
See: akii guts; jugnam run.
`akin1 ace. muddled; impeded;
confused. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: `akin-`amin
muddled.
`akin2 n:poet. packet made from
wrapped oko leaf.
Usage: Goku.
`akin-`amin adj:expr. confused, of
a person or his thoughts, as well
as a jumble of objects; mixed up;
hodgepodge; all over the place.
`akin-`amin `dak. Its all
muddled up.
`akin-`arin adj:expr. hopelessly
messed up; tangled beyond
repair, as loom threads which
have been twisted around
improperly.
akuk n. bark; skin; outer covering
of a non-animate entity, as the
bark of a tree or skin of a fruit.
akup adj. upright.
`akum adj. forceful, of an action;
hard. `akum `b no nkt kaa.
You should poke forcefully.
`akum-aum adj:expr. curled;
curled up, as thread, an insect, or
reflexively-curling leaves.
akee-aree adj:expr. selfish.
`akek1 n. kidney. `kookek `ijcin
`akek kaamaa `na. Even now the
`kookek bird has no kidneys.
`akek2 nce. See: `ahik-`akek
remainder.
`aken n:num. one. `aken go `um
only one.
n:qual. 1 alone; by oneself; one
ones own. Usage: generally
followed by Topic marker.
o `aken ` `looi-loum go
`mootum `lo `rlaa `cin bohi
maa! If I stayed on my own in
the jungle for two or three days I
wouldnt be scared a bit! `lk
`lo, `un `aken ` rto. In the
past, we lived alone.
2 same (one); single. `bulu attr
`lken gob, nam `aken `lo,
`yuppom toku. They, the group,
slept all together as one in the
same (in a single) house.
`aken-`aken n:qual. one by one;
one after the other. `aken-`aken
`b `aatok! Come one by one
(not all at once)!
aken-aken n:qual. n:qual. each one;
each and every one. aken-aken
`menna. each one said...
aken-aken `m `orduu. We
distribute (the fish) to everyone.
2 n:qual. one another; each other.
Gram: sense found when occurring
together with a reflexive predicate
`bulu aken-aken `mok hir.
They will kill one other.
aken-aken `m nmii hikaa `laa
`mb. We should punch each
other.
aken-aren n:qual. few remainders;
one or two stragglers. aken-aren
`rt `nacin, al `b rt kaa. The
few or you who remain there,
live well.
`aken-`aren adj:expr. one or two; a
few. `jipen ` `aken-`aren `gol
`p. It seems that one or two
were left out. See: `aken one.
ako ace. See: adk-ako arrogant.
`ako adj. old, of a non-living thing.
`akko Its old. `ok namm
akoo `agum
6
maaji `b `ako `duuku. My
house is very old.
akoo n. handle, of any instrument,
tool or container.
`akop adj. dented. See: `akop-`arop
dented.
`akop-`arop Var: `akop-`ayop (P).
adj:expr. dented.
`akor n. letter of the alphabet;
symbol; character (in writing).
Source: Assamese.
akor n:clfq. pace; step taken as a
measuring unit, as when
measuring the length of a surface
area.
ak n:kin. maternal uncle or uncles,
viewed as a super-ordinate
category of relation. Usage: used
in reference, not address.
`ak pos. via (by way of), of (from or
belonging to) or in the general
direction of somewhere on the
same level as, to the east or west
of, or in an unknown location
relative to the place of speaking.
`ak int kaa. Go via that way.
akk-ark adj:expr. emaciated;
withered; of a person, skinny
past the point of being attractive;
of a vegetable, spindly and
unhealthy-looking.
akr nce. See: akr-doomr
swallow (bird).
akr-doomr n. swallow, and/or
other variety of quick-starting,
small and bent-winged bird.
adj. restless; agitated.
akr-doomr `b jargoo `laa. He
flitted around restlessly.
`akk pos. from somewhere on the
same level as, to the east or west
of, or in an unknown location
relative to the place of speaking.
`m `gojoo `akk `yobloo `duu.
Hes jumping off/from the
platform. no `akk `ree `aadak
`ko? Are you coming from
there?
akk n:num. six.
`akc int. whew! That was a close
one! Usage: Interjection expressing
alarm at having been on the
brink of catastrophe. See: `akck
brink; verge.
`akck adj. brink or verge, as of
disaster or catastrophe.
Usage: generally occurs as
supporting word/compound
element. `b `ogo hidaa `akck
to. Then he was on the brink of
death.
akc n. branch, of a tree. See: agb
branch.
`akt n. flock of crows or ravens.
agak n. bunch; however much can
be held by grasping with the
hand, as leaves or vegetables.
agam n. providence; fortune; luck;
success. agam `b, `dei! Good
luck!
agam-gakoo n. omen of good
fortune associated with a
particular ritual made at a time of
marriage. See: agam providence.
aguu n. 1 kettle handle; handle of
a kettle.
2 handle, of any kind.
`agum n. exterior; outside. `agum
`lo `mat `b `induu ku. They
went to the outside to search
some more.
n:rel. outside; out. o `agum
`agum-`parmoo `agraa
7
`nenlaa `rd? Can I go
outside?
`agum-`parmoo n. menstruation;
literally, outside prohibition.
See: `agum outside.
`agee n. gap, in time or space.
ager n. work; job; profession; task.
Source: Minyong (Adi). `b ager
`rlaa maato. He couldnt work.
`ago n. heat. `aggo `om `a-`alaa
`moduu. Heat makes me tired.
dooi `ago `b `unu rk into.
We went to the fields in the heat
of the sun.
adj. hot; warm. `ag `guben
`jaaduu. Its just too bloody hot.
agop n:clfq. handspan; measured
length from tip of thumb to tip of
little finger with all fingers
outstretched.
agom1 n. 1 speech; language;
word. Galo agom The Galo
language.
2 point, in an argument or
story; matter; what someone has
to say. no `m `megr, `b `m
`megr; agom `yoomb
`meken `doob? You say this,
Mark says that; how will you
arrive at a consensus?
agom2 nce. See: aruu-agom
uneven terrain.
agom-ai n. words; topic; theme;
subject matter; contents of a point
or other object of discussion.
See: agom word.
`ag n. blunt edge of a blade;
backside of a blade.
`ag n. store; storage area; space
for keeping things. Var: lg (P).
agnam vt. layer sheets, especially
leaves, to form a storage
container, as when making a rice
beer filter. `poopr `lo `okkom
`aglk `tokee. Stop up the rice
beer filter with leaves.
agnam vt. scoop liquid from a
container, as when transferring
water from a bucket to a surface
being cleaned. Usage: Not used to
describe scooping of non-liquid
items, such as salt or grains.
agnam vt. hook something; hang
something from a hook. `boolup
`m `agla at `kee. Keep your hat
hung up.
aktup-akci vt. of an obstacle,
block ones way when carrying
something large and heavy, as
when trees catch ones load
when walking through the
jungle.
`agnam vt. furious; angry.
`agl vt. be angry at someone; be
furious or enraged at someone.
`agn n. stem of a plant; trunk of a
tree. See: an leaf.
`agbee n. crow, particularly of the
relatively smaller, scavenging
variety found clustering around
human settlements and cities.
agb n. branch of a tree. See: akc
branch.
`agyaa n. fermented soybeans.
`agraa n. variety of hardwood tree
used for construction and
firewood. Smooth, almost
birch-like bark with wrinkles at
branching points, distinctive
arrow-like leaf with gathering on
front surface. Blood-red sap is
agree aci
8
found in a channel down the
centre of the trunk and branches.
agree nce. See: agree-`googee
rainbow.
agree-`googee n. rainbow.
See: `googee arc.
`aglo n:time. second moon cycle of
the year, roughly mid-January to
mid-February. Usage: may be
used to refer to the international
calendar month of February.
Var: hlo (P).
`aaa adj. See: `aaa-`araa lonely.
`aaa-`araa adj:expr. lonely;
despondent, possibly with an
overtone of helplessness or
foolishness. `bull iii `rm
`nunu `aaa-`araa rku `com.
When they leave, I suppose
youll be lonely.
`a-`alaa adj. beat; fed up; had
enough; exhausted.
`ain adj. naked; nude; bare;
without clothing.
ao Var: ad. n. 1 different thing;
strange thing. `hg a go;
`okk moo. This is a different
one; its not mine.
2 difference. a `yaa kaamaa.
Theres no difference between
(those two things).
adj. 1 different. a `duu. Its
different (from the other one). or
Its strange (in general).
2 strange; peculiar; odd. a
`ruu `empaa! How horrible (I
dont feel that way at all)!
aoo nce. See: alii-aoo
generation.
`a n:kin. daughter in laws sibling.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the sibling (brother or sister) of a
daughter in law, i.e. any wife of
any of ones sons or grandsons.
ao n:num. five.
acaa Var: asaa (P). nce.
See: acaa-`kayaa blackmouth.
acaa-`kayaa Var: asaa-`kayaa (P).
n. variety of blackmouth, a tallish
(~ 6-7 ft.), bush-like plant with a
red stem, a reddish tint to the
young leaves, a light purple
Solanum-like flower, and dark
blue fruits which blacken the
mouth when eaten. Melastoma sp.
Var: asaa-`kayaa (P). See: `kayaa
black.
acam Var: asam (P). n. subset;
portion. acam `gonna `tolk `duu.
A subset of them support (the
idea).
n:clfq. tens place, for multiples of
seven, eight and nine. acam
`kan seventy. acam `piin
eighty. acam `keaa ninety.
`aci Var: ac; `asi (P). n. 1 pain; hurt;
injury. no `moomii himaa
`naggee boolo, `aci go `paamaa
hae. If you hadnt quarrelled,
you wouldnt be feeling hurt.
2 illness.
adj. 1 in pain; feeling pain.
2 harsh; strong; hard, as rain in
a severe storm or a terrible fall.
no aii go...`aci `ruub nkt
`kaa! Youll have to...give her a
really good poke! idoo `aci `b
oto. The rain fell strongly/hard.
aci Var: asi (P). n:kin. elder brother.
Usage: used to refer to or address
ones elder brother by blood or
by kin. May also be used to refer
respectfully to a non-relative of
aci-abo acci
9
the same gender, who may be
more or less older than oneself.
Sometimes also used by married
women to refer to ones
husbands brother, although this
may be a recent usage which is
not well-established in some
areas.
aci-abo Var: ac-abo; asi-abo (P). n.
mature man. `b ac-ab `ruub
`rruu `duu! Hes such a man!
See: ai-abo mature woman.
aci-`ab n. elders. See: aci elder
brother; `ab elder.
aci-`abr Var: asi-`abr (P). n.
younger siblings. See: aci elder
brother; `abr younger sibling.
aci-kai Var: asi-`ab (P). n. eldest
brother. See: ao-kai eldest child;
ai-kai eldest sister.
acin Var: asin (P). n. cooked rice.
acin-oo Var: asin-oo (P). n.
prepared food; cuisine. See: acin
cooked rice; oo vegetable.
acin-ji-oo Var: asin-ji-oo (P). n.
foodstuffs, and suchlike.
See: acin-oo foodstuffs.
acin-paarin Var: taasin-purin (P).
n. variety of plant with small,
edible red berries growing close
to the ground; possibly false
solomons seal.
acuaa Var: asuaa (P). int. soooey!
Usage: Interjection used for calling
pigs.
`acen Var: `asen (P). adj. believable.
abb! oii `acen maa! Wah!
There are so many fish (in the
river) its unbelievable!
`acen-`aren Var: `asen-`aren (P).
adj:expr. decide; come to know
something; make up ones mind.
`acen-`aren kumaa. I cant
decide.
`aco Var: `aso (P). n. 1 breast, of a
female or male; mammary gland.
2 milk; breast milk.
`acr Var: `asr (P). n. seed; pellet.
`acr-`abuk Var: `asr-`abuk (P). n.
pockmark. See: `acr seed; `abuk
pod.
ac Var: as (P). n. offshoot;
extension; body made up of
connected extensions, as a ginger
or bamboo rhizome. takee ac
go a ginger rhizome.
adj. apart; separate or separatist;
contrarian. `b ac-pr b
`rlaa. He wouldnt mingle with
the others.
ack Var: ask (P). nce. piece; section
broken or cut off from a whole.
Usage: Usu. occurs in compound.
See: ack-park splinter.
ack-ark Var: ask-ark (P). n:expr.
splinter.
ack-park Var: ask-park (P). n.
wood splinter; smallest possible
piece of wood, generally as
residue from chopping.
acc-`accoo Var: asso-`assoo (P). adj.
very, very quiet. `ac-`accoo `b
ii `kaapaa `komaa `b kegee
kaa. Run away carefully without
letting anyone see you.
acci Var: ajji (P). nce. fraction; mere
fragment. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: aii-acci bits
and pieces.
int. whew! That was a close one!
Usage: spoken when one
experiences a close shave, as
`accoo aj-ay
10
when one was about to fall but
just managed to save oneself.
acci! Whoa, that was a close
one!
`accoo Var: `assoo (P). adj. 1 quiet;
careful; stealthy.
2 disregarding of others; caring
(only) about ones own situation
in carrying out some action.
adv. 1 carefully; stealthily.
2 casually; without hurry or
worrying about potentially bad
consequences. hoo `njr
`gonna `acco!...rk `m `tupk
jikaa ku. One of the young
cows, wha-hey!...head-butted his
pig to death.
`accoo `b adv. quietly.
`acco! int. aha! Hold everything!
Just a cotton-pickin minute!
Usage: used to indicate a sense of
discovery or realization of a
secret, desire for stealth as one
hatches a plan, or indication of
ones own or another persons
intent to be cunning in obtaining
an objective. See: `accoo quiet.
`ajap n. flat side of something; such
as a stone.
adj. flat, of an object with a side or
broad surface, such as a spent
pouch of tobacco.
`ajar adj. overjoyed; fawning, as a
dog when seeing its master;
running about in a flighty and
obsequious way.
ajik ace. See: ajik-aak disturbing.
ajik-aak adj. disturbing; annoying.
`ajek n. expert; someone skilled at
something. Usage: Generally used
in the negative, to describe
someone who isnt good at
something. `yoo `ajek maa!
What a loser! `yoo `ajek go!
How useless!
ajek n:clfq. 1 slice, as of meat;
ripped-off section, as of clothing.
2 little bit; little thing.
Usage: usually used in an abstract
sense. o ajek go `marnii
`marnaa `duu. Im getting a little
bit angry.
`ajek-apaa adj. valuable.
Usage: Usually used in the
negative, to describe something
or someone not valuable or
good-for-nothing. `ajek-apaa
maa good for nothing. See: `ajek
expert; apaa whippersnapper.
`ajen n. friend.
vt. 1 befriend someone; bond
with someone, as one man to
another man or one woman to
another woman.
2 engage in or be in a sexual
relationship with someone, as a
man to a woman.
`ajen-`amen n:expr. friends and
acquaintances. See: `ajen friend.
`ajen-arum n. circle of friends.
See: `ajen friend; arum family.
`aj adj. proud; prideful.
`ajr n. cash; change; coins.
aj1 adj. scattered; scattered about;
messy and disorganized.
See: aj-ay scattered about.
aj2 n. penalty; fine. `ok `yoo aj
kaamaa. Theres no penalty in it
for me.
aj-ay vi:expr. higglety-pigglety;
all jumbled or mixed up, as ones
possessions or things lying about
ajr aii-cakkoo
11
the house. See: aj scattered.
ajr ace. See: ajr-amr restless.
ajr-amr adj:expr. restless and
flitting about, especially of a
woman; not sit silently. `b
ajr-amr `nago. `accob `duumaa.
Shes a restless one. She never
sits quietly.
aj`jaa adj. real. See: al `jaa; jij `jaa.
ajji-arii n. bits and pieces.
Usage: (P). See: aii-acci.
ajjii adj. little; small. Usage: (P).
See: aii little.
ai Var: a. n:kin. elder sister.
Usage: used to refer to or address
ones elder sister by blood or by
kin. May also be used to address
non-related women who are
slightly older than oneself.
`ai n:num. two.
n:qual. both. Gram: followed by `
`a ` `bm `maduu ku. They
both went to search.
adj. be two. `ai r. It will be
two.
ai-abo Var: a-abo. n. mature
woman. See: ai elder sister; abo
father.
ai-ab n. eldest sister. Usage: (P).
See: ai-kai eldest sister.
ai-kai Var: ai-ab (P). n. eldest
sister. See: ao-kai eldest child.
`ai-bup`paa Var: `ai-up`paa.
n:qual. both; both of them.
See: `ai two.
`ai-bup`p Var: `ai-up`p.
n:qual. both; both of them.
See: `ai two; bup`p
everyone.
aum ace. See: aum-ah dirty.
aum-ah adj. dirty; filthy.
`a n:time. year.
`a n. shame.
adj. shy.
`a-`aso Var: `a-`aco; `a-`as.
adj. ashamed; shy.
ak n. eye.
ak-taluu n. eyeglasses; glasses.
Usage: reportedly prevalent in
Kamdak area. See: ak eye;
taluu plank.
a ace. See: ahum-a dirty.
ac adj. freezing; extremely cold.
Usage: rare in Galo; common in
Minyong. add! ac ! Ayaa!
Its freezing!
aii Var: ajjii (P). n:qual. bit; little
bit. `am `lok aii go `cilla.
They planted a bit of paddy.
`ahik-`akek aii go `dagdu `p!
I suppose a tiny bit might be
remaining!
adj. little; small. aii `na dooluu
gollo, o kai `icaa to. I grew up
in a small village.
`aii Var: `ajjii (P). adj. teeny; tiny.
aii-acci Var: ajji-arii (P). n. bits
and pieces; bits and bobs; small,
unimportant details, matters, or
aspects of a matter. aii-acci
`m `pak `tokee. Dont worry
about the bits and pieces.
aii-acci go `cenduu. (I) know
a little bit (of English). See: aii
a little; acci fraction.
aii-cakkoo Var: aj`jii-nago (P).
n. very little bit; tiny amount.
See: aii little.
`ataa atr
12
`ataa n. wheat flour; bread dough
made from wheat flour. Source:
Hindi.
atak n:clfq. side. Gram: Quantity
classifier for usually rigid, solid,
more or less flat-sided things/things
with flattish surface area, such as
rivers. Often classifies split-off
fragments of a whole, such as pieces
of cut betelnut.
n. breadth of a flat thing/thing
with surface, as a river. `hibuu
`g `atak ` `yoomb `rdak?
How broad is the river now
(since its been raining)?
adj. flat. `hg `atak `nag `lakaa!
Hey, this is a flat one (I had
asked for a round one)! See: `ayar
length.
`atam n. flat side of an object.
atii n. nectar; honey. See: tao-atii
honey.
a`tii! int. oh my! How lovely!
Usage: Interjection used when
impressed by the beauty of
something.
atik n:clfq. bushel, generally of
large-sized leaves such as fan
palm or oko; 40 by standard.
See: `ahu group of four.
atuu Var: attuu. n. portion; part.
n:qual. some (of them). Gram:
Anaphorically-referring noun often
used in construction with `gonna,
giving the overall sense some of
them. atuu `gonna `tduu, atuu
`gonna tmaa `duu. Some of
them drink (alcohol), some of
them dont.
atup ace. See: atup-apen
disturbing.
atup-apen adj. disturbing;
annoying.
`atum n. clump; rolled-up or
bunched-up object or mashed-up
ball of a substance, such as soil.
`atum `tumi go two balls or
clumps of e.g. soil.
adj. stout; rotund; well and round.
`atum-`alik Var: `atum-`alek (P).
adj. stout; squat; short but fat, as a
pig, certain types of dog, or a
short, fat human. See: `atum
clump.
`ato Var: `at. n:kin. 1 grandfather.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the father of ones father or
mother.
2 father-in-law. Usage: used to
refer to or address the father of
ones spouse (husband or wife).
3 owner, as of a property;
master; lord. Usage: highly
respectful term used to refer to or
address a male of property,
power, and/or from whom many
descendants and much influence
is thought to follow.
`Ato `Hapoo name. name of a
legendary Galo ancestor.
`ato-`ayo Var: at-ay;
j-`kakam (P). n.
grandparents, i.e. grandmother
and grandfather. See: `ato
grandfather; `ayo
grandmother.
at n:qual. group; crowd.
atr Var: attr. n:qual. group of
relatively large size, generally of
humans/animates. Gram:
Qualifying noun usually following
another noun, often together forming
the sense as a group, or groupwise.
`un attr `Lk-Balii inr. We
`at `ad!
13
will all go to Likabali (as a
group). atr lo `jappoo maa. I
dont have the courage to speak
in front of large groups of
people.
`at n. section of bamboo; length of
bamboo between two knots,
potentially also including one
entire knot.
at n. bamboo section.
atk n:clfq. 1 chip; hunk; piece of
an item resulting from the action
of tgnam chopping or
hacking.
2 length; stretch. Gram: Quantity
classifer for lengths or stretches of an
entity with extension or length, such
as a section of five or six beads out of
a string, or a stretch of road or river
attor adj. hard, as of a bed; firm, as
of muscles or overcooked meat.
`att adj. big; large. Usage: (P).
See: kai big (L).
adaa n:clf. stick of. Gram: Classifier for
sticks, construed as any relatively
long and rigid, stick-like object adaa
go one stick (of something).
`adak adj. 1 tight, as of a shirt, or a
car packed full of people;
narrow. `om `adak `duu. (The
sunglasses are) too tight on me.
2 congested; of an area
inhabited by people,
overpopulated.
adap n:clf. 1 bunch of (leaves).
Gram: Classifier for bound bunches
of flat, flexible objects, such as leaves
2 volume. Gram: Classifier for
books
3 class; level; grade. Gram:
Classifier for classes, levels or grades,
as in school
`adii n. 1 mountain; hill.
2 Adi, name for an informal
grouping of tribes and subtribes
speaking several languages,
some mutually intelligible, some
not.
3 Adi language, an informal
label for a variety of mainly
Eastern Tani languages.
adin n. meat; flesh; muscle.
adu n:clfq. forearm span; the length
of one forearm, used in
measuring.
aduu n:clf. section of (bamboo).
Gram: Classifier for sections of
bamboo, from knot to knot
See: uduu section of bamboo.
`adup adj. chafing; irritating, as the
burning sensation from the touch
of a chilli pepper, or when dirt
gets in a wound.
adum n. head hair. See: `am body
hair.
ado Var: ad. n. sound; noise. `araa
`lok ad kaamaa. There was no
sound from inside. See: dunam
make a sound.
`adoo Var: `odoo (P, L). n. distance.
adj. distant. bdaa `adoo `doona.
(Its) a long way.
ador n. body of an animal. ador `m
`abg `maatuu. I didnt hit its
body (when I shot).
n:clf. head of. Gram: Classifier for
higher (four-legged) animals,
including mithuns, cows, goats, dogs,
mice, turtles and lizards but not
including snakes, insects or birds.
See: dor- Classifier for higher
animals.
`ad! int. wow! Usage: Interjection
adk anam
14
used when shocked or impressed
by the size or power of
something.
adk n. person who is rightfully
proud of himself. ! adk go!
Oh! Hes such a pain in the ass!
or Oh! What a bore (no reason to
attend to it)! (spoken in irony).
adj. proud. `b adk `b ms
`duu. Hes proud of himself (in a
positive way). See: `adup
irritating; adk-ako ignore
someone.
adk-ako adj. arrogant; proud and
boastful. `b `om adk-ako `b
`rlaa. He ignored me out of
pride. See: adk irritating.
adk-ahk adj:expr. find importance
in someone; see someone as
worthy of response.
adr adj. 1 tired; fatigued;
exhausted, as when muscles and
joints are aching following hard
labour.
2 uneasy; uncomfortable.
`adr adj. 1 distorted in shape; bent
out of shape, as a car which has
been in an accident; in an
unnatural shape or orientation,
particularly of a more or less
rectangular entity which would
more naturally be lying
face-down, such as a body lying
on its side, a book lying on its
spine, or a body twisted along
the breadth and deliberately
made thin in order to pass
through a narrow gap. `oloo
`deelaa, `adr `b `intok. You
might fall, walk breadth-wise
(along the wall).
2 rectangular in shape.
`adr-abar adj. shapeless; formless;
without shape or form. See: `adr
distorted.
adr-amr adj:expr. exhausted;
super-tired, as from working all
day.
ad Var: add (P, L). adj. short. ii
ad `nago a short man.
adk n. difference; different one.
adk `yaa kaamaa. Theres no
difference between (those two
things). adk `hmb `na. The
difference (between the meaning
of those two words) is like this.
adj. different. adk-adk `na
different kinds/varieties.
Syn: `bdk.
adm ace. See: adm-amm
lethargic.
adm-amm adj:expr. lethargic.
`add Var: `ad (P). n. strength;
hardness; durability.
adj. strong; hard; durable.
add! int. wow!
adlii n. 50 cents, 50 paise.
anak nce. See: apuk-anak hasty.
anam1 vt. parch; dry-fry; fry
without oil.
anam2 vt. 1 keep; place; set. `og at
`ke. Keep it over there (near
you). See: lnam keep (P).
2 do completely. Gram:
Auxiliary-like final verb following a
nonfinite predicate in -`laa.
Indicates a complete, full or
well-secured performance or
iteration of the main event. o
`ram `laa `atuu ku. Ive done
everything (properly;
completely). rap `m `hdaa `
`ttum `laa akaa. Taking a stick,
anin `an-gtuu
15
they propped the door shut.
`ok kodee `m `diir `laa ar. Ill
demarcate my land.
anin n. manageable quantity;
amount that can be dealt with.
Usage: Usually found in the
negative, as anin maa a ton
(an amount that cant be dealt
with). Ab Tanii `g `dooy `
anin goku `ree? There is an
incredible number of Abo Tani
storied (lit., Are the Abo Tani
stories of a manageable
quantity?, a rhetorical question).
See: anin-`maab countlessly.
anin-`jaab adv. countlessly; in
countless numbers.
See: anin-`maab countlessly.
anin-`maab adv. countlessly; in
countless numbers; an
unbelievable amount.
`hot-`hoo anin-`maab rto.
Tons of wild animals were
there.
`anek n. hate.
adj. jealous. See: -`nek bad (to).
`anoo nce. See: `anoo `dnam.
`anoo `dnam v. variety of chant
uttered in traditional religious
ceremonies, such as the mithun
sacrifice at a idaa wedding.
anr n. part which is falling off of or
which has been separated from a
whole.
adj. separate or become separated,
as a part which should be
attached to a whole. `teksi akoo
anr `dakku `lakaa! The kettle
handle has come off!
`an1 n. stem; trunk; main body of
or entire plant/tree. `hn an go
one (entire) tree. `ann `m `jilaa
`kee. Give me the entire tree.
n:clf. stem of. Gram: Classifier for
things with a more or less cylindrical
or stem-like shape, such as any plant
or tree. As a classifier for trees,
denotes the entire tree, including
leaves and branches. See: `n-
Classifier for stems.
`an2 n:clf. tail of. Gram: Classifier for
fish
`an3 Var: `an. n:kin. mother.
Usage: used to refer to or address
ones mother by blood or kin.
n. female, especially female
animal. ap `dakkom `an
`dakkom puuluu `duu. Whether
male or female, theyre white.
an Var: an. n. leaf. Usage: used to
designate a living, not fallen,
dead, rotted, or dried-out leaf, for
which separate terms exist.
n:clf. Classifier for living plants of
all kinds.
`an-abo Var: `an-ab. n:kin.
1 parents; mom and dad; ma
and pa. Usage: used to refer to,
but generally not address, ones
or anothers biological parents.
2 recent ancestors; still-living or
recently-departed predecessors
or forebears. See: `an mother;
abo father.
`an `nnam v. variety of song
or chant filled with sadness.
`an-gtuu Var: `an-gtuu. n.
womens leaning pillar. One of
the main house-posts, rising
through the interior space just
adjacent to the `oohi-`pekoo,
conveniently placed where a
woman should sit, and may wish
to lean against. See: `an mother;
gtuu pillar.
`an-am `apee
16
`an-am Var: `an-am. n.
married woman; middle-aged
woman (35-ish). See: `an
mother; am
daughter-in-law.
`an-indum n:poet. mother.
Usage: Goku. See: `an mother.
ann! int. wow! Usage: Interjection
expressing wonderment,
amazement, impressiveness, etc.
apaa1 n. whippersnapper; young
and energetic person.
apaa2 n:clf. baton. Gram: Classifier for
baton-like things, i.e. basically
extended objects with some volume
and/or rigidity. Prototypically
classifies bananas, as well as
eggplants, pillows and cigarette
packs.
`apaa n. animal corridor; path
made by an animal. Syn: `bpaa.
`apak ace. See: ain-`apak
decrepit.
apar n. group; subset; team.
apar-apar `b `mot kaa. Get into
groups.
n:clfq. grindings worth (of). Gram:
Classifier for a grindings worth of
paddy; one set of paddy, construed
as ground in a single mortar basin
`dol apar go a mortars worth of
paddy.
`apii n. sweetie; dearie.
Affectionate nickname for a
female human individual.
apik n. soil brought to the surface
by burrowing animals or insects,
such as ants, worms, and
rodents. See: eepik excrement
deposited on surface by a
burrowing animal.
`apik n. 1 bubble; foam, as from
boiling milk or a churning river.
2 scum; milk scum, i.e. the
filmy surface of boiled/boiling
milk.
`apin n. skin.
apuu n. flower.
`apuk n. particle. See: apuk-aluk
particles.
apuk adj. hasty; in a hurry.
apuk-anak adj. hasty; hurried; in a
rush and without proper
preparation.
apuk-aree adj. hasty. See: apuk
hasty.
`apuk-`aluk n:expr. 1 particles.
2 bamboo pith; bamboo
fragments created as a result of
chopping bamboo. See: `apuk
particle.
apuk-aluk adj:expr. hasty; hurried.
See: apuk hasty.
`apum n. heap; hulk; pile; a
rounded object of any size,
composed of one thing or many
things; of group-dwelling insects,
a cluster or swarm. taik `apum
pile of (swarming) bees. taruk
`apum pile of (swarming) ants.
`ej `apum pile of clothing.
See: `pumnam to pile.
apee n:clfq. 1 bunch, as of bananas;
hand of bananas. `kopak apee
`peeyaa `duu. The hand of
bananas is big.
2 sheet of flattened bamboo
wall; Classifier for walls. oopee
apee go a sheet of flattened
bamboo wall.
`apee adj. fatigued; tired out,
particularly of ones muscle or
`apek abaa
17
muscles after doing a particular
job for some duration; cramped
up.
`apek adj. perseverant. `b `apek
`nag `na. Hes a perseverant
one. See: `apek-`arek
perseverant.
`apek-`arek adj:expr. perseverant.
apen ace. See: atup-apen
disturbing.
apo n. male, especially male animal.
apoo n. breadth, as when
measuring.
n:clf. trunk of. Gram: Classifier for
solid (not hollow) pole-shaped things,
such as trees or batteries `hn apoo
tree (trunk focus).
adj. breadth-wise. apoo `b `bla
`induu. Hes going along
carrying it breadth-wise.
apoo-jrjoo n. Blackbreasted
sunbird. Variety of small
nectar-eating bird; male brightly
coloured, female dull. Generally
flies level across the breadth of a
plane at a medium height.
Aethopyga saturata. See: apoo
breadth.
apom n. cluster; group; pile, as of
stones.
apr n. 1 root, of any type or size
of plant or tree.
2 nerve or vein, as of the human
body. See: raapr root.
apr-amaa n. root, in general.
Syn: raapr-raamaa. See: apr root;
nerve; amaa creeper.
ap n. breadth.
`ap n. 1 globe; sphere; object
shaped like a globe or sphere.
2 fruit, of more or less apple
size or above.
adj. 1 round; globular; spherical.
`ap `na `l `pi go two round
stones.
2 fruiting, of a fruit-bearing
plant. `ap `pben `jaaduu. Its
bearing too bloody many fruits.
`ap-`as n. Usage: (P).
See: `ap-`ahee.
`ap-`ahee Var: `ap-`as (P). n.
fruit, of all or any variety.
See: `ap globe; `ahee berry.
`apk adj. perfect; clear.
`apk-`ark adj:expr. 1 of a
person, intelligent; sharp; perfect;
diligent. Usage: usu. occurs in
negative. `b `apk-`ark maa.
Hes an idiot.
2 of a person or his words,
clear; unambiguous. o `yoo
`apk-`ark kumaa! Im not at
all clear (about this) anymore!
`ap-remmo n. sinew. So named
because when cooked, its
contraction causes a length of
meat to roll into a ball. See: `ap
globe.
`ap-`liilum Var: `ap-riilum (P).
adj. perfectly round, circular,
globular or spherical, as a perfect
fruit. See: `ap round; `liilum
round like a seed.
appii n:num. four.
`app n:qual. all; every. dopak
`mcin `ap `m orsil dor.
Theyll distribute and eat all of
the drinking snacks as well.
abaa adj:poet. good. Usage: formal;
used regularly by some speakers
when giving a formal salutation.
`abaa abor
18
abaa `b farewell.
`abaa n:clf. type (of); variety (of);
version (of); instance (of). Gram:
Classifier for types, varieties,
versions, instances or examples of
items of which more than one type or
instance is available, as dishes, songs,
dances, and activities `abaa `naruu
`m `laalaa. They took every
type (of animal).
`abak n. sap; vegetable gum; resin.
`abar n:clf. disc; plate. Gram:
Classifier for plates, discs or
similarly-shaped things, such as
coins (or money in general), plates,
or flat shells
abar ace. See: `adr-abar.
abin n. clearing; cleared or weeded
area, in which only cultivated
plants are found.
adj. cleared; razed.
abin-akak adj. razed; completely
cleared. See: abin cleared.
abuu n. river.
n:clf. pipe of. Gram: Classifier for
pipes or pipe-like objects, especially
hollow poles, such as of bamboo
`abuk n:clf. pod. Gram: Classifier for
pods, construed as bulbous/bulging
sections of a whole, such as the
seed-bearing pods in a jackfruit,
sections of an orange, or halves of a
vagina.
`abuk-`aruk n:expr. pockmark;
flare-up on the skin, such as a
pimple, boil, or the result of a
mosquito bite.
`abur n. curse; ill fate; bad luck.
adj. cursed.
`abur-ae adj. cursed; impure.
See: `abur cursed.
abo Var: ab. n:kin. 1 father.
Usage: used to refer to or to
address ones father by blood or
kin.
2 paternal aunt. Usage: used to
refer to or address ones fathers
sister. For sake of clarity in
reference, abo `ijr may be
used to refer to ones fathers
sister, when confusion might
otherwise result. However, as a
term of address abo alone is
used. See: abo-`ijr paternal
aunt.
Abo Tanii Var: Ab Tanii. name.
Abo Tani, legendary ancestor of
humankind; particularly, as
construed as the ultimate
progenitor of the Tani
tribespeople. See: abo father;
tanii human.
abo-kornoo n. variety of bird,
Himalayan jungle nightjar, or
possibly Hodgsons frogmouth.
Caprimulgus indicus and/or
Batrachostomus hodgsoni. See: abo
father.
abo-gtuu n. leaning pillar for
men, i.e. one of the main
houseposts, rising through the
interior space just adjacent to the
mens seating area. See: abo
father; gtuu pillar.
abo-`ijr n:kin. paternal aunt;
fathers sister. Usage: Generally
used as a term of reference rather
than address; as a term of
address, simply abo is used.
See: abo father; `ijr girl.
abor n:clf. sheet. Gram: Classifier for
sheets or other spread-out things,
such as sheets of paper, leaves or
pillows o `yubdak `m abor go
`um `bduu. When I sleep, I
`ab `amo-tamii
19
only use one (pillow).
`ab adj. elder; old, of humans. no
`om `ab `yaaduu. Youre
older than me.
`abr n:kin. younger sibling.
Usage: used to refer to ones
younger sibling, whether male or
female. May be used as a term of
address, although more
commonly used in practice are
proper names.
`abr-`ijr n:kin. younger sister.
Usage: used to refer to, but not
address, ones younger sister.
See: `abr younger sibling; `ijr
girl.
`abr-yaamee n:kin. younger
brother. Usage: used to refer to,
but not address, ones younger
brother. See: `abr younger
sibling; yaamee boy.
ab n. edge or corner of an object, as
a laptop computer screen or a
cup.
`abnam vt. shoot, with a gun,
bow/arrow or slingshot. o
`hodum `m `abr. Ill shoot the
barking deer.
abbaa! int. holy moly!
Usage: Interjection expression
surprise or an impressed
attitude.
`abbuk n. gun. Usage: (P).
ab`b! int. whoa! Usage: Interjection
used to express surprise at the
greatness of a particular quantity,
size, or duration.
ablaa! int. holy moly!
amaa n. 1 creeper; spreading
plant; climbing plant.
2 tendril; creeping or grasping
section of a plant, as a
cucumbers stem and its tendril
shoots. See: ar-amaa vein;
maanam to creep, of a plant.
`amin1 Var: `amen (P). n. 1 name.
2 noun.
`amin2 n. rice powder; uncooked
rice which has been ground into
powder, to be used to flavour
and thicken dishes.
amuaa adj. satisfying.
`amuk n. 1 gas, as from a fart;
exhaled smoke from a cigarette.
2 aroma. See: `doomuk steam.
`amee n. ripe rice; rice which is ripe
ready for harvesting.
amee-eenam vt. harvest ripe
rice.
amee n. variety of brass platter,
used by a new bride to eat bridal
rice on the way from her village
of birth to the village of her
husband.
amee-ayee n:expr. brass platters of
various types; brass platters and
suchlike.
`amen n. gift; toy; plaything.
`amo n. paddy; uncooked,
un-husked rice.
amoo nce. area. Usage: Uncommon
as independent word; generally
assoc. w. Minyong. In Galo, usu.
occurs in compounds only.
See: `amr-amoo hue; aura.
amoo-`alap n. condition; physical
condition; state.
`amo-tamii Var: `am-tamii. n.
staple crop or crops of any or all
varieties. See: `amo paddy; tamii
`amk ammee
20
millet.
`amk n. powder; minute particles.
adj. powdery.
amr n. mojo; kernel or quality of
excellence, creativity or spirit in
something, such as a cooked dish
or a performance; vitality or
virtue in a prepared thing.
`amr n. 1 complexion, especially
of human skin.
2 colour; hue.
3 external feeling or condition
of a human body, as the
condition of ones skin, whether
itchy, blistered, or in good
general condition. `amr `
`eken maa. My skin/body
doesnt feel good (I need a bath).
`amr `mrlk `hiduu. Im
acclimatizing myself (to local
conditions).
4 aura; essence; presence;
manifestation of a presence.
amr-amo n. mojo. See: amr.
`amr-`amo n. 1 hue or shade of
complexion.
2 aura; presence; impalpable
manifestation of a presence, as of
an animal which one somehow
senses to be in the area, but
which one has neither seen,
heard, nor smelled. homen-ptaa
`amr-`amo `empaa kumaa. I
cant catch so much as a hint of a
birds presence anymore.
See: `amr complexion.
`am Var: `am. n. body hair (in
general). See: adum head hair.
am Var: `am. n. seed; pit, as a
jackfruit seed.
`amkoo Var: `amlii (P). n. seed
grains; planting rice; rice which is
dried, tied in knots and hung to
be used as seed grains for the
next years crop.
`amci Var: `amsi (P). n. flattened
crispy rice, obtained by boiling
in-husk, drying and pounding
flat such that the husks fall off
easily. Eaten either dry as a snack
or rehydrated in tea.
`amdaa n. crop field; main or
primary field, where rice is
grown.
amnam vt. warm something; heat
something. adin `m `amla dot
`kaa. Eat the meat warmed (not
cold).
`ampee n. rice variety, very sticky,
from which the sweetest
`xogrin can be made, as well as
`t cakes. Many Galo enjoy
this for breakfast, and
`ampee-`xogrin is especially
enjoyed in summer. Mountain
variety is reddish, wet field
variety is whitish.
ampr n. seed.
`amp n. rice husk. See: `pmk
chaff.
`ambin n. husked, uncooked rice.
See: `amo paddy.
`ambuk n. popcorn; exploded
grains resulting from dry-frying
raw grains at a high heat.
`amb pro. like that (thing which is
located away from and on the
same level as, to the east or west
of, or in an unknown location
relative to the speaker/hearer).
ammee adj. small or young, for
males only. Usage: (P). o `nom
ammee `yaado. I am younger
`amyaa ayr
21
than you. See: `omee young
boy.
`amyaa n. bad rice, especially dud
rice (which has bloomed and
gone to seed, but failed to fruit).
See: `amsuk field of dud rice.
`amroo n. dried-out stalk of rice
remaining following harvest of
the grains.
`amlii n. new rice; first rice crop of
the season.
`amsuk n. failed rice crop; dud rice
crop; crop of rice which has
failed to fruit.
adj. fail to fruit, of a rice field.
`unuk `ammo `amsuk `huam
kaaku. Our rice field dudded
out/failed. See: `amyaa dud
rice.
ayaa n. love; sympathetic feeling
towards; pity towards. ayaa go
kaamaa boolo, hir `kuco. If we
have no love, we might as well
die.
vt. love someone or something;
feel kindness and affection
toward someone or something,
as a parent to a child. o `nom
ayaa `duu. I love you. ayaa
`hilaa `ju. Lets love one
another.
adj. small; cute; lovable, generally
of a non-human.
ayaa-maab int. incredible; for
goodness sake. Usage: Interjection
used to express wonderment,
astonishment and possible pity
for someone at the difficulty or
unusual nature of a particular
situation. See: ayaa love;
sympathy.
`ayap n. area; region. `him `ayap
`him `dagg `tokee. You cover
this area (by standing there on
guard).
`ayar n. length, as when measuring.
` `ayar go a length of bamboo.
adj. 1 long; tall. `ayar maa. Its
not long.
2 lengthwise. `ayar `b `bduu.
(Hes) carrying it lengthwise.
Syn: `ahoo.
`ayup n:clf. night cycle. Gram:
Classifier for nights, construed as a
complete cycle from dusk to dawn
See: `ayo night.
`ayum n. handful; as much as can
be held in a single cupped hand.
`yumi two handfuls.
See: `yum- Classifier for
handfuls; `yumnam grasp or
scoop using one hand.
`ayo1 Var: `ay. n:kin.
1 grandmother. Usage: used to
refer to or address the mother of
ones mother or father.
2 mother-in-law. Usage: used to
refer to or address the mother of
ones husband or wife.
3 wifes brothers wife.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the wife of ones wifes brother.
`ayo2 Var: `ay. n:time. night;
night-time. `og `ay `ogo...On that
night... j aloo-`ayo `b
md-md `laku `yuuna. They
say the old man was thinking
day and night.
adj. be night; be night-time.
ayor n:clf. range, as of mountains.
Gram: Classifier for mountain ranges
ayr n. shore. Usage: (P). See: ryr
shore (L).
ay ar
22
ay ace. See: alum-ay dirty.
ayy! int. aya! Usage: Interjection
expressing alarm, frustration or
exhaustion.
`araa n:rel. inside. caina `araa `tol
`eei. It must have been up in
China.
arak n. cliff. Syn: rak.
arin Var: ayin (P). n. bud;
just-unfurling leaf of a tree or
shrub.
`aruu n. wish; desire; will. `mk
`aruu `b `rm `tok. Do it
according to his wish.
aruu n. hole; aperture.
aruu-agom n. uneven or non-flat
terrain; area full of holes and
bumps. See: aruu hole.
arum1 n. taro. Starchy tuber with a
large, water-resistant, arrow-like
leaf.
arum2 nce. family. Usage: usu. occurs
in compound. See: `ajen-arum
circle of friends.
arum3 Var: ayum (P). n:time.
evening, particularly after
darkness has fallen. arum `m o
`kaajek kumaa. I cant see
clearly in the evening.
adj. be evening. arum gamgam
`duuku. Bit by bit its growing
dark.
`arum n. piled barrier; stable pile
(as of stones), as to form a wall or
barrier to prevent erosion.
arum-`roorii n:time. dusk.
aree n:rel. top. Usage: (P). Source:
Minyong (Adi). See: `taayoo top.
ace. See: apuk-aree hasty.
arek adj. sharp, of a blade (not a
point). `orok ` maaj arek `duu.
The dao is really sharp.
`aro1 n:clfq. bundle of staffs (usually
bamboo), 40 by standard.
`aro2 n:time. morning. no `aro dobek
dokai? Have you had
breakfast?
adj. be morning.
aro Var: ayo (P). n. tongue.
`aro-komci Var: `aro-komsi (P);
`aro-`rokkom (P). n:time. early
morning. See: `aro morning;
komci early morning.
`aro-dobek n. breakfast.
`aro-rokom n:time. early morning.
Usage: (P). See: `aro-komci early
morning.
ar1 Var: ay (P). n. plain; flatland.
ar2 nce. See: ar-amaa vein.
`ar n:clf. staff. Gram: Classifier for
staffs, as of bananas, or staff-like
objects, such as a tree
ar-amaa n. vein. See: amaa
creeper; tendril.
`ark Var: `aik (P). n. cold, as a
sensation or type of weather.
adj. cold, to the touch, or of a
feeling. `ark `! Its cold (out)!
ark n:clfq. bundle. Gram: Quantity
classifier for bundles of long objects,
such as sticks
ar1 Var: ar. n. price; bride price;
dowry.
ar2 Var: ar. n. odour; bad or good
smell.
ar3 Var: ar. n. 1 taboo; restriction
on behaviour.
`ar `alii
23
2 miracle; freak happening;
unusual happening; unbelievably
strange thing. ar `jaago `lakaa!
What an (unexpected) thing!
vi. be under taboo; be subject to a
taboo; be under taboo
observance. o `hiloo ar `duuna.
Im observing a taboo today.
vt. 1 treat something as taboo;
avoid for taboo reasons. o oor
`m arduu. Im avoiding
Sichuan pepper as a taboo.
2 spurn; reject, as a leper.
`ar Var: ar; rsi (P). n. boundary, as
of a field or a state.
ar-hio Var: ar-hio. n.
inauspicious occurrence; freak
happening or occurrence which
usually carries the undertones of
a bad omen, as a sudden passing
storm when the sky had been
blue or a snake suddenly
crossing ones path.
ard adj. clever; smart; intelligent;
quick and busy. ard dakup
dalek `na ii very fast and
clever person. ard `b kegee
kaa! Go ahead and run away
smartly!
arnam1 vi. glance in any direction;
look to the side. `b `om arkaa
`duu. Hes glancing at me.
arnam2 vt. drill, as when making a
hole through the base of a
bamboo section with a knife.
arnam3 vt. render an animal;
disembowel, skin, and do
whatever else is necessary to
break an animals body down
into usable parts.
arpoo n. haunch; entire leg
including extension into buttock.
Syn: arbaa.
arbaa n. 1 haunch; thigh; of a
human, entire leg including
extension into buttock.
Syn: arpoo.
2 hind legs of a four-legged
animal.
arsi n. mirror; reflecting object of
any kind. Source: Hindi.
alaa Var: paalaa (P). n. 1 juice.
2 broth; cooking juices, as from
boiling vegetables.
3 soup.
4 fluid.
alak1 n. hand; arm, including the
hand. alak `m hukaa. I washed
my hands.
alak2 vce. miss. Usage: Rare, possibly
archaic form now generally
occurring only as a compound
element. See: alak-aak miss;
alak-acak miss.
alak-aak adj:expr. miss something
or someone; feel the absence of
something or someone. `b
`duumaa namm o alak-aak
`duu. (Due to) her not being
here, I feel a missing feeling.
alak-acak Var: alak-asak (P).
adj:expr. miss something; feel the
absence of something lost,
misplaced, or which it is felt
should be in a particular location,
but which isnt.
alap n. wing.
`alap adj. slippery.
`alii adj. new.
n. novelty; new one; new thing.
`alii `m `baa `ako `gar `b
`moduu `d. They might be
alii aloo-`loopoo
24
taking a new one and making it
look as though it were old.
alii n. 1 seed, construed as an
instrument of propagation.
2 heirloom seed.
3 breeder; animal which is of
good quality, and will be used
for breeding; stud.
4 clan; lineage; heritage.
alii-aoo n. generation. See: alii
clan.
alii-an n. seeds, grains and other
propagators of various kinds.
See: alii seed; an leaf.
`alik Var: `alek (P). ace.
See: `atum-`alik stout.
alik adj. uneasy; troubled at heart.
See: alik-aek uneasy.
`alik n. bamboo bark; very thin,
dark green layer of bark on a
stalk of bamboo.
alik-aek adj. at ones wits end;
driven to the limit; overwhelmed
by difficulties coming from
outside, such that ones ability to
cope or manage is compromised.
`omee `gadd ` `om alik-aek
`doob `moduu. The kids
driving me crazy. See: alik
uneasy; aek stomach.
a`luu dem.pos. there, to, toward, or
at a location very far away and
on the same level as, to the east
or west of, or in an unknown
direction relative to the place of
speaking.
`aluk n. 1 burning sensation.
2 frustration; depression;
inwardly disturbed feeling.
adj. frustrated; depressed;
inwardly disturbed.
alum ace. dirty. Usage: Rare, possibly
archaic; generally found as
compound element.
See: alum-ay dirty.
`alum n. clump or cluster of more
or less separable objects, as of
grass or a flock of birds. `nm
`alum clump of grass.
alum-a adj. dirty.
alum-ay adj. dirty; filthy.
alo n. salt.
`alo dem.pos. there, to, toward, or at
a location on the same level as, to
the east or west of, or in an
unknown direction relative to the
place of speaking. o `alo
`yubb `doona. I always sleep
there. o `al aamaa `rm,
roonam `paamaa r. If I dont go
over there, I wont be scolded.
`al nam `al o aakaa r. Ill go
check that house over there.
aloo1 n. bone.
aloo2 n:time. day.
aloo-pookoo n. skeleton; also, any
bone of a skeleton, whether
human or animal. Properly refers
to a bone which has been
completely cleaned of flesh,
tissue, and marrow, with no
remaining residue.
adj. stripped clean, of a bone;
clean of any tissues. aloo-pookoo
`umb `rkaa ku. It has become
all bones (free of flesh). See: aloo
bone; pookoo skeleton.
aloo-`loopoo n:time. noon;
midday; time of day when the
sun is directly overhead. See: aloo
day; `loopoo midday.
`alok `ahik-`akek
25
`alok dem.pos. from or via
somewhere or something on the
same level as, to the east or west
of, or in an unknown location
relative to the place of speaking.
`alok nam `alok ii `gadd `
`ok `ajen. The people from
that house are my friends. `alok
peel tt `kee! Put it in that
direction!
`al Var: `l. n:num. hundred.
Usage: (NW). Syn: camr.
`al n. 1 foot; leg including foot.
2 foreleg or forepaw of an
animal.
3 footprint, especially as made
by an animal.
al n. good thing; merit. o maaji
`b al go `mdak `na! I think
its a very good thing!
adj. good. al `nago a good one.
idoo obboolo al hae. It would
be good if it would rain. al
laben `jaaduu. Its too bloody
good.
vt. regard or show regard for
someone; look kindly upon
someone; feel good toward
someone. `b om `maaj alduu.
He really looks kindly
upon/feels good toward me.
al-al Var: al-al (expressive
variant); `ram-ram (P). adj.
slow; nice; gradual. al-al `b
`mendii kaato. Please repeat
(what you have said) slowly.
See: al good.
al n. forepaw; front leg or legs
and paws of a four-legged
animal, including the shoulder
portion. Generally used to refer
to the leg as a cut of meat, not as
a general term for the leg of a
living animal.
al-`pomaa n. pros and cons;
merits and demerits. `nunu
agom al-`pomam hkkaa
`maab `doola `gmpee `gob
`gmmm `yookem. Dont just
blindly join the majority without
considering the pros and cons of
each point.
aljaa adj. real. `hiloo al `jaab `ag
`duuna `na. In reality its hot
today (despite your feelings to
the contrary). See: jij`jaa real.
al`loo dem.pos. there, to, toward, or
at a location far away and on the
same level as, to the east or west
of, or in an unknown direction
relative to the place of speaking.
`alloo n:time. tomorrow; the day
following the day on which a
deictic temporal centre has been
located. `alloo `ne `inlaa `ju.
Lets go tomorrow.
`alloo-`rt Var: `alloo-root (P).
adv. in the future. See: `alloo
tomorrow; ro day after
tomorrow; `t up there.
`all adj. well; adjective stem used
to form adverbs meaning
slowly, carefully, nicely, etc.
See: al good.
asik n. scales. Usage: (P). See: ahk
scales.
ase! int. scat! shoo!
Usage: Interjection used for
chasing away dogs.
`aso ace. See: `a-`aso ashamed.
`ahaa n. cook; chef. Source: Hindi.
`ahik nce. See: ahik-akek
remainder.
`ahik-`akek n. remainder; portion
ahin ahk-amk
26
remaining after some portion has
been removed. `ahik-`akek
`aii go...`dagduu `p! I
suppose a tiny bit might be
remaining!
ahin Var: asin (P). n. liver.
ahu n:clfq. fours; group or set of
four. Gram: Quantity classifier for
forming higher abstract numerals on
a base of four. Appears to derive
historically from a tradition of
counting in four positions-per-finger,
i.e. 1) fingertip 2) first knuckle 3)
second knuckle 4) third knuckle. In
theory, any number can be expressed
in `ahu; in practice, however, only
lower abstract numerals are
generally so formed. Most often used
when counting off items (such as
bundles of fan palm leaves) which
are naturally counted in fours, or
whose higher-order grouping is a
standard multiple of four (such as
one `aro bundle of sticks). o ahu
go dokaa. I ate four of them.
`ahuk n. scent coming up from or
given off by something, as a
flower or dead animal.
ahup Var: asup (P). n. nest.
adj. disorderly; chaotic;
disorganized. ptaa ahup birds
nest. ahup ! Ive had enough of
your roughhousing!
See: ahup-ayap disorderly.
ahup-ayap Var: asup-ayap (P). adj.
disorganized; messy; chaotic;
disorderly. See: ahup nest; ayap
area; tahup-tayap random
noise.
ahur Var: aur (P). adj. loose, as of a
shirt.
`ahee n. 1 berry.
2 inner flesh of a bamboo stalk,
i.e. the yellowish part remaining
after the thin dark green skin
layer has been removed.
ahoo n:clf. length of. Gram: Classifier
for long, thin things such as rope
`ahoo n. extent; extension, whether
vertical (tallness) or horizontal
(long-ness).
adj. extended; long or tall,
especially of relatively thin items
such as ropes, trees or human
beings. Usually not used to
describe constructed items such
as houses. ii `ahoo `nago a tall
man.
`ahor n. length, as when measuring
a house. `ahor `m `horkaa to.
Determine the length (of the
wooden beam).
adj. long. See: `ahoo long; tall.
`ahor-`ayor adj:expr. spindly; long
and stringy, like noodles or
vegetables boiled with the roots
on. See: `ahor long.
`ah n. 1 origin.
2 head of a river. `hibuu-`ah
river head.
ahk Var: asik (P). n. 1 scales; skin
of a fish. oii ahk fish scales.
2 flake, as of peeling paint.
ahk-amk adj:expr. careless.
ahk-amk `yookaa! Dont be
careless!
`i `iipee
27
I - i
`i pcl. eh? Gram: Tag marker occurring
at the end of a sentence, marking the
information as something that the
speaker is checking with the
addressee, to learn his or her opinion
about it. no acin `dokai? Have
you eaten (believing you have)?
`ii n. blood.
`iik1 Var: `hiik (P). adj. grainy;
containing residue such as sand,
as in fish innards or
inadequately-washed vegetables.
okii `iik `duu. The fish guts
are grainy.
`iik2 vt. praise someone who has
done well. Syn: `koik. `ao `m
`iik `issuu `laa. They spoiled
their child through (excessive)
praise.
iikuu n. 1 fermented, diced
bamboo, used as a delicious,
sour-tasting flavouring
ingredient for many Galo dishes,
especially boiled pork and boiled
fish.
2 any dish which has been
prepared using iikuu
(especially boiled pork or fish).
iikum adj. numb, of the teeth (as
after a treatment at the dentist).
`iiko nce. hearth. Usage: usu. occurs
in compound. See: `m-`iiko
hearth.
iigam n. molar; rear, grinding tooth
or teeth.
`Iigoo name. Igo, name of a river in
lower West Siang.
`Iici name. 1 name of a Lare
Galo-speaking village in central
West Siang district.
2 name of a river in Daar
circle.
iijuu n. 1 front tooth or teeth.
2 tooth. Usage: (P). See: aii
tooth.
iir n. gums (tooth binding in the
mouth).
`iituu n. descending slope; falling
slope, as a hill from the
perspective of one standing at its
summit.
iituu adj. toothless; missing teeth.
iitup n. barrier encountered when
stretching out or extending the
hand.
iitor adj. bucktoothed.
iinam1 vi. bask in a fire; warm
oneself.
iinam2 vt. extend the hand. alak
`m iiduu `tokaa! Raise your
hand!
`iinam vie. 1 descend; move
downward in elevation.
2 move south; move in a
southward direction.
iipaa n. young bamboo; immature
bamboo, which has not yet
sprouted branches. Usually
marked by a white film on the
surface.
`iipee n. fermented, sliced bamboo,
used as a primary cooking
`iip `itam
28
ingredient. Made from upper
part of bamboo shoot.
`iip n. dried, fermented bamboo
chips, to be mixed in with other
ingredients as a flavouring agent.
iibuu n. beak; mouth of a bird or
similar animal.
`iiyup n. flavouring powder made
from sun-dried, fermented
bamboo.
-`ik vs:adv. separate the inner and
outer layers of a stalk. Gram:
Result suffix relating to the
separation of inner and outer layers
of a stalk-like or pole-like thing, as
when stripping a seedstalk, stripping
the skin from a leg, or removing the
excrement from intestines by
running the fingers tightly across the
length.
ikam n:kin. grandmother. Usage: (P).
Syn: `kakam. See: ikam
grandmother (P).
`ikii n. dog.
`ikii-hobee n. asshole; bastard.
Usage: derogatory. See: `ikii dog;
hobee monkey.
-ik...-ek vs:advsr. fully; not leaving
any remainder. Gram: Split result
suffix indicating that an action is
carried out fully or completely, not
leaving any remainder. `rn `ruu `
inik inek kaa. Everyone of those
who were there left.
`igin n. variety of basket; large,
long densely woven conical
basket used for carrying small
things in large quantities, such as
rice paddy.
iin n. variety of shapeless,
multi-pronged rhizome which
produces a very long climbing
vine with heart-shaped leaves.
White-fleshed tuber is commonly
roasted and eaten, either as a
snack or as a hunger crop when
rice and corn are not available.
Dioscoria alata?.
iin-takee n. variety of tapioca,
whose rhizomes are thought to
spread like ginger. Dioscorea
composita?. See: iin tapioca
(variety); takee ginger.
`iji n:time. now. `ij `ne inr. Ill go
in a minute.
`ijjaa adv. now; the present; the
present time; the time of
speaking; just now; in a moment;
a moment ago. `ijjaa `rem? You
mean now? `ijjaa dooi, `ijjaa
idoo. One minute its sunny,
the next its raining.
Ici name. name of a river in
Likabali area.
ia! int. yuck! ugh! The gall! The
nerve! Usage: used to react to a
behavioural transgression on the
part of the addressee or another
person, as when one has
negligently dirtied ones clothing
or when one admits not knowing
something which it is clearly
ones duty to know. A: `saa
tkai? B: maa, `ycin `moji maa.
A: ia! A: Did you have your
tea yet? B: No, no-one has made
it for me. A: The gall (what
contemptible behaviour)!
`itam n. element of a loin loom, a
stick used for stretching the cloth
horizontally so that it will not
collapse. Found immediately
above the point where the
`tapin is to be thrown over,
and immediately below the
`taap bunching tool.
Syn: kobdaa.
itum-`gaalum `innam (1)
29
itum-`gaalum n. variety of
bumblebee, fully black, very
large with a sharp-looking
stinger, living alone, usually
nesting in human houses.
Var: hitum-`gaalum.
`it1 n. variety of ritual chant, as
performed at a `toguu mithun
sacrifice.
`it2 n. variety of bee.
`idum n. variety of wasp, larger
than an ilo, which makes a
hive in the soil.
`id n. nosebleed; bloody nose.
-in vs:adv. forward. Gram: Directional
suffix indicating that the suffix
moves forward in the process of or as
a result of bringing about the action
indicated by the verb. dain `tok!
Put your foot forward! acin `m
`un `puc gr `laa, doin
kunam `na! We wrapped up
the rice (in leaves), and ate it on
the way back here.
`moin vi. proceed with
something; go forward while
engaged in something; go
along doing something.
inam1 vt. do. Usage: (P). See: `rnam
do (L).
inam2 v:c.arg. grow up. Gram:
Generally occurs with preceding
adjective kai big `aii `na
dooluu gollo o kai-`icaa to. I
grew up in a small village. o
`hogo `i kai-ikaa. I grew up
right here.
`Int name. name of a river in
Likabali area.
indiyaa n. India. Source: English.
indiyan n. Indian; person from
India. Source: English.
ind nce. 1 late-grower.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: tain-ind mushroom
variety.
2 short-grower; grown short, as
of a plant.
innam (1) vie. 1 walk.
2 proceed with an activity.
Non-motion-denoting sense
similar to English go on/ahead
(with a task). aken-aken
`menl innam i no `ort
`kee, `o no `ort `kee. One by
one they went on saying,
cousin, you distribute, nephew
you distribute.
go; go to someplace, moving
away from a point of reference.
inee `kukaa! Go away/be gone!
no `bolo `yoo `mot `b `induu
`eeko? What are you going
down there to do?
vt. go to a place, as when it is
anticipated that one must make a
one-off trip for some particular
reason, or when that trip forms
part of a series of trips or other
related events. o `bk namm
`m inr. Im making the round
to his house (to call him in turn
for reciprocal labour). no `yk
`iko `lola `int `duuko? With
whom are you going?
`innam (1) vt. cut something by
sliding it across a fixed blade,
(manipulating the item-to-be-cut
rather than the blade itself).
Usage: often used to describe the
cutting of intestines, which are
difficult to cut against a surface
due to the strength of its sinews
(and are more easily cut by
applying pull-tension from either
innam (2) `isi-`hil
30
end while moving across a fixed
blade). adin `m `ikaa. They
prepared (by slicing it across a
fixed blade) the large intestine.
innam (2) vt. separate the inner
and outer layers of a stalk-like or
pole-like thing, as when stripping
a seedstalk, stripping the skin
from a leg, or removing the
excrement from intestines by
running the fingers tightly across
the length.
`ijjup vi. sheathed; of a staff,
covered via an outer layer, as a
closed umbrella or a limp
penis.
vt. sheath a staff.
innam-kennam n. coming and
going. See: innam (1) go;
kennam (2) flee.
`ipin n. homestead; home. nam
`ipin go a home.
ipuk n. bamboo husk. Usage: (P).
See: `-akuk bamboo husk.
Ipp name. a kind of Galo nickname.
`imik Var: `miram (P). n. fireplace;
hearth.
`imb-koor n. variety of termite.
irom n. male boar; male wild pig.
`ilo n:time. fifth moon cycle of the
year, roughly mid-may to
mid-June. Traditionally
identified as the time when
cicadas start to sing. Usage: may
be used to refer to the
international calendar month of
June.
ilo n. variety of wasp.
ilo-gaapoo Var: ilo-gaapuu. n.
variety of wasp, making a hive
like a football, hanging from a
tree branch. See: ilo wasp.
ilo-`pumpaa n. 1 beehive; hive
of the ilo bee.
2 variety of hive-dwelling,
honey-making bee. See: ilo
wasp; `pumpaa beehive.
ill Var: illo. n. exposed penis tip.
isak n. bow, of a bow-and-arrow.
Usage: (P). See: r bow (L).
`isi Var: `is. n. water.
`isi-`opoo n. drink; thing for
drinking. See: `isi water; `opoo
liquor.
`isi-igam n. fisherman. See: `isi
water; igam hunter.
`isi-taai-`taaree n. dragonfly.
See: `isi water.
`isi-`pjap n. wild duck. See: `isi
water; `pjap duck.
`isi-`bci Var: `isi-`bsi (P). n.
variety of non-poisonous water
snake. See: `isi water; `bci
small snake.
`isi-`rob n. variety of cliff, at the
base of which water is found.
See: `isi water; `rob cliff.
`isi-rk n. wet rice field; paddy
field. See: `isi water; rk field.
`isi-`hil n. lake; pond; generally,
the water collected at the base of
a waterfall. See: `isi water; `hil
pond.
`uii uuc-uul
31
U - u
`uii n. 1 spirit; demon; ghost.
2 bastard; bitch.
Usage: pejorative term used to
insult a person when very angry.
`uii-`ao n. magician; bringer of
new, unfamiliar and possibly
dubious items or technology.
`uii-agom n. gibberish; language
which cannot be understood by
ordinary people. See: agom
speech.
`uii-`orom n. ghosts and spirits of
various kinds. See: `orom spirit.
`uii-rk n. demons and spirits of
various kinds. See: rk pig.
`uii-`kobuu Var: `uii-`kour (P). n.
variety of long-snouted rat.
See: `kobuu rodent.
`uii-tain n. variety of large,
poisonous mushroom. See: tain
mushroom.
`uii-mooraa n. spiritual
underworld; spiritual
netherworld; the next world.
`uii-`mram n. mole.
`uii-yapr-`poomr n. moth.
See: yapr-`poomr butterfly.
-uu vs:adv. awake. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the subject (of an
intransitive verb) or the object (of a
transitive verb) wakes up as a result
of the action indicated by the verb
koguu vt. awaken someone by
crowing, as a rooster. `rokpo
`pken kognam `doaa koguu
`laruu maa; `kiibo `dorken
`pnam ` `yordii `pboo
`laruu maa. The crow of a
single cock cannot awaken the
whole village. The barking of a
single dog cannot blanket the
whole mountain. (i.e., a man
alone cannot conquer the
world).
uuk n. variety of belt traditionally
worn by women, made from a
special type of fern.
`uukoo n. aperture; hole through
which light is able to pass, as the
holes in a wall.
vi. have a hole, as a bag or basket;
develop a hole. `igin ` `uukoo
`rm, `ammo `hurduu. If the
basket has a hole in it, the paddy
spills out.
`uukoo-`uuloo n:expr. holes of
various kinds.
adj:expr. ridden or interspersed
with holes of various kinds, as of
a wall through which light enters
and is directed every which way.
ckc `uukoo-`uuloo `duu. The
wall is interspersed with holes of
every kind.
`uugee n. crack or slit between the
bamboo planks making up the
floor of a house.
uug n. back, of the human body.
uugr n. hunchback.
uuc ace. glowing. See: uuc-uul
dim.
uuc-uul adj. dim, as of a small
light which doesnt carry much
voltage.
uujii unam
32
uujii adj. shallow. Usage: (P).
uun n. wound; lesion. uun gnam
to have a wound.
uunam vi. 1 awake; awaken; be
awake. `uut `kukee! Wake up!
2 shine, of a light, of the moon.
Usage: Not generally used to
describe the shining of sun,
unless a shine result suffix
-kak completes the stem. doo
uukak `duu. The sun is
shining brightly.
3 be a hole, particularly of hole
through which light is shining or
might shine.
`uucaa vi. rise, of the sun.
uun-tar n. wound; injury.
uun-tar go `paar. Youll get an
injury. See: uun wound; tar
injury.
uuyaa Var: uujii (P). adj. shallow.
Syn: ryaa.
`uur adj. deep, as of a river;
deeply penetrating, as of ones
thought into a particular problem
or topic. `hg `iss ` `uur `duu.
This (section of the) river is
deep.
`uuloo adj. shining downward.
uul ace. glowing red.
See: uuc-uul dim.
`ukc nce. See: `ukc-`baal
firefly.
`ukc-`baal
Var: `uks-`baal (P). n. firefly.
`ukpaa nce. See: `ukpaa-`pendaa
orchid.
`ukpaa-`pendaa n. orchid.
ugii n. belt of bronze discs
traditionally worn around the
waist by women.
`ugin n. vulture.
`ugjii nce. See: `ugjii-`birii
horned owl (variety).
`ugjii-`birii n. variety of horned
owl.
`ugnam vi. 1 shout when angry.
2 grunt; growl, of an animal
such as a pig or barking deer.
homen `ukkaa. The tiger
growled.
`uaa n. baby; infant.
ujuu n. spring action trap used to
catch small animals, including a
rod which is tensed and, when
tripped, traps a small animal in a
noose. Gram: generally takes
associated verb tennam (1) fix
spring action trap
`ujuk n. ladle made from a gourd.
udu nce. See: uduu.`buduu
horned owl (variety).
uduu1 n. section of bamboo, such as
is used as a container for
drinking rice beer.
uduu2 n. sitting and sleeping area
for unmarried people.
uduu-aruu n. hole running
through a section of bamboo.
See: uduu bamboo section; aruu
hole.
uduu-`buduu n. variety of
horned owl.
udum n. variety of lidded
cylindrical cane container.
unam vi. boil; be at boiling point.
`iss ` `uduu. The waters
boiling.
un urnam
33
un n. wound.
untraa Var: umtraa (P). n. orange
(citrus fruit). Source: Assamese.
-`up vs:adv. shatter; smash. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something smashes or shatters as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb.
`moup vt. shatter; smash; cause
something to become
smashed. o `hm `moup kaa.
I completely destroyed it (of a
glass).
`upuk n. arrow, especially the
shaft.
`up Var: `upo (P). n. sitting mat,
traditionally made from woven
bamboo.
ubnam vt. grope; feel around
blindly, as in dark or in dirty
water. o `igin `m `ubduu. Im
groping around in the igin
basket.
-um numr. three. Gram: root form,
used for combining with classifier
roots to form enumerative classifier
expressions See: aum three.
`um- clfqr. Classifier for mouthfuls,
of liquid especially. Gram: Root
form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. `umi go two mouthfuls.
See: `aum mouthful.
um int. yes; uh-huh.
Usage: Interjection giving an
affirmative reply to a polar
(yes/no) question or generally
indicating agreement or positive
comprehension of whats being
said.
umtraa n. orange. Usage: (P).
See: untraa orange.
`umnam1 vi. grunt, especially of a
large animal of any variety; bark,
of a barking deer. `hodum `
`umduu. The barking deer is
barking.
`umnam2 vt. boil something in
water to cook it. o ppp `m
`umkaa. I boiled the eggs.
`umnam3 vt. hold something in the
mouth, especially of a liquid such
as water. `opoo `m `ukaa
`tokee aii go. Give the liquor
a good taste (by holding it in
your mouth for a time).
umnam vi. be humid, of the
weather. tal `hiloo `umduu.
Its humid today.
vt. cause someone or something
to experience or feel humidity, of
the weather; of the heat of a hot
day, to affect someone. tal
`om `um `umdak `ben. It
seems Im the only one being
affected by the heat.
umbitaa n. papaya. Source:
Assamese.
`urum adj. brittle. ` `hg `urum
`duu. This bamboo is brittle.
`Urci name. son of `Naur. Sixth
descendant from Abo Tani.
urnam vi. shimmy through; crawl
in an irregular and snakelike
manner, as when negotiating a
narrow tunnel or moving
stealthily between trees, as when
hunting.
vt. carry, push or otherwise
transport an object lengthwise, as
when hefting a bamboo pole or
rafter into place. ` `m `urcaa
`tokee! Heft up the bamboo
(pole)!
`urnam us!
34
`urnam vt. collect. `poon `urgoo r.
Well go around collecting
`poon from everyone (to
make a common batch of rice
beer).
urpoo n. crossbeam running the
breadth of a Galo house.
`uryar n. crossbeam running the
length of a Galo house.
`uluu n. boat.
us! int. shoo! Usage: Interjection used
for driving away chickens or
other birds.
`ee `eegom
35
E - e
`ee n. excrement; shit; poop.
-ee vs:adv. away. Gram: Directional
suffix indicating that the subject goes
away from some point of origin as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. Generally used with third
person subjects only, not with first or
second. `yoolo `bree inee `ko?
Where might he have gone away
to? `b `yoolo bittr eeb `d?
Where might (the river) peter
out?
vs:mod. Hortative/imperative
suffix usually occurring on a
motion predicate, with the
overall sense do this, going
away from here in the process.
Gram: Must be followed by a
Hortative particle of some kind, such
as Inclusive hortative `juu or Polite
hortative kee. `al aakaee `jukaa.
Lets go take a look. inee
`kukee! Go away from here!
vs:asp. Anterior suffix to a
non-perfective predicate in
-`duu, -`dak or -doo. Gram:
Situates an event at some time prior
to the current time of focus, as when
skipping backwards within a
narrative to retrieve a previous
time of focus (much like English past
perfect). Requires a non-first-person
subject in both declarative and
interrogative sentences, as well as in
adverbially subordinated clauses.
allo `crt-`crt `duee. The salt
was very big. `b doddee. He
ate it (at some point previously).
`b ager `rdkee. He was
working (I dont know whether
he finished or not).
ee cop. was; had been; used to be.
Gram: Perfective copula used to
connect two nouns, a noun and an
adjective, or a noun and a
nominalized clause. Indicates that
the relation between them used to
exist, but no longer does. oee `na.
It was me (who did it). `yool
`eela kaark `hikko? Where was
it that you met him? `ao gadd,
o `ago eeku baa, `ihi go huttaa
`lap. Hey, boys, Ive gotten all
hot and sweaty, Im going to go
take a bath. `hogo, `k kaamaee
`ii. That kind of thing probably
wasnt happening here. o rk
insae `na. I should have gone to
the field (but didnt).
eenam1 vt. bind, as with rope. o
ohoo `m `eeduu. Im binding it
with rope.
eenam2 v:c.arg. solicit reciprocal
labour. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun rgee reciprocal
labour See: rgee reciprocal
labour.
eenam2 v:c.arg. harvest new rice by
stripping the ripe grains off by
hand directly into the basket.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun `amo paddy.
`amo eenam strip-harvest new
rice.
`eenam vi. excrete; defecate; shit.
`eebaa `b `eet `kee! Shit quickly
(why cant you)?
`eeko n. latrine; toilet; place
where it is possible to deposit
excrement.
`eegom Var: `eegom-`eeyom. vt.
defecate improperly; defecate
`eejik `ennam-kaanam
36
in a place other than where
one is meant to, as in ones
trousers, or inside the house.
`eegom `tuuku `lakaa! Hes
shit in the house, for heavens
sake! See: `hgom urinate
improperly.
`eejik adj. have diarrhoea; have
loose motion.
`eeh adj. constipated; unable to
effect a bowel movement. `b
`eeh `duuku. Hes feeling
constipated.
`eepik n. dung; excrement of an
insect, especially as deposited on
the surface by a burrowing
insect, such as the mud-piles
excreted by burrowing
earthworms.
`eepik-cunik n. variety of
beetle, flying, with horns.
See: cunik beetle (variety).
`eepik-tain n. variety of
mushroom, gilled with a small
hat, growing on cow dung, of
no use-value (Assamese
gubor). See: tain
mushroom.
`eemu Var: `eemo (P). n. traditional
variety of blanket.
`eeyuu n. anus.
`eerin Var: `eeyin ~ `eein (P). n.
anal sphincter; rim of the anus.
-ek vs:adv. mock. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject carries out
the action indicated by the verb
mockingly or as to mock someone
else
kaek vt. mock someone.
eken Var: ekken (P). n. variety of
loose, tub-like bamboo basket,
variously shaped but not conical,
like a large version of a
`cuukaa. Used for storing raw
rice beer and tapioca, among
other things.
`ej n. clothing.
`ej-`orok Var: `ej-`oyok (P). n.
wearables; wearable items, such
as clothing and sheathed daos.
See: `ej clothing; `orok dao.
ejjum vt. wring; twist with force, as
water from wet clothes. `ejjm
ejjum r. Im going to wring out
the clothes.
`e n. variety of broadly
arrow-leafed tapioca (taro).
eci Var: ensi (P). n. variety of tree.
Flowers bloom in March-April
and are used in the moopin
festival. Leaves are also used in
ritual functions.
-en vs:adv. raise. Gram: Directional
suffix with the basic meaning raise,
generally in the sense of vertical
rather than sloping motion. daen
`tok! Raise your foot!
`duen vi. sit upright; be
positioned upright.
`ennam (1) vt. 1 feel, in both
physical and emotional senses.
`empaa maa! I cant feel it (of a
mosquito bite)! o `endr `m
`enduu. I feel tortured by
burdens.
2 sense; notice or feel by means
of the senses (rather than by
touch).
`ennam-kaanam vt.
observation; determination;
object of study. See: kaanam
look.
`enlk elektri-`louu
37
`enlk vt. like someone; feel
something special towards
somebody.
`ensup vt. be fed up; have had
enough.
ennam (2)1 vt. 1 scoop or lift with
a stick or a sticklike tool, such as
a finger (not a full hand). o
aalaa `m `edduu. Im scooping
the broth. o tab `pk namm
`m `eppak r. Ill scoop up the
shirt (with a tool).
2 write, using a pen or pencil.
Tanii `Niipak `ne `sitii go etto.
Tanii wrote a letter to Niipak.
ennam (2)2 vt. wring. Gram: Usually
occurs in compound See: ejjum
wring out (clothing).
`epen n. strap used for carrying a
baby on ones back.
`emm vt. like; feel kindly
disposed toward. Usage: (P).
`eyap n. door. Usage: (P). See: rap
door.
elektri-`louu n. electric light.
See: elektri electric; `louu light.
o oodom
38
O - o
o int. oh; I see. Usage: Interjection
indicating that the speaker has
been told something which he
didnt know, and which he
basically accepts as valid.
`oi nce. variety of bee. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: `oi-gmaa variety of bee.
oi n. neutral spirits derived from
rice beer.
`oii n:kin. last child. Usage: used to
refer to, but generally not to
address, the last/youngest of
ones children. In address, proper
names are more often used. `b
`oii ` `kuna. Hes the last child.
See: `ao child.
`oik n. variety of edible plant, with
spinach-like texture when
cooked, slightly tangy, emitting a
slightly slippery film. Grows
close to ground and abundantly,
with leaves about 2cm by 1cm.
Pouzolzia spp.
`oi-gmaa n. variety of wasp or
similar stinging insect.
Nocturnal. See: `oi variety of
bee; gmaa blind.
`oin Var: `oin-`taapin. n. variety of
thin branching shrub with broad,
bitter-tasting dark green leaves,
about 5-10 feet high. Leaves are
boiled and eaten as a vegetable.
Also may be boiled and squeezed
for use as a medicine for treating
high blood pressure.
Clerodendrum colebrookianum.
`oin-`taapin n. variety of plant.
See: `oin plant (variety).
oen adj. high, of constructed things.
`hg nam `hg `hm nam `hm
oen `yaaduu. This house is
higher than this house.
oo n. 1 vegetable; edible plant.
2 dish; side dish; curry;
prepared dish to be eaten
together with rice. oo kaamaa!
There arent any/enough dishes
(i.e. for you to be satisfied)!
ooi! int. what? What is it?
Usage: Rejoinder to having been
called from some distance away.
oo-gy n. variety of mustard,
boiled and eaten as a vegetable.
See: oo vegetable; gy
mustard.
`oocoo Var: `oosoo (P). n. drongo.
Bird, of which at least six or
seven varieties are found in the
Galo area, including Dicurus
paradiseus, Dicurus remifer,
Dicurus adsimilis, and probably
several others. Dicurus spp.
oo-takaa n. fiddlehead fern; edible
fern. See: oo vegetable; takaa
fern.
`oodoo n. distance, in the sense of
a distant place, i.e. in the
distance; faraway place. `oodoo
gollo `kaaduu, `aken go. I have
one (friend) in a distant place.
adj. far; high; distant. `Lk-Balii
`hokk Guhati `oodoo doo.
Guwahati is far from Likabali.
oodom adj. high, as of a mountain.
oodom `na `moodii high/tall
oonam `ok
39
mountain.
oonam vt. 1 raise or tend an
animal; perform animal
husbandry; keep a pet. o rk
`m `ooduu. Im
raising/keeping pigs.
2 clear a second-use field for
cultivation, i.e. one which has
already been used in the past and
now only has weeds growing on
it. o rgaa `m `ooduu. Im
cultivating a non-virgin field.
`oob adv. nothing but; all and
only. `ee go! mnam `oob!
What a load of lies and bullshit!
`oor n. small stick of taok
bamboo, whittled to a point and
concealed in the ground at an
angle. A type of defensive trap
used for preventing or punishing
intrusion.
v:c.arg. set a stake impalement
trap.
`o adj. low. `hg nam `hg `hm
nam `hm `o `yaaduu. This
house is lower than this house.
ok- clfqr. Classifier for grasped
handfuls; as the result of
clutching into a pile of leaves.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. okpii four
heaping handfuls. See: aok
grasped handful.
okuu n. variety of edible plant,
whose leaves and fruits are both
sour-tasting.
`okur Var: `oten (P). n:kin.
grandchild. Usage: used to refer
to, though generally not to
address, the (male or female)
child of ones own (male or
female) child. In address, proper
names are more often used.
oko n. any of a family of smooth,
broad-leafed,
non-woody-stemmed plants
(either equal or allied to
Zingiberales/Musaceae).
Okomiaa n. 1 Assamese person
or people.
2 Assamese language. Source:
Assamese.
`ok dem. 1 via (that position,
which is nearer to you than to
me). Gram: Addressee-proximate
viative demonstrative, used to refer
to something which comes by way of
a position nearer to the addressee
than to the speaker. ptaa aruu
`ok `nenduu. The bird is
coming out by way of that hole
(which is closer to you than me,
instead of any other way he
could have exited).
2 from (that thing or fact, which
has just been mentioned). Gram:
Anaphoric ablative demonstrative
used to connect a verb to something
which has just been mentioned, as in
it comes from that (thing which has
just been mentioned). `b `ao go
bto. `ok `mlen dooku `naana.
She had a child. Our lineage
proceeds from that (point).
3 of, belonging to or pertaining
to something which has just been
mentioned. Gram:
Anaphorically-referring
genitive/attributive demonstrative
used to express a relation between a
noun and something which has just
been mentioned. `b `ao go bto.
`ok `ao ` hikaa ku. She had a
child. That child died.
4 of or out of (a total or
quantity). Gram:
Anaphorically-referring partitive
`okk oor
40
demonstrative/postposition used to
express a relation between an object
and group or set from which it is
selected. `ok cami `ok, r go al
maato. Out of that twenty, ten
were bad.
`okk pos. from a position nearer to
the addressee than to the
speaker. `okk `naaboo `tokee.
Throw it down from there
(where you are standing).
okk cnj. then; and then; and so.
Gram: Sentence conjunction used to
join two sentences, usually showing
some sort of consequence or
temporal connection between them.
okk `rlaa...From that point
onward... okk, o saar `b `rt
kuda. Then, I became a teacher.
`nok `mennam `m `tar, okk
o `ajen `m `meji rku. Ill
listen to what you say, then Ill
go tell (it) to my friends.
`oksr vt. hang someone or oneself;
kill by hanging. no `om `pak
boolo, o `oksr hir ku. If you
leave me, Ill hang myself.
`ogo Var: `og. dem.pos. 1 there, to,
toward or at a location nearer to
the hearer than to the speaker.
`nok `peel `ogo `doom `tokee.
Make it sit by your side. `og
`duutok! Sit there (right near
where you already are)!
2 at a time which is either past
or has already been mentioned.
`korum `ogo, acc `ai go kaato.
In ancient times, there were two
brothers. `og gogr `ogo, `pup go
`dlen to. Just after he finished
calling, an owl flew out.
3 then; next; after that; at (that
point). `ikii `la omee , `ogo,
`a ` `maduu ku. The dog and
the boy then both went to search
for him.
`ogok n. variety of plant. Bauhinia
blakeana.
ognam1 vt. 1 tie someone or
something up; bind someone or
something. o hoo `m ogr. Ill
tie up the cow.
2 hang, as from a noose. ogen
hang suspended, as when
temporarily raising an object
from the ground.
ognam2 vt. scratch a surface; itch an
itch; dig a hole or trench by
scraping with nails, as when
digging for root vegetables;
gather a handful of something
semi-solid by scraping, as cooked
rice. o kodee `m `ogduu. Im
scraping the soil.
`oci1 Var: `osi (P). n. variety of
basket, medium-sized, used for
measuring, transferring and
storing large quantities of rice.
Syn: `maci.
`oci2 Var: `osi (P). n. birth pains.
`occik n. knife. Usage: Variant form
of `rokcik, with no apparent
difference in meaning.
See: `rokcik knife.
`oap n. disc belt. Usage: (P).
See: `oop disc belt.
`oop Var: `oap (P). n. disc belt;
traditional belt made from bound
brass discs.
oor n. Sichuan pepper, a variety
of thorny and scented tree.
Leaves of young tree are eaten as
a prized vegetable. Fruits, when
crushed-up, have the ability to
stun fish, which may then be
easily caught. Dried seeds are
consumed as a spice, though not
`otar `omee
41
as widely as in other parts of
Asia. Zanthoxylum sp.
`otar Var: `ootar (P). n. complete
idiot; utter nincompoop.
`ot n. adult; mature person. Gram:
Generally found as a compound
element only.
odaa n. prime rice beer; rice beer
from the first filtration, which is
normally both highest in alcohol
content and tastiest to drink.
See: `poodaa prime rice beer.
odo n. slab trap; variety of trap in
which the principal trapping
element is a raised disc or slab,
usually of stone but possibly also
of wood. In land animal
trapping, refers to a variety of
propped trap in which a slab of
stone or wood is propped up at
an angle, generally by a stick,
and in which the area beneath
the stone is baited. When a small
animal such as a bird or rodent
arrives to investigate the bait, it
may disturb the prop and be
pinned against the earth by the
falling stone. In fish trapping,
refers to the base element of a
`lpum stone fish trap, which
generally consists of a heavy flat
stone disc slightly raised from
the river floor by several other
propping stones. Fish entering
the trap do so to seek security
under the odo stone, but are
then trapped inside and not able
to escape. o oddo `kobuu go
`laato. I caught a rat with a stone
slab trap.
`odoo adj. far; distant. See: `adoo.
onam vi. fall, of something celestial
(rain, snow, or hail). idoo `opin
kaaku. The rain has stopped
(falling).
onam vt. pluck, as tea leaves. o oo
`m `oduu. Im plucking the
vegetables.
`onam vi. 1 fall, of an object from
a height. Usage: not used to refer
to rain falling. `oloo `maab `dei!
Dont fall down, got it!
2 be inclined; be on an incline.
`g `otuu `duu. Its very steep.
vt. bear a child. Usage: poetic,
poss. archaic; not accepted by all
speakers.
`open n. orphan; parentless child.
opo n. winnowing basket; large
diameter, shallow basket used for
winnowing rice.
`opoo1 n. 1 rice beer, made from
filtering heated water through
fermented rice.
2 liquor or alcoholic drink of
any variety.
`Opoo2 name. traditional name of
the first entity in the universe.
Progenitor of `poomaa.
`opop n. fermentation starter
pellets for rice beer, made of
ground mosses and rice, rolled
into balls and dried in the sun for
two days.
`ob Var: `ob. vi. fall down or fall
over from a standing position, of
a human (not of an animal or a
non-living thing). `ob namm,
roksin eeku baa. (Because of
her) having fallen down, the
chicken liver was lost.
`omee n. kid; youngster.
Usage: Normally refers to a boy,
but may also be used to
designate a girl. omee agom kid
`omee-`ogo `orpuu
42
talk. omee `ijr girl.
`omee-`ogo n. childhood.
See: `omee kid; `ogo at that
time.
`omee-`oree adj:expr. childish;
immature. See: `omee kid.
`omee-im n. wifey; little wife.
Common term used to refer
affectionately to ones own or
another persons wife. See: `omee
kid; im wife.
omo n. tipped or headed arrow;
arrow to which an iron or metal
head has been fastened.
`omor n:time. good old days; salad
days; thing or time for which one
feels nostalgic. `omor `kaapaa!
Long time no see! / Just like old
times (to see you)! `omor goku
`lakaa! Its just like the old days
(when you used to do this kind
of thing, which you dont do for
me anymore).
`om n. green vegetable, in
general; leafy greens.
`om n:kin. daughter. Usage: used to
refer to, though usually not to
address, ones daughter. In
address, proper names are more
often used.
`om-`or Var: `om-`or. n. children;
offspring; sons and daughters.
`om-`or go `nenp lagi `duu. He
needs to have children. See: `om
daughter; `or son.
omnam1 vt. sew, as clothing. o
lalk `m omr. Ill sew the
shirt.
omnam2 v:c.arg. fix a hanging
bridge. See: hoom hanging
bridge.
orii n. wild coriander. Variety of
low-growing flat-leaved herb,
with a flavour strongly
resembling coriander (cilantro).
Eaten as a flavouring herb.
Eryngium foetidum.
orii-riitak n. wild coriander.
Eryngium foetidum.
`orok n. dao; machete.
`orom Var: `urom (P). n. ghost;
spirit of the dead; what people
will become after they die.
or n. rice beer from the second
filtration, which is not as high in
alcohol and not as good-tasting
as the first. Syn: `poor.
`or n:kin. son. Usage: used to refer
to, though usually not to address,
ones son. In address, proper
names are more often used.
ao-`or son. See: `om
daughter.
`orc Var: ors (P). n. kingfish.
Semiplotus semiplotus.
ord-gaaloo n. variety of fish.
Batasio spp.
ornam1 vi. dry out, as of rice, such
that husk can easily come off.
`ammo `orduu ku. The paddy is
drying out.
ornam2 vt. distribute; share. o ii
`m maaji `b `orrm, pmaa
`rp. If I share with many
people (my cigarettes wont
last). domm `m pd `b orsi
`tokaa. Distribute the foodstuffs
so that it will suffice (for
everyone).
`orpuu n. variety of fish, extremely
small, never more than three
fingers, some with faint
orb-takoo ohoo
43
yellow/black stripes along the
body and a yellow-black tail,
somewhat bunchy. Barilius
bendelisis.
orb-takoo n. Golden mahaseer, a
variety of river fish. Usage: (P).
See: tadoo.
`olap n. variety of edible plant,
growth and size comparable to
Italian basil, which exudes a
slippery gel when cooked. Found
throughout the Siang foothills (at
least), and cooked frequently
with `iikuu.
`ohik n. variety of edible plant,
similar to `oik. Pouzolzia spp.
ohoo Var: osoo (P). n. 1 cane, of
any variety.
2 rope, especially as
traditionally made from cane.
-` m-m
44
W - w
-` vs:adv. low. Gram: Result suffix
with the basic meaning low. On
non-motion-oriented predicate stems
without a transferred O, such as
verbs of perception or locution,
indicates that the predicated event is
directed downwards or to a lower
level or space, as when looking
downwards or speaking at a lower
level. On predicated stems with a
transferred O, indicates that the O is
transferred in a downward direction
or results in a lower location.
Similarly, on predicate stems in
which the subject is in motion,
indicates a downward direction or
lower result to the subjects motion
or location.
`ka vi. look downward. `ka
`tokee! Look a bit further
downwards (and youll see
it)!
`n vt. push something
downward.
`tog vi. descend. aii go
`tog boolo, rkk `m `paar.
If we go down just a bit, well
run into the field.
`hag vi. sigh.
n. weed.
`k Var: `k-loolom (P). n.
de-weeding instrument, shaped
like a ribbon, used to scrape
against the ground to remove
small weeds which would
otherwise take much time to
remove by hand. Traditionally
made from a bamboo or cane
strip; nowadays often made from
iron.
j n. 1 herb; herblike plant;
weedy, but not necessarily
harmful plant.
2 de-weeding of a field. j
`monam to de-weed a field.
j-oo n. vegetables and herbs of
all varieties. See: j herb; oo
vegetable.
tuu n. saw, as for cutting wood.
`hn-tuu saw.
nam1 vi. slither, of a snake or
worm; move, of any entity with
length.
vt. saw, as wood. Gram: Generally
takes result suffix -tuu, without
which the sense may be incomplete.
o `h `m tuu r. Ill saw the
wood.
nam2 vt. narrate; tell a story.
`gm ji kaato. Tell him a bit
about that (story).
-`namyaa n. variety of weed
with small, purple flowers and
an arrow-like leaf. Rubbed raw
onto fresh wounds to stop the
bleeding. So-called because
apparently considered
malodorous. Ajaratum coryzoides.
See: weed; `namyaa rotten
odour.
`pum n. pile of weeds, whether
living (as a result of clustering
growth) or dead (as after
de-weeding a field).
poo n. torso; waist; breadth/trunk
of the body.
m-m adj. queasy; slightly upset,
-k `buu
45
of the stomach.
-k vs:adv. under. Gram: Directional
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb is directed or
amounts to a movement under
something
kak vt. look under something,
such as a table.
`koo Var: raapko (P). n. skewer, as
for roasting meat.
kr adj. See: `hkr cold.
`kci Var: `ksi (P). n. baby louse.
`kpen n. medium-sized louse.
`kp n. louse egg; eggs laid by a
louse.
`ksap n. hair clip.
-k...-ek vs:advsr. fully; leaving no
remainder. Gram: Split result suffix
indicating that an action is carried
out fully or completely, or without
leaving any remainder o `app
`m `k `ek toku baa. Ive
prepared everything down to the
last detail.
`gnam v:c.arg. weed; de-weed an
area. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun weed
-`gnam to de-weed; to remove
weeds from an area.
`gn n. mature louse; egg-laying
louse; mother louse.
cr n. variety of thick bamboo
barrier, such as is woven to
enclose the cylindrical column of
stones in a `lpum stone-pile
fish trap or to create a diversion
barrier as part of
`hapsum-`henam.
j n:kin. grandfather. Usage: (P).
See: j grandfather (P).
`t n. rice flour, or the bread or
cake made from it.
`t-`kabduu n. palate; roof of the
mouth. See: `t rice cake.
`t-`tt n. variety of bird.
ttum n. scrotum; testicles; balls.
tt n. vagina. Usage: considered
somewhat impolite/offensive.
`dr n. variety of bamboo or
wooden fish trap,
cylinder-shaped, with sharp
sticks set as an inward-facing
cone so that fish can swim in but
cannot swim out. Can be placed
anywhere, without depending on
current. May be used as an
element of a `lpum stone
cylinder fish trap, when set
against an opening in the stone
column.
nam1 vt. pound, as with a pestle.
porok-`luggom `uud `laa, a `g
alak `dollom `duu. After
waking up at the cocks crow,
they pound the paddy by hand.
`mk vt. crush something into
powder by pounding.
nam2 vt. shave or whittle an object
with length or with long strokes,
as facial hair, or when cutting
thin bamboo strips away from
oneself, especially with blade
balanced against finger on other
side of wood. Normally, will
result in a smooth state. o
`namm `m `duu. Im shaving
(my face). o ohoo `m `duu.
Im shaving the cane.
`buu adj. blistered; being in a
blistered condition, or having
boils.
-`r `l-`aapuk
46
-`r vs:adv. incite. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that through the action
denoted by the verb, the subject
incites or provokes the object,
possibly with an implication that the
object should perform some evil or
bad deed
`menr vt. misguide someone
with ones words.
`rr vt. incite someone to do an
evil act; inspire evil in
someone.
r Var: yy (P). n:num. ten.
`r n. variety of woven bamboo
medallion, more or less square
and flat with two leg-like
extensions from the base.
Traditionally hung from certain
types of sacrificial altar, as for
dorr panam.
r-r adj:expr. lively; smart.
r-r `b `rt `pna! Look
lively (dont be so lazy as you
work)!
r Var: isak (P). n. bow (of a
bow-and-arrow).
r-`upuk Var: isak-`upuk (P). n.
bow-and-arrow. See: r bow;
`upuk arrow.
`rgaa adj. 1 have fun; have a good
time. `mrum `un maaji `rgaa
to. Last night we really had a
good time.
2 interesting, of an experience.
`rgaa `bduu. Its perennially
interesting (on any given
occasion).
rnam1 vi. be potent; be strong; be
well-fermented, especially of rice
liquor. Usage: Properly refers to
the strength of the mixture while
fermenting, not to the strength of
the drink which has been filtered
from it; nor can it be used to refer
to the strength of bottled liquor,
and neither can it be used to refer
to the degree of fermentation of a
non-alcoholic substance, such as
fermented bamboo shoot. agom
`rn go a precociously talkative
person. `opoo ` maaji `b
`rduu! The rice beers really
strong!
`rnam1 vi. glow, especially of coals
in a fire. Gram: Generally followed
by manner suffix -c `mm `rc
`duu. The fire is burning
brightly (of coals, not flame).
rnam2 vt. 1 spread with the
hands, especially on skin, as
when rubbing powder or lotion
on the face or body. `t go
dumpoo `m rt `kaa. Spread
rice powder on her head.
2 paint in broad strokes with a
brush.
`rnam2 vi. 1 sprout, of plants
from the ground or hair from
beneath the skins surface. `ok
namm `rduu ku. My facial
hairs are sprouting. `am `rnam
of rice, to sprout. Syn: `bugnam.
2 sweat. `ar-rnam to sweat.
`rtup vi. blocked from
sprouting.
`rbuk Var: lgin (P). n. prickly
heat; rash caused from excessive
exposure to sun and inadequate
ventilation in clothing.
`l n. stone; rock.
`l-`aapuk n. stubborn heart;
unmoveable temperament.
adj. obdurate; obstinate;
unresponsive, as someone who
l hk
47
just sits around and doesnt do
what one asks. `bk `aapuk `
`l `b `rduu. He has a heart of
stone (i.e., he is obdurate and
stubborn). See: `l stone;
`aapuk heart.
l n. boil (eruption of the skin).
`h Var: `s (P). n. 1 wood.
2 firewood deriving from
hardwood, as opposed to
bamboo or any other sort of
natural fuel.
h-koo n. mongoose variety
or varieties, especially Indian
mongoose, but not including
civet. Herpestes edwardsi.
hk n. cough. hk hgnam to
cough.
` `ka!
48
V - v
`3 pcl. Hey! O! Gram: Vocative enclitic
on terms of address, epecially proper
names and kinship terms. Often
occurs together with go to form an
expression of entreaty, as O my
dear so-and-so. Myr `! `lub
`pool kaad `laree? Hey Meyir! Is
there really a month named
`Lub?
Var: ` (when following a
low/tense word), o (when
following a word with a light
(CV) final syllable structure, and
whose final vowel is /o/). art.
the. Gram: Topic marking article,
marking a noun phrase in terms of a
set of definiteness-like properties,
including identifiability, specificity
and/or topicality. Also marks
nominalized verbs or clauses
(usually in -nam) which describe
background information, especially
when summarizing some preceding
information as a frame to a
following sentence. Often, such
sentences have a causal inference.
Usually marks subjects, but may also
be found marking non-subject noun
phrases, especially instruments and
sources, as alak with a knife and
dooluu `tokk ` from the village
up there. Usage: clitic; usually
leans phonologically on a
preceding word. Unspecified for
tone; takes tonal spreading from
a preceding word. tabb hikaa.
The snake died. `ok acc
ikaa ku. My elder brother has
left. oii rkaa `hiduu. There
are plenty of fish there.
cop. is; be; am; are. Gram:
Imperfective copula. Links two noun
phrases, or a noun phrase and an
adjective. In both cases, indicates a
relationship which is current or
continuing, or hasnt yet finished.
Also follows nominalized clauses,
giving the basic meaning this fact is
the case. `b `ok `ajen ` `na.
Hes my friend, see. `l ` `alap
`, `Kom `t; `induu `b `rmaa.
The stones are slippery up at the
Kom River; its no good for
walking. maa, `om `takaa
`duub `ree mnam `na.
Nothing; I had thought you
were asking me (thats why I
replied to your question to
someone else).
`i pcl. isnt it? Havent you? Gram:
Particle indicating that the speaker
believes that the mentioned
information is correct, but is
checking with the addressee to make
sure. `b acin dokaa, `i? He
took his meal, didnt he?
`or n. bamboo firewood; burning
bamboo or bamboo to be used for
burning.
`1 int. yes; uh-huh.
Usage: Interjection giving an
affirmative reply to a yes/no
question or generally indicating
agreement or positive
comprehension of whats being
said.
`2 n. bamboo (in general).
`-akuk Var: ipuk (P). n. bamboo
husk; the ear-like or sheath-like
husk of bamboo found at each
branching point. See: `
bamboo; akuk husk.
`ka! int. oops! Usage: Interjection
ci `k
49
used by a speaker when realizing
he has inadvertently misspoken.
Usually indicates to a listener
both that a mistake was made
and that a correction is
immanent.
ci name. name of a Galo clan
closely related to `t and
`odu, among others.
`cu! int. here boy!
Usage: Interjection used for calling
dogs.
`t name. name of a very large
clan of Pugo Galo, found mostly
around Along and surroundings.
Traditionally related closely to
`odu, `ci, and orak
clans, among others.
t! int. whoops! oops!
Usage: Interjection, possibly
borrowed from Assamese. When
used by Galo, expresses alarm, as
well as in many cases an
overtone of guilt or
embarrassment, as when having
blundered and (thereby) caused
someone else inconvenience, or
when having been caught or
found out in ones efforts to be
stealthy and possibly deceptive.
t! `mlaa, kekkaa ku.
Whoops (Ive been caught)!
she thought, and ran away.
`nam vi. 1 scoot or shift
position via the buttocks, as
when shifting around on a chair
or pulling oneself across the floor
when ones legs are injured. `og
`in `geekee. Scoot over there.
2 slide, as a landslide; shift as a
whole, of a relatively large body
of earth, as during an earthquake
or landslide.
3 sit oneself down as to rest;
manoeuvre ones body into a
sitting position, in preparation
for resting. yaakaa int baa; aii
go `tuul `duur. Ive gone a
long way; Im going to plop
myself down here for a rest.
nam vt. decant; serve out broth
from a large bowl or dish to a
plate. oo-aalaa `m ji `duu.
Shes decanting the broth for
them.
s! int. oh! Sorry! Usage: Interjection
expressing guilt and/or lack of
intention, as after bumping into
someone.
-`k vs:adv. disapprove. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject experiences or understands
someones actions in a negative way
`nok tnam `m o kak `duu.
Im seeing the likely outcome of
your drinking. Im warning you
about your drinking (i.e. its too
much). o `nom `tak `duu. I
dont want to listen to you
anymore (you have some ulterior
motive).
-k vs:adv. displace. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the object is
displaced, bent of of shape or
dislocated as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. `lgom
`yubk hikaa. I bent my neck
out of whack while sleeping.
`ko n. old bamboo.
`koo n. butt; hip. See: `koonam
shift half-body.
`k dem. 1 those (things near
you). Gram: Addressee-proximate
plural demonstrative used to refer to
sets of things closer to the hearer
than to the speaker.
2 those (things that were just
`k-`pak `g
50
mentioned). Gram:
Anaphorically-referring plural
demonstrative used to refer to sets of
things that were recently mentioned
in a conversation. `mu nam
`lokk cr, `ckoo, pc,
aruu-agom, `k `takaam `m
`mato. They started searching in
every nook and corner of the
house, in pots, in all the holes,
(they) searched everywhere in
those (places). `yadd go
a-am aar `d, `k go
tuubam hir. However many
women come, that many
(baskets) will be kept together.
3 some. Gram: Indefinite plural
demonstrative used to refer to sets of
things which are mentioned for the
first time, which are unspecific, or
which are unknown or unidentifiable
to the speaker. o tabb `k `bm
jikaa. I gave him the (bunch of)
snakes. ii `k `induu. Some
people are going. tamii `opoo
`kkee. There was some (of that)
millet beer.
4 of (that thing just mentioned);
from (that thing just mentioned).
Gram: Anaphoric genitive/ablative
demonstrative, used to connect
something which has just been
mentioned in a conversation to
something else which either belongs
to it or follows from it. `k `lgaab
`cemmaa `ku. Because of that
(fact), weve come to not know.
5 that sort (of thing which is
closer to you); that sort (of thing
which has just been mentioned).
Gram: Addressee-proximate or
anaphorically-referring semblative
demonstrative used to refer to things
which are of the same sort or type as
something nearer to the hearer than
to the speaker, or which has just been
mentioned in a conversation. `k
`gar `b...In that same way...
`k-`pak pro. these ones; those
ones; that sort. Gram: Anaphroric
semblative pronoun; refers back to a
definite, previously mentioned
referent, identifying it as an
exemplar of a type which exhibits
some property or characteristic to be
mentioned. `k-`pak agom `tal
maa. I dont want to listen to
that sort of thing.
kr Var: gkar (P). n. fishing pole,
construed as a complete
apparatus. kr rnam
pole-fishing.
`kk-jaa int. thank you, as for a
gift or an offer of food.
`kcp n. method of fastening fan
palm to shingle a roof.
kp n. method of fastening fan
palm to shingle a roof.
`ksum n. method of fastening fan
palm to shingle a roof.
`g n. axe; especially, axe head
(not including handle).
See: gtum entire axe.
`g1 dem. 1 it; that (thing nearer to
you than to me); that (thing just
mentioned). `g `ykk `laa?
Whose is that (thing which is in
the addressees possession)? `g
`ree `mroo `g rnam ? Is that
the one you bought yesterday?
Itanagar `g tal `yomb `laa?
Hows the weather there in
Itanagar (spoken from Baasar).
2 so; anyway; then. `g, `mk
dumpoo `m ptaa `hilaa. So,
he included some of his own
head (in addition to the mithun
head which was already in use).
Gram: Addressee-proximate or
anaphorically-referring
demonstrative used to refer to an
`g `paa
51
individual thing which is either
nearer to the hearer than to the
speaker, or which has just been
mentioned in a conversation.
`g2 n. cord of wood; grouping of
wood, as the quantity which
would fit into a basket when
collecting firewood. See: `g-
Classifier for cords of wood.
gnam vi. move from side to side;
twist ones body; scoot to the
side. `ptup ` `gduu. The
container is shaking (of itself).
vt. shake something, as a cigarette
lighter which isnt lighting
properly. `ptup `m `gduu.
The container is being shaken.
gaarii `om `gyup `duu. The
car is bouncing me to sleep.
`gmik n. powder found
underneath the leaf of a fan
palm. See: tak fan palm.
`gluu n. fan palm grove.
tak-`gluu fan palm grove.
`com Var: `som (P). int. indeed; I
dont know; Ive no idea.
cc adj. very speedy; very quick.
Variant of rcc fast
(emphatic). See: rc fast.
`jo n. variety of bamboo. Main
variety used for construction and
general utilitarian purposes,
especially for making bows.
Bambusa tulda.
`tor n. mature, strong bamboo.
t n. herd of cattle.
`t n. bamboo grove; grove or
stand of bamboo.
`t! int. aya! Usage: Interjection of
frustration or resignation.
ttam n. sloping cliff; area where a
landslide has occurred. See: rjak
landslide area.
`d adj. incredible; amazing. `d
`na hottum-horr , okk
hobee-ptaa , `hot-`hoo
anin-`maab rto. Tons of wild
animals were here, big and small,
in countless numbers.
`nam vi. spread, of a rhizome or
tuber which grows in shoots
from a single place. ` ` `nam
`l `duuduu. Bamboo is
spreading everywhere,
untended.
`nam-`pak vt. chuck someone or
something out willy-nilly,
leaving them to their own
devices and to fend for
themselves. See: `pak discard.
`n n. variety of huge bamboo,
whose sections are traditionally
used as water-carriers. Edible
shoots are used to make `iikuu
and other edible bamboo
products. Dendrocalamus
hamiltonii.
`n n. cow; female head of cattle,
especially one which has already
calved. See: bo cattle bull.
-`p Var: -`p. pros. to. Gram: Dative
pronominal case suffix, usually
marking the indirect object or
recipient of a verb `nok amin `m
`op `meji `lakaa. Tell me
your name! o `nok amin `m
`bp `meji tobaa. I told him
your name. `hm `op `ree? Is
this for me?
paa n. cow path; path formed and
used by cows.
`paa n. middle-aged bamboo,
about a year old.
`pak `m
52
`pak vt. 1 throw away, discard or
abandon something. o lalk `m
`pak r. Ill throw away the
shirt.
2 quit a practice. no `pak
`lari? Will you be able to quit
(smoking)?
3 dont worry about; forget
about; never mind. ai-acc `m
`pak `tokee. Dont worry about
the bits and pieces.
4 divorce or leave a partner,
such as a husband or wife.
`pin n. cowhide; cow skin; leather.
`po n. variety of bamboo.
`p-`tar n. variety of plant, so
named because supposed to
smell like a fart. No traditional
use-value. See: `pp fart; `tar
cane (variety).
`pp n. fart. `pp pnam. to fart.
See: pnam fart.
`bak n. name of a complex,
decorated, rectangular ritual
object wrapped in bamboo weave
with tightly-bound leaf borders.
Carried and swung by a shaman
or his assistant while chanting
rhythmically during a marii
ritual, and later hung by a
purpose-made strap in the
granary of the ritual beneficiary.
Structure is underlain by four
bamboo sections of equal natural
size, wrapped in cane weave and
leaf, with a tkom brass ritual
object fixed in the centre and
bound by red thread. Beneath the
tkom a cup containing four
dried opii fish is mounted.
Called piir-bagr by spirits
themselves.
bar n. variety of long, conical,
loosely woven basket with
back-straps, used for carrying
firewood and other large things.
See: `igin densely woven long
conical basket.
`buk n. adolescent female calf;
female calf which is just reaching
mating age. `buk-`bukt go a
large female adolescent calf.
`bum n. very large variety of
bamboo, mainly found in Pasigat
area. Dendrocalamus giganteus (?).
See: `tabum bamboo variety.
bo n. ox; cattle bull; male head of
cattle. See: `n cattle cow.
b n. skirt.
`m pro. it. Gram: Accusative form of
an anaphoric non-human/inanimate
pronoun no `m `megr, `b
`m gr; agom `yoomb
`meken `doob? You say this,
he says that - how will you arrive
at a consensus? `m `opoo `m
tt `laa, parp toku `kaa. After
drinking the beer, start your
killing.
pos. 1 Accusative case (object)
marker. Gram: marks definite,
non-pronominal, non-proper direct
objects, and some indirect objects.
`b `bk `ikii `m maajib
`pagduu. He loves his dog very
much.
2 right; yes; thats correct; thats
absolutely true. Gram: Polite,
somewhat deferential means of
agreeing with the truth and/or value
of what has been said by someone.
`m Var: `m; `om. pos. pos. in or at a
habitually-occurring time period
which has the quality of a span
or duration (rather than a point),
`mak mnam
53
such as a morning, day, event, or
range of time (such as
afterward). `b `arrom `naahuu
`caaduu. She goes up to the
granary in the mornings.
`poolom o `lken-`li `b
`caar. Ill visit you once or twice
per month. moopin
`m...at/during Moopin...
`kook `m in the future/later
on.
2 pos. when; after. Gram:
Temporal subordinator marking a
clause construed as a duration or
span of time (x) within which or after
which something else (y) happens.
Exact time specification interacts
with the inflection occurring on a
verb; most frequently, occurs on a
verb inflected in Irrealis -r, with
the overall sense if/when (some
hypothetical event occurs). Very
often followed by Topic marker .
`bk `iidak `m, `saa `molaa `na.
When he comes down, make
(him) some tea. no acin `dorrm,
`ocin `doii r. If you eat (rice),
I will also eat (rice) (i.e., I will
join you). `yumii `rm `caar ku.
If (theyre) tired, (theyll) go
back home.
`mak n. penis.
`mum adj. 1 useless. `mum
`duuku. Its become useless.
2 casual; careless. o `murkoo
`m `mum `b `aakaa. I
wasted the money carelessly.
vie. say something casually,
without reflection, precision or
care. `lk `og bmaa; `iji,
kaanam...asamiz mookaa
mdoom, mookaa `mum
`duu. We didnt have (frying
pans) before; nowadays, having
seen them...it being the case that
Assamese call them mookaa,
we just go ahead and call them
mookaa in any case.
`m n. fire. `m `parnam to make
a fire.
`m-`iiko n. hearth; area around
an imik fireplace where people
can warm their hands. See: `m
fire; `iiko hearth.
`m-`louu n. firelight. See: `m
fire; `louu light.
mnam vi. be said; be according to
someones words. Gram: Direct
speech reporting verb, with
impersonal subject `b `yubduu
`mduu. I heard/they say/it is
said (that) hes sleeping.
dooi-kesso-kello mnam
`hg `yoo ` kuda? What after
all is this so-called
dooi-kesso-kello?
vie. say; say something. Gram:
Direct speech reporting verb, with
subject specified o maa mdee
`ko `i kaamaa! Ive got no way
to say no!
1 tell someone something; relate
or convey a message to someone.
Gram: Direct speech reporting verb,
with subject and indirect object
specified `nok ind go `kaaruu
`duuku, no inee kukaa, `mduu
`nana. Your time to go has
come, you get out of here, they
told her, see?
2 call someone something, as an
insult; call or refer to something
by a particular name, as in a
particular language. `kkm
otup mdoo `naana. We
call that sort of (fish) otup..
`b Aci `ne `ikii ` mji kaa.
He called Elder Brother a dog.
mnam vi. be thus; be like that.
Gram: Anaphorically (backward)
mnam `rnam
54
referring verb with the basic function
of connecting some previously
mentioned information with some
following information (see related
entries)
mnam cnj. so; anyway; then.
mnm, `nok `ao `gadd `
`maajib `kaanek ` mnam,
`kohuk ` kekkaa ku! So then,
having told her your children
are very ugly, the dried-up leaf
ran away!
`mb pro. 1 like that (thing or
manner which is nearer to the
hearer than to the speaker).
`mb `rmaab `kaa. Dont do it
like that.
2 like that (thing that was
previously mentioned or manner
that is under attention). `mb
rku namm...It having in the
end happened like that...
-`mb vs:nf. in the way that V
is/was done. Gram: Semblative
subordinating verb suffix `ipak
`g `rmb...as the
non-hill-tribals do... `hoo `cin
`kanoo `rm `prsin `kogmb
`kogduu. homen `cin `kanoo
`rm taakuu `menmb `menduu.
If a wildcat is hungry, hell crow
like a jungle fowl. If a tiger is
hungry, hell speak like a dove.
`mb-pamb pro. that sort; stuff
like that. `mb-pamb `ryoo `kee.
Dont do that sort of thing.
See: `mb like that.
mb-rnam cnj. anyway; so
then; in any case. Var: mb
rnm.
mrm cnj. in that case; if that is so.
mrm, `ajen `b...mt `kaa. In
that case say as a friend.
`mlaa cnj. 1 thus; that; like that;
in that way. Gram:
Complementizing conjunction
usually used to link information to a
verb of speech, thought, or
perception doryaa `yaana `na,
`mlaa `b `mento. It was the
smaller one, he said (like that).
`iji `y `d aadee `kunna `mlaa
`mduu. Now who could it be?
they thought. `m `b hocr
`mlaa `cemmaa. He didnt
know it was a stag.
2 because; for that reason; for
some reason. Gram:
Complementizing conjunction used
to link a cause with an effect, or an
action with a purpose. `aci `doona
`mla, `hiloo `hmb `kuuduu
`kunna. Because of illness, today
Ive become thin like this.
rak n. steep cliff; sheer slope.
adj. steep, as of a cliff or slope.
rap Var: `eyap (P). n. door.
`r n. bamboo grove.
`r adj. seasoned; of wood,
well-seasoned and ready to burn
well. `h ` `r `duu. The
wood is nicely seasoned for
burning.
r adj. alive; still alive; not yet
dead.
rk Var: eek (P). n. pig.
rk-tai Var: eek-tai (P). n. tree
fern. Syn: taci. See: rk pig.
`rtak n. fragment of bamboo;
chopped-off piece of bamboo.
`rnam v:c.arg. cut a strip from the
back of an animal. Gram: Generally
occurs with associated noun `ar
strip of back flesh `ar-`rnam to
cut a strip from the back of an
rnam -h!
55
animal. See: `ar strip of back
flesh.
rnam vt. 1 toss; throw
underhand, as when passing a
box of matches from person to
person over a distance. birii go
rji `kaala. Toss me a cigarette.
2 fish with a pole. `b
kr-rduu. Hes pole-fishing.
3 drape or toss over the
shoulder, as a shawl. Not used to
describe draping clothes over a
line.
lii n. breeding cow; breeding bull;
cattle used to establish a line.
`luu n. bamboo grove. ` `luu
bamboo grove.
`so1 n. variety of edible
underground plant, which can be
borne as fruit from mature stem.
Reportedly hairy,
non-sweet-tasting.
`so2 n. variety of thin bamboo
(Bambusa pallida). Used in house
construction, for arrows, for
making guugaa (Jews harp),
and for many other types of
utilitarian purposes.
`hap Var: `sap (P). n. net used for
trapping, particularly a fishing
net. `hap-rnam net-fishing.
-h! int. whoa! Oy vey!
Usage: Interjection expressing
surprise at something
unexpected having happened, or
frustration at having been
victimized or put out by the
actions of another, depending on
the intonation used. -h, `ok
tay-tamaa `m it-homennam,
o lagi dooku. Aya (what have
you done)! My fly, my guardian
angel, I want it back!
-h! int. uh-uh; nope.
Usage: Interjection expressing a
negative response to a polar
(yes/no) question.
-k `kaacer-`kaabee
56
K - k
-k pcl. Emphatic augmentative
suffix to an imperative sentence.
Gram: Has the function of rendering
the sentence more insistent, abrupt,
and possibly rude. agom `meyok!
Shut up! Dont say another
word! `opin `motok! Let (the
rain) stop (before you go out)!
-kaa3 vs:asp. has/have (been,
gone...). Gram: Perfect aspectual
suffix, indicating that an event is
finished or completed, but yet has
some effect on, bearing on, or
relevance to a present state of affairs.
Usually describes an event which has
happened relatively recently to the
time of speaking, and from which
some event-residue is remaining
somehow. `m dooluu `caakaa.
Hes gone to the village (and is
still there). `b `caamaa kaa. He
hasnt gone up there (despite
having been expected to). ager
`rnam ` `om `kanoo `mokaa.
Working has made me hungry.
-kaa4 vs:val. at; on; against. Gram:
Applicative suffix usually occurring
on intransitive activity verbs. Adds
an object at, on or against whom
the action indicated by the verb is
directed. no `om `rkaa `duu
`lakaa. What the hell are you
laughing at me for? `rokpo
`ron `m kokkaa `duu. The
rooster is crowing at the hen.
-`kaa vs:adv. cool down. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that someone cools
down as a result of the action
denoted by the verb. `ikaa `tokee.
Go cool down.
`kaa pcl. you should (do it this
way). Gram: Advisative particle
found on imperative sentences.
Marks a proposal as one which the
speaker believes to be a good idea,
which the addressee is urged or
advised to go along with as a matter
of immediate or future practice.
Var: `kaa. grp `tokaa! Get up
(its time to wake up)! `om
`den `abbom payoo `kaa. But
since Im the father, dont kill
me. m mcoo kumaa
`bkaa! Dont yall go mindin
now!
-kaa vs:adv. try; see what happens;
see how it goes. Gram: Aktionsart
suffix indicating that the action
denoted by the verb is carried out
tentatively, as with an goal of seeing
the result. In an imperative sentence,
usually has the related meaning do
this for me for just a minute, wont
you, Im busy. `m `laakaa to.
(Go ahead and) grab those for
me. `mb `rkaa to. Try to do it
like that. `al aakaee `jukaa.
Lets go over there and take a
look.
dokaa vt. taste. dokaa `tokee!
Have a taste (of this food, to
see if you like it)!
tkaa vt. sip something, to taste
it. tkaa `tokee! Have a sip
(to see how it tastes)!
`kaaam ace.
See: `kaayum-`kaaam
beautiful.
`kaacak Var: `kaasak (P). adj. bitter.
`kaacer nce. See: `kaacer-`kaabee
woodpecker.
`kaacer-`kaabee n. variety of
kaajam `kaanam
57
woodpecker. See: `kaabee larger
goldenbacked woodpecker.
kaajam n. horizontal roofing beam,
running from end to end of a
house in a parallel series from the
crest of the roof to the sides.
Forms the horizontal aspect of a
roofing frame, to which fam
palm leaves are attached to form
the roof.
kaatr nce. See: `luktr-kaatr
snack variety.
`kaat1 n. variety of ritual chant.
`kaat2 n. lower shelf of a `rapko
fireplace shelving complex. The
largest and main area used for
storage of all manner of things,
such as pots and pans, cooked
food, etc.
kaanam1 vi. exist; have. Gram:
Simple existential verb. When used
with a single subject, gives a plain
sense of existence exist or there is.
When used with a double subject, or
with a Genitive-marked possessor
(optionally Locative-marked), gives a
sense of possession, as N have/has
(literally, concerning N, X exists or
X exists (in) Ns possessions
`unuk `lo ` kaamaa. We
dont have any of those at our
place. or There arent any of
those at our place. o innam go
kaar `m, `laaji r. If I happen to
go, Ill get you some. `un
kaamaa `dakkom, dooluu `hg
dookaa `hiduu! Although we
dont have any, theres plenty
available in this village!
kaanam2 vie. look as though
(something were something else).
ii `duub `ko `gar `b
`kaaduu `b `rduu. It looks as
though people are really living
there.
vt. look at; watch. `ijr `gaddm
`kaalaa `ju. Lets watch the
girls.
kaek vt. mock someone.
kak vt. look under something,
such as a table.
kaakaa int. let me see; let me
have a look at that.
`kaaken adj. beautiful; pretty.
`kaacen vt. 1 recognize
someone; know someone; have
seen someone before. `om no
`kaacen do? Do you recognize
me?
2 understand what one sees.
cainiz `akor `m o `kaacen
`i maa! I cant understand
the slightest bit of Chinese
writing!
kaatom vte. show someone
something. Yompaa `bk `ao
`m Tanii `ne kaatom r.
Yompaa will show his baby to
Tanii.
`kaanek adj. ugly. `ok `iloo `
`kaanek `duu! My husband is
ugly!
`kaapaa vt. see something or
someone. `nom `kaapaa `cin
kumaa `lakaa! I hardly see
you at all anymore!
kaark vt. meet someone; see
someone, as an act of meeting.
o `bm kaark `hil `duu. I
want to meet him.
`kaanam v:c.arg. be black in colour.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun/adjective yakaa
black `yakaa `kaaek `duu. Its
extremely/overly black.
See: `yakaa black.
kaanam-`tanam -kak
58
kaanam-`tanam n. interactions;
observations.
`kaaro-`tamo Var: `kaar-`tam. vt.
hallucinate. See: kaanam look;
`tanam listen.
kaanii n. opium.
`kaan n. upper shelf of a `rapko
fireplace shelving complex. Not
present in all such complexes
and/or not identified by all
speakers, it may indicate the
uppermost shelf (also known as
the kak) or a fourth shelf, in
case one is constructed.
`kaabee n. larger goldenbacked
woodpecker. Chrysocolaptes
lucidus.
kaamee n. lowest fireplace shelf
(variant of `kao).
kaam-tar v. see a mirage; see a
shape after looking into a bright
light.
`kaayum ace.
See: `kaayum-`kaaam
beautiful.
`kaayum-`kaaam adj. dazzling;
gorgeous; beautiful in every way.
`Kaal name. nickname or term of
address with the sense of dear;
lovey.
-kaahi vs:adv. competitively; in
competition. Gram: Manner suffix
with the basic meaning that plural
subjects are engaged in a competition
in terms of the action denoted by the
verb. On activity verbs, usually has
the sense of repetitive or game-like
competitive activity. On existential
verbs, has a sense closer to aplenty,
crowded or many, as though the
subjects were competing for
existence or space. `crkaa `hiduu.
(Theyre) bumping up against
one another. ii acin dokaa
`hil `duug rku `laa, `kaju!
Everyones actually all there
eating! Lets go!
dookaa hinam ~ kaakaa
hinam vi. be many; have
many (inanimate) things in a
particular location. `un
kaamaa `dakkom, dooluu
`hg dookaa `hiduu!
Although we dont have any,
theres plenty available in this
village!
nkkaa hinam vt. box; boxing,
as a competitive sport.
nukaa hinam vt. wrestling, as a
competitive sport.
rkaa hinam ~ `duukaa
hinam vi. be many; have
many people or other animate
things in a particular location.
kai Var: att (P). adj. big. `Galoo `g
namm kai doo. Galo houses
are big.
`kao n. lowest shelf of a `rapko
fireplace shelving complex,
generally consisting only of a
diagonally-fixed pair of beams,
which may be used to quickly
store things like stirring sticks,
spoons, etc., and may also be
used for smoke-drying meats.
kak n. uppermost shelf of a
`rapko fireplace shelving
complex, on which
less-frequently-used items such
as baskets and seasonal tools are
often stored.
-kak vs:adv. clean. Gram: Result suffix
with the basic meaning clean.
Indicates that the subject (of an
intransitive verb) or object (of a
dkak `kan
59
transitive verb) becomes fully clean,
bright, or shining as a result of the
action denoted by the verb. Also
occurs together with the Result suffix
-bin, together giving the Result
competely clean, and in a
expressive form -kak...-lak, with
the overall meaning disclose or
reveal. o alak `m hukak kaa.
I washed my hands clean
(theres no dirt left). doo
uukak `duu. The sun is bright.
dkak vt. peel something off, as
the skin of a charred vegetable.
`kakam Syn: ikam.n:kin.
grandmother. Usage: (P).
See: ikam grandmother (P).
-kak...-lak vs:advsr. reveal; lay bare;
disclose. Gram: Split result suffix
indicating that something is revealed
or laid bare as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
`mekak `menlak vt. disclose;
reveal, e.g. someones
character to another person.
See: -kak clean result.
kagnam vt. wash a surface.
`kagr n. storeroom.
`Kakuu name. name of a Galo
village in West Siang District.
`kaji n. sneeze. `kaji `ttt!
Nothing but sneezes!
vi. sneeze. `b `kaji to. He
sneezed.
`kajuu int. come on; lets go; okay.
Usage: Interjection either
exhorting a hearer to join the
speaker in some activity, or
signalling agreement with
another speakers suggestion to
perform some activity as a group.
`kajuu, `dolaa `ju! Come on;
lets eat! `kajuu ku! Lets finally
go!
kanam vt. scrape; dig a hole or
trench by scratching or scraping
with claws, as a dog or cat. `ikii
` kodee `m `kaduu. The dog is
digging (by scratching) in the
soil. `kalen scrape something
off (of ones skin, e.g.).
`kanam vt. send; especially, send
someone to do something; send a
person on an errand; order
someone to do something. `bm
dukan `bolo `kanam `tokaa.
Send him down to the store.
`kanoo Var: `knoo (P). adj. hungry.
`kanoo `rm `mento, `di. If
youre hungry, just say so.
`kanoo-`tl adj. in dire straits;
hungry and thirsty and without
means of sustenance. See: `kanoo
hungry; `tl thirsty.
kan Var: `kn (P). n. darkness.
adj. dark. kan naben `jaaduu,
`kaapaa maa. Its too bloody
dark, I cant see a thing.
kan-`jee Var: `kn-`jee (P). n.
dark green; deep aqua, as a
distant forest. See: `jee
green/blue.
kan-popr-momr n:time.
dusk. See: popr-momr dusk.
kan-pp-mam
Var: `kn-pp-mam (P). adj.
dim, of a time of day when
there is little light (whether
morning or evening). Literally,
the time when it is so dark you
have to feel around for the
chickens egg (because you
cant see it). See: pp egg;
manam search for.
`kan n:num. seven. acam `kan
-kap kamgo
60
seventy.
-kap vs:adv. sealed; fully closed;
completely or forcefully closed,
such that unusual effort would
be required to open. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb results in
something being fully or completely
closed, as a window or door ekkap
`tokee. Lock it (using a key).
-`kap vs:adv. stick to (result). Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something sticks to or is pasted onto
the object as a result of the action
denoted by the verb `iss ` `om
`piikap kaa. The water sprayed
on me.
kaben n. variety of song usually
sung by a woman at the time of
mithun sacrifice, as at a marriage
ceremony, in which the `ng
lineage of the conjoined families
is recounted and many good
things are said in favour of the
marriage.
`kabjen n. horizontal roofing
beam, running from end to end
of a Galo house in a parallel
series from the crest of the roof to
the sides. Forms the horizontal
aspect of a roofing frame, to
which fam palm leaves are
attached to form the roof of a
Galo house. See: kaajam
horizontal roofing beam.
`kabduu nce. See: `t-`kabduu
palate.
kabnam1 vi. 1 cry; weep. no `om
dmr `m, o kabr. If you hit
me, Ill cry.
2 sing, of a bird.
vt. 1 cry to someone; weep to
someone. aci `a `m `b kapto
ku. She wept to her two
brothers.
2 sing a kaben, a traditional
Galo lineage song.
kaben-kabnam to sing a kaben.
See: kaben lineage song.
kabnam2 vt. shingle, particularly in
the sense of
organizing/arranging or
repairing/replacing fan palm
leaves on the roof of a house. o
tak `mloo `m `kabduu. Im
shingling the roof with fan palm
leaves.
`kabnam vt. winnow, as rice
paddy. o `ambin `m `kabduu.
Im winnowing the rice.
-kam vs:adv. force; persevere. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject acts in a forceful; forcible or
persevering manner, overcoming
obstacles in the process. o Tamo
`ne dokam `moto. I forced Tamo
to eat (i.e. I forcefully brought
about Tamos eating despite an
obstacle, namely that he didnt
want to). o inkam to. I
forcefully went (despite someone
who was trying to hold me
back).
mekam vt. browbeat someone;
pressure someone into doing
something; by words, try to
convince or force someone to
do something against their
will. `buin `m baabin `lamaa;
ymaa `m `mekam `lamaa.
Mouse hair cant be totally
burned off; poor people cant
be forced (to produce what
they dont have).
rkam vt. persevere in some
struggle; keep going despite
difficulties or setbacks.
kamgo nce.
kamgo-riiloo kalam
61
kamgo-riiloo n. wizened old
hag; woman who has reached
the maximum possible age.
kamgo-riiloo `m `y `rem
`laadee `na? Who would take
such an old hag as a wife?
`Kamdak name. name of a village
in central West Siang district.
kamnam1 vi. be mature and firm,
as of a crunchy fruit such as an
apple or a grain; be
well-fermented, as of bamboo
pickles. `blaa ` `kamduu ku.
The jackfruit is ripe.
kamnam2 v:c.arg. become an old
woman. Gram: Generally occurs
with associated noun ikam old
woman ikam-kamnam to
become an old woman.
See: ikam old woman.
kampuu n. bunch of oko leaves
used to strike a sacrificial
mithun, as by a bride during a
marriage ceremony. Syn: kopuu.
kampk n. variety of oko plant.
Zingiberales sp. ?. See: oko plant
variety.
kamb adv. still; (not) yet. `b
`nok `ajen ` kamb `ree? Is he
still your friend? `iji `gob
puuluu kamb `duu. Its still
white to this day. acin `m
`momaa kamb `laree? Why
havent you made the food yet?
kamro n. field fallowing for a
period of 10-20 years.
`kayaa adj. black. See: `yakaa
black.
`kay Var: att (P). adj. huge;
gigantic; enormous.
`kar Var: hs (P). n. temporary
platform made in a tree for the
purpose of ambush-hunting an
animal.
Karkoo name. Karkoo, son of Cikar
and father of Koor, traditionally
understood as eight generations
from Abo Tani.
`karcaa n. moonlight.
`kart n. large wedding celebration.
karnam1 vi. emerge, of the moon
(as the new moon of the month,
or from behind the mountains in
the evening), or of the night sky.
`poolo `karduu ku. The moon is
emerging.
karnam2 vt. pile large and
voluminous things, like stones.
o `l `m karr. Ill pile the
stones.
`karnam vt. 1 peel, as a fruit.
2 of a button, to be open or
closed, i.e. done up or left open,
according to the (obligatory)
result suffix occurring on the
predicate. `teemaa ` `karkok
`laa `dagduu. The buttons are
unbuttoned.
1 button; do up or undo
buttons, as on a shirt. `teemaa
`m `karcup hit `kee. Do up
your buttons.
Karbak name. 1 Karbak, son of
Cikar in the Galo lineage. Ninth
in generation from Abo Tani.
2 Karbak clan, the modern
descendants of Karbak in the
Galo lineage.
`karmk n. ordinary or small-sized
wedding ceremony.
kalam n. 1 side of an object with
sides, as the front and rear sides
`kalup `kiirup
62
of a wall. Usage: used to indicate a
surface which is part of an object,
rather than a region of space
construed as relative to an object
(i.e., does not translate English
this *side* of the river).
2 side in an argument or
dispute; alignment with one of
two disputing parties. `bk
kalam `b o `menr. Ill
speak/testify on his side/in his
favour. Syn: clam. See: `peel
side.
`kalup vt. overturn something,
covering something else, as in a
shell game.
`kalor n. debt-clearing, as when
arranging marriages.
`kahi Var: `kasi (P). vi. hide oneself;
conceal oneself; do something
stealthily. o `kahi `duu. Im
hiding. `kahi `tokee. Hide
yourself. (or) Hide it. `kahi `laa
`pak `tok. Throw it away
stealthily.
vt. hide something; conceal
something; secret something
away. birii `m `kahi `tokee!
Hide the cigarettes!
-kii vs:adv. 1 sharp. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the object is
sharpened as a result of the action
indicated by the verb
pakii vt. sharpen (e.g. bamboo)
by striking diagonally with a
blade.
nakkii vt. sharpen by whittling.
2 expertly; with expertise. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject acts in an expert or excellent
way.
`rkii vt. do something expertly.
Tamo `rkii `. Tamo is doing
it expertly.
`mokii vt. clever or good at
making things.
mkii vt. clever at figuring
things out; sharp at
remembering things.
kii Var: ki (P). n:kin. younger
maternal uncle. Usage: used to
refer to or address ones mothers
youngest brother, as well as any
of ones mothers brothers sons.
`kiicik n. slender waist.
`kiicuu Var: `kiisuu (P). n. pup;
puppy dog.
kiij n. small intestine.
`kiitr n. pack of dogs. `ikii-`kiitr
pack of dogs.
kiinam v:c.arg. disembowel an
animal. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun akii guts
akii-kiinam to disembowel
something. See: akii guts.
`kiin n. female dog; bitch.
kiin n. navel; belly button.
kiin-abuu n. umbilical cord.
See: kiin navel; abuu river.
`kiipin n. dog skin.
`kiipok n. protruding navel;
umbilical cord which has been
cut but has not receded into the
belly, and leads to a protrusion.
`kiibo n. male dog. See: `kiin
bitch.
`kiimen n. hunting dog.
`kiirup Var: `kiiruk (P). n. hunting
party, including dogs. `kiirup go
`bolaa `ju. Lets form a hunting
party.
`kiiro -ku
63
vi. form a hunting party with
dogs.
`kiiro n. large intestine.
`kiir n. bad, evil or nasty dog.
Also used as an insult when
directed at humans.
`kiilee n. living dog. Generally
so-called only when the dogs life
is shortly to be taken, as in a
`ydum animal sacrifice.
kiil n. jar; especially, a large jar
made from clay which is used for
storing rice while fermenting.
Commonly used to describe the
metal water vessels made in
Assam.
-kii...-rii vs:advsr. very expertly;
very skilfully. Gram: Split manner
suffix indicating that the subject
brings about the action indicated by
the verb in a highly expert manner.
`mokii `morii make something
expertly/skilfully.
-kik vs:adv. overdo it. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the the subject
is overdoing it in terms of the action
indicated by the verb, or is doing it
like mad, or too much.
`rkik vi. overly bright; too
bright.
`gukik vi. burn like mad; blaze
like an inferno.
`yupkik vi. sleep like a log;
sleep deeply, without the
possibility of being disturbed.
Kidii name. name of a river in
Baasar area.
-`kin vs:adv. impeded; confused;
muddled. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject is
confused, muddled, or impeded in
his actions in some way. Most often
occurs in the semi-reduplicated form
-`kin...-`min. `mkin `laa
`duuduu. (Hes) sitting there
unable to decide what to do.
See: `akin-`amin confused;
muddled.
kinnam (2) vt. deliver a blow;
punch or pound in a non-direct
or non-traditional manner,
usually with the base of a
clenched fist, or when delivering
an elbow blow. o `bm `ne
`kidduu. Im punching him with
the base of my fist.
`kinn n:kin. childs spouses
mother. Usage: used to refer to or
address the mother of the
husband or wife of ones child.
-`kin...-`min vs:advsr. muddled;
mixed up; confused. Gram: Split
manner suffix indicating that the
subject is muddled or becomes
muddled or confused as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
`mkin-`momin vi. confused;
puzzled; stymied. o `mkin
`momin `duuku. Im feeling
puzzled; I cant figure this
out. See: akin amin mixed
up.
`kimbo Var: bo (P). n:kin. childs
spouses father. Usage: used to
refer to or address the father of
the husband or wife of ones
child.
kilii n. nail, as for hammering into
a plank. Source: Assamese.
-ku vs:asp. finally; in the end; after
all; anymore; yet; ultimately;
now; at last. Gram: Completive
suffix-cum-particle usually focusing
on the completion of an event or
state or reaching of a goal at the
termination of an event/state, as well
-`kuu kuur
64
as, potentially, on the transition
between one event/state and another.
When marking events/states which
are construed as transitory, has a
sense of returning to a more
naturally-enduring state-of-affairs.
-ku can sometimes occur twice on
the same verb; in this case, the first
-ku has a narrower scope (over the
verb) while the second -ku has a
wider scope (over the sentence).
Particle variant can mark a noun or
copula. When marking a copula,
focuses on the final nature of the
predication. When marking a noun,
focuses on the expected, anticipated,
or final nature of the referent, as
though many were possible but that
the mentioned referent was
settled-on. May also mark a
newly-introduced or otherwise
focused referent, as though to point
out that no other referents are able to
compete for the same status. In this
function, often occurs together with
another, semantically similar particle,
as kuda. o birii tku maar.
Im not going to smoke
cigarettes anymore. o `inlaa
kumaa. I cant go anymore (I
used to be able to, but now am
prevented) *or* I cant go after
all/in the end (I
wanted/expected to be able to,
but it turns out I cant). o
`bullm acin-oo `m jikaa ku. I
at last gave food to them. bdaa
`m `mpaa kumaa kaaku.
They couldnt remember the
way (home). `t `kuna! Its that
one (which had gone missing or
was being searched-for)!
-`kuu vs:adv. bent. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb results in an object being
bent into a U-shape. `m aig
`krkuu `doob `mot `kee. Make
it sort of into a U-shape.
-kuu vs:adv. extensively. Gram:
Manner suffix usually occurring on
transitive activity verbs. `b
`maajib inkuu `duu. He really
walks extensively (for long
distances or as a prominent habit
of his). b dokuu `duu, acin `m.
He eats tons of food.
adjs:rcom. much too much.
`kaacak-`cakkuu extremely
bitter. Gram: High-intensifying
suffix to a repeated adjective root,
giving the sense that the property
indicated by the adjective is much
too much or overdone.
`kuucuk Var: `kuusuk (P). adj.
1 sour.
2 damp; moist, especially of a
human being from sweat.
n. sourness, of flavour. `kuucuk
`m o ecem maa. I dont like
sourness.
`kuunam vi. be thin, of a
human/animate subject. o
`kuud `bcin, ngmii `hiko `lo
`pagduu. Although Im thin, I
win at fistfighting.
kuunam vt. 1 weigh. o `ambin
`m kuur. Ill weigh the paddy.
`kuun `naana n. scale, for
weighing things.
2 swing the arm outward from
the armpit.
`kuupee n. sliced bamboo shoot;
fresh, unfermented bamboo
shoot cut into slices as when
preparing for fermentation for
use in cooking. See: `iikuu
fermented, sliced bamboo shoot.
kuur n. armpit; underarm; the
cavity directly opposite the
shoulder.
kuur nce. See: lagduu.kuur
kuul -kum
65
elbow.
kuul n. variety of loosely-woven
tub-like basket, used for storing
household goods such as plates,
cups, and the like.
-`kuu...-r vs:advs. brittle;
haphazardly made. Gram: Split
result suffix to a verb of creation
indicating that the result is brittle or
not well-made. `pokuu por `laa
`poji to, `i. (He) wove (the
baskets) so roughly and
carelessly, eh. See: -`kuu bent.
kukcoo nce. See: kukcoo-`looloo
fig tree (variety).
kukcoo-`looloo n. variety of fig
tree with distinctive tan/brown
pear-shaped flowers (figs)
growing close to the trunk, often
in doublets. Enjoyed by humans
and barking deer alike. Young
leaves may be boiled and eaten
as a vegetable. Ficus hispida.
kukee n. stool, especially one of a
low-to-the-ground, table-like
shape. See: keepaa stool.
kutur-kumur n. variety of edible
plant found only in plains
bordering areas, growing like a
weed. Source: poss. Assamese.
kunam vt. method of fishing
favoured by Galo women in
which a conical `raajuu basket
trap is placed between the legs
with its mouth facing a large
rock. The rock is then lifted and
any fish or, more often, shellfish
which are found hiding under
and around the rock are scared
into the basket which is then
lifted and drained of water.
Generally occurs with tahum
shellfish. tahum `kuduu `b
`rd `ree? Can you fish for
crawdads (up at that river)?
`kunam vi. yell, as when
exclaiming in pain or in martial
arts; scream, as in frustration or
anger. Usage: Not generally used
to describe a clear-voice yell, nor
for instances in which a message
is conveyed.
-kup vs:adv. upside down; face
down. Gram: Result suffix with
indicating that the subject of an
intransitive verb or object of a
transitive verb is turned upside
down or facing downwards as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. `daakup fall face down.
tapkub turn upside-down, as
when turning over a leaf.
menkup hinam talk oneself into
a puzzle.
-kup...-lek vs:advs. helter-skelter.
Gram: Split manner suffix indicating
that the subject of an intransitive
verb or object of a transitive verb
becomes helter skelter or is dispersed
all over the place as a result of the
action denoted by the verb. daakup
daalek overturned; all over the
place; helter-skelter. ard dakup
dalek `na ii very fast and
clever person. See: -kup upside
down; -lek rightside up.
kubnam1 vi. overturn; tip over; fall
over, as a tipped glass. `opoo `
`kubduu ku. The rice liquor has
(been) overturned.
kubnam2 vt. trick or deceive
someone, as to gain an
advantage; be deceitful in nature.
`yoo ager `lacin, `ipak `gadd `
ii `m maaji `kubduu. The
non-hill-tribals really trick people
in any kind of context.
-kum vs:adv. senseless; drunk;
tkum `dakkur
66
stoned. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the subject is made
senseless as a result of the action
indicated by the verb, whether drunk
from drinking, stoned from smoking,
or senseless from having eaten
something.
tkum adj. drunk, from liquor;
stoned, from smoking a drug.
`b tkum `duuku. Hes
drunk.
dokum adj. numb in the mouth,
as from eating lime; stoned or
dizzy from eating something,
as strong betelnut.
-`kum vs:adv. gathered together.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the object of a transitive verb is
gathered together into a pile or set as
a result of the action indicated by the
verb. Also occurs in the
semi-reduplicated form
-`kum...-`rum, which indicates a
more haphazard sense of gathering.
`tkum vt. collect things and
bring them together in a
particular place.
`mokum vt. aggregate; make
something bit by bit to form a
quantity.
`kumnam1 vt. pray; observe a
religion.
`kumnam2 vt. stack long things,
such as sticks. o `h `m
`kumci `duu. Ill stack away the
wood (for storage/safekeeping).
-`kum...-c vs:advs. stored away.
Gram: Split result suffix indicating
that an object is stored, stored away
or put into storage as a result of the
action indicated by the verb
`akkum akc hang up and store
everything. See: -`kum gathered
together result.
-`kum...-`um vs:advsr. curled.
Gram: Split result suffix indicating
that that an object is put into a curled
up or folded up state as a result of
the action indicated by the verb
`rukum `ruum fall down
limply in folds, as a scarf.
-`kum...-`rum vs:advsr. gather
haphazardly. Gram: Split manner
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb results in
things being gathered together in a
haphazard manner `pukum
`purum tug and gather
haphazardly.
-`kur vs:adv. 1 return; back. Gram:
Result suffix usually occurring on
motion verbs, indicating that the
subject returns or goes back to a
place of origin as a result of the
action indicated by the verb. Derives
a word which can also be used as a
noun. `dakur `tok! Put your foot
back where it belongs (and take it
out of the fireplace)! `bkur
`keku maa. Its not possible to
take it back anymore.
`aakur vt. return, to where one is
based. `aakur rku. Ill return
(later).
`ikur vt. go back, to where one
has come from.
2 back to back. Gram: Manner
suffix to a positional verb indicating
that a plural subject is positioned
back to back.
`dakkur vt. stand back to back,
as when measuring relative
height.
3 again; for a second time; as a
second round; go back to doing
something one had been doing
before. Gram: Manner suffix to an
activity verb indicating that the
action indicated by the verb is
tkur `menkek
67
happening for a second time, or as a
second round, or that the subject is
going back to doing something he
had been doing earlier, but then
stopped. `tadok `mcin `makur
`duuku, amee-ayee `mcin
`makur `duuku. Theyre back to
looking for beads again, and back
to looking for brass platters again
(having stopped doing that for a
period of time).
tkur vt. drink a second round,
having finished the first.
See: -taa more.
`kurii n. cat.
kusuri n. medicine.
ke pcl. please (request form). Gram:
more polite, request-like form of
`kee no `hgm aii go
`menj toke. Could you please
go tell him this?
`kee pcl. please (do x). Gram: Polite
hortative particle usually found
following imperative clauses, giving
a sense a of a polite, respectful, but
still firm request (perhaps closer to
please do this than could you
please do this in English). May also
occur following certain types of noun
- generally, indefinite nouns in da -
contributing to an implication that
the speaker is requesting some/one
of the named thing. `om `is go
`jilaa `kee. Could you please
give me some water? acin `dolaa
`jukee. Lets eat, shall we?
`kkm `meyoo `kem. Dont
say that sort of thing. `meji
`tokee. Tell him. `acco `b `kee!
Please be quiet! aii go `dakee.
Please (give me) a little more.
`keeji n. three-angled weaving
pattern employed in the
formation of bamboo basketry, as
for the construction of ritual
objects.
`keeuu n. corner of a space, as a
room; joining point of two
surfaces, as the two walls of a
room.
keepaa n. stool, especially one of a
low-to-the-ground, table-like
shape. See: kukee stool.
`keebek adj. starchy; pasty; chalky,
as an unripe fruit.
-`kee...-`ee vs:advsr. here and there;
indiscriminately. Gram: Split
manner suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb is
directed here and there, repeatedly
and with no singularly-directed
focus
`kaakee `kaee vt. scan; inspect;
look in every direction/area,
as though inspecting
something new and
unfamiliar.
`menkee `menee vt. blab;
blabber; speak
indiscriminately, as though
with the intention of
provoking a quarrel.
`yupkee `yubee vi. go on
sleeping, here and there, not
trying to get up.
-kek vs:adv. indiscriminately. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject acts indiscriminately, without
caution, and possibly provocatively
in the action indicated by the verb.
Also occurs in a semi-reduplicated
form -kek...-ek, with the overall
meaning copiously, to a great
extent, indiscriminately or all over
the place. nkkek ngek stab
furiously here and there.
`menkek vt. provoke someone;
speak in a provocative
kekur kennam (2)
68
manner, as if to start a fight.
kekur n:time. five years ago.
kekur-aloo n:time. five days ago.
See: kekur five years ago; aloo
day.
`kek n:time. three years ago.
`kekyo n:time. three nights ago.
`kekloo n:time. three days ago.
`keaa Var: `konaa (P). n:num.
nine.
kejur n:time. six years ago.
kejur-aloo n:time. six days ago.
See: kejur six years ago; aloo
day.
`ke n:time. two years ago; the
other year.
`keyo n:time. two nights ago.
-ken1 vs:adv. must; have to. Gram:
Obligatative suffix usually following
Definite suffix -ruu; indicates that
the addressee is obliged to perform
the action indicated by the verb. Rare,
possibly archaic. Ai Mumsi, no
inruu `kenduu ku. Elder Sister
Mumsi, you must go (with him).
-ken2 vs:adv. spitefully; in spite; as
though to spite. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject
performs the action indicated by the
verb in order to spite someone else.
doken eat right in front of
someone, as to spite them.
-`ken vs:adv. good; easy; nice. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject is good in terms of the action
indicated by the verb, or else is easy
to do in this way.
`kaaken adj. beautiful; pretty.
`Galoo `ijr ` `majjaa
`kaaken `duu! Galo girls are
so pretty!
`gken adj. feel good. a
`gken `duu. Im feeling fit.
`tken adj. delicious (to drink or
smoke). are, `tken `! Wah,
these (cigarettes) are great!
`doken adj. delicious (to eat).
`yaluk `lgmaa `rm `doken
`kumaa. If you dont put in
chillies, its no longer tasty.
`meken adj. easy to say.
`menken maa. I cant say (Im
not sure). Iglis agom
`meken maa. English is not
easy to speak.
`rken adj. easy to do.
`rken adj. nice to live in, of a
place. Delli `bolo `rken `i
maa! Delhi is terrible to live
in! Ant: -`nek.
-`ken numr. one. Gram: root form,
used for combining with classifier
roots to form enumerative classifier
expressions hob dorken go one
mithun. See: `aken one.
`kentuu n. variety of earring worn
by women.
`kenda n:time. four years ago.
`kendaloo n:time. four days ago.
`kennam (2) vt. 1 rub with a tool
(not the bare hand); scrub. `kett
`kee! Rub it (the dirt off your
body)!
2 grind, using a tool. o `ambin
`m `kerr. Ill grind the paddy.
`kemmk vt. grind something
into bits or powder.
kennam (2) vi. flee; run away;
avoid someone; escape. `tanam
`bk imm kekkaa ku! I
heard that his wife fled (leaving
`kenloo -`ko
69
him)!
`kenloo n:time. day before
yesterday; two days before
today.
-`ken...-`paa vs:advs. easily done.
Gram: Split manner suffix indicating
that some action is easy or
straightforward to perform
Usage: Usually found in the
negative in -maa, indicating
difficulty or inability to do easily
or well. `meken `mempaa maa.
(Its) not easy to say. See: -`ken
easy manner; -`paa get/attain
result.
`kebbuk n. variety of foot disease;
treated by wrapping the foot in a
bandage and pricking the
affected area with a needle,
whereupon black blood is said to
emerge.
kessoo-kelloo
Var: idoo-kessoo-kelloo. n.
variety of lizard.
See: idoo-kessoo-kelloo variety
of lizard.
-`ko1 adj:mono. old (of a non-living
thing). Gram: Adjective root
combining with classifiers and other
noun roots nam `namko `na
`nami go two old houses.
-`ko1 vs:nzr. 1 Locative nominalizer
to an adjective or verb. Gram:
Derives a noun with the basic
meaning place where x
(occurs/occurred). Var: -k.
`hodum `g `ikom o kaato. I
saw (the place) where the
barking deer went. `hot `g `is
`tko `lo `un `aalk kaa. We
arrived at the place where the
elephants usually go to drink.
`buluk `kaako `lo o tmaa r. I
wont smoke in front of them
(elder women). `yool `iko?
Where have you been? `b
`Iigoo abuu `m `kaapaa `ko
dooluu lo `duuduu. He stays in
the village from which the Iigo
River can be seen.
2 Dative nominalizer. Gram:
Extended sense of the Locative
nominalizer, deriving a nominal
from a ditransitive verb which is
understood as the Indirect object of
the verb. `b `ym `laa `jikko?
Whom did he give it to?
3 Method nominalizer. Gram:
sense of the Locative nominalizer
deriving a noun with the basic
meaning way of doing/being able to
do x o maa `mdee `ko `i
kaamaa! Ive got no way to say
no!
4 Process nominalizer. Gram:
sense of the Locative nominalizer
deriving a nominal with the basic
meaning process of x or situation
of x. Usually occurs with following
Locative marker lo, giving the
literal meaning on someones doing,
with the implication together with
someone. tiihir `tak `lo, loum go
lagi r. To get it to start
sweetening, you need three
days? no `yk `iko `lola `int
`duuko? With whom are you
going?
5 Reason nominalizer. Gram:
sense of the Locative nominalizer
deriving a nominal with the basic
meaning because of x or due to x.
Unlike other senses, exhibits a
Nominative (plain) rather than
Genitive (possessor) subject. `b
`takaa `kolo, o mt ba `mb.
Because he asked me, (thats
why) I told it like this. `b pato
`kaa `mko `lo, o `paduu `na.
Because he told me to cut (the
wood), (thats why) I cut it. `g
`kookek `g `akek gmaa ko.
-`ko `kookek
70
Thats why the `kookek bird
doesnt have kidneys.
6 Oblique nominalizer. Gram:
sense of the Locative nominalizer
deriving a nominal which focuses on
a non-core participant of an event,
such as a time of reason. Often
extended to cover all arguments -
including core arguments - in
declarative and interrogative
cleft/focus constructions, although
not all speakers accept such
formations as correct grammar.
`kojjuu `na `ag `ko! Just now is
the time when it was hot (not
anymore)! `mrum `ne `hukko.
Dont you see, yesterday is when
I bathed. `hog `ree `mor `ko maa
`bol `ree `mor `ko? Will you do
it here or down there? `yool `laa
`duuduu `ko? Where are you
staying?
-`ko2 vs:val. let (someone do
something to x); allow (someone
to do something to x). Gram:
Reversive suffix, causing the object
of a transitive verb to be understood
as the actor and the subject to be
understood as the one to whom
something is done. Similar, though
not identical, to an English passive.
May be reduplicated; in this case, the
actor is understood as having
relatively more control over the
mentioned action. `beej `piik
`tokee. Be injected (you have no
choice)! `beej `piik `kot `kee.
Go get an injection (of your own
volition). no `mm `h `hgm
paji `kot `kee. Let him cut this
wood for you. `gutee `komaa
`b `dei! Dont get yourself
burnt! `ac-`accob ii `kaapaa
`komaab `uluu `lo aaee `kaa. Go
carefully to the boat without
letting anyone see you. no `moji
`kot `kee! Let someone/get
someone to make it for you!
`koak n. binding strap at the mouth
of a sheath, forming a sort of lip.
`koik vt. praise someone who has
done well. Syn: `iik.
-`koo2 vs:adv. protrude; surpass.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the subject protrudes out of a space
or surpasses another object as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. Can describe physical
protrusion from the ground, as a
plant or a nail, as well as relative
position in motion, as when one
person passes another when walking.
Also occurs in a semi-reduplicated
form -`koo...-`loo.
`caakoo vi. 1 of a stick, be
sticking halfway out of the
ground (and halfway buried);
of a plant, emerge. `hn `m
`bupp `m `caakoo `yaaduu.
The tree is taller than all the
others (possibly because it has
at one point come out of the
ground). Syn: `torkoo.
2 go past, when ascending.
`b `unnm `caakoo `yaaduu.
Hes gone ahead of us
(ascending a mountain).
-`koo3 vs:adv. make a hole through
something. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that a hole or opening is
made in the object as a result of the
action indicated by the verb. Also
occurs in semi-reduplicated form
-`koo...-`loo. `dokoo make a
hole in something by eating.
-koo vs:adv. roughly; imprecisely.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
the subject acts in a rough or
imprecise way, or affects a target
other than the intended one. Also
occurs in semi-reduplicated form
-koo...-loo.
`kookek n. variety of bird, about
`kook `koonam
71
nightingale-sized, with a yellow
chest and brown body.
`kook n:rel. 1 back; behind; back
side of an object. Usage: Not used
to refer to the anatomical back of
a human body.
2 end; endpoint of a duration of
time or endpoint of an event.
See: uug back (of a body).
`kook `b adv. after; afterward;
time following the completion of
an event. `ok `kook `b,
`hodum ` kegee kaa. After that,
the barking deer fled away.
`koogak n. base of the head.
`Koogee name. Koogee, second son
of Karkoo.
`koocik Var: `koosik. nce. small
hawk (any variety). Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: dookoo-`koocik sparrow
hawk.
kooc Var: koos (P). n.
chipmunk; ground squirrel (with
lines on back).
`koock n. twig; small stick.
`Koojum1 name. Koojum, son of
Karkoo.
`koojum2 n:poet. fire. Usage: Goku.
koo nce. See: h-koo
mongoose.
`kootak n. woven stripe, usually of
about two inches breadth,
running down the back of a
`gal skirt.
`kootuu Var: `otuu (P). adj.
tailless, i.e. without a tail.
kootr n. counting stick; traditional
tool made from a length of
ordinary dry wood, from which
small sections may be easily
broken without being completely
snapped off. kootr trnam to
count or mark off quantities by
breaking sticks.
`koot nce. See: naanii-`koot
buttocks.
`koodaa Var: `nuugaa (P). n.
balcony.
`koodaa-`imik n. balcony
fireplace; fireplace traditionally
located on the balcony of some
Galo houses. See: `koodaa
balcony; `imik hearth.
koonam1 vt. 1 operate a lever;
manipulate a lever, as to close or
open a door which is held fast by
a system of levers or a beam.
2 wedge something e.g. by
sticking in a blade; dig by
scooping with a lever. o `l
`m `kooduu. Im wedging out
the stone.
3 row a boat with a pole. o
hipp `m `kooduu. Im rowing
the raft. o `hibuu `m koorap
r. Im rowing across the river.
kootum vt. lock a door by
placing a beam across it.
koonam2 Var: `tunam (P). vt.
1 knit clothing. Properly refers
to the motion/activity of
knitting, as opposed to the entire
procedure from beginning to
end. o lalk go `kooduu. Im
knitting a sweater.
2 wear or cover oneself with
something as clothing or a
clothing-like accessory. `raac
koonam to wear/outfit oneself
with a backpack.
`koonam vi. cross something a
`koonam `kool
72
boundary or something lying in
ones path on foot; especially,
cross a river by walking/treading
across. See: `boonam cross over
(mountain); rabnam cross (by
conveyance).
`koonam vi. of the buttocks, to
move. `ok `koo ` `kooduu.
My butt is moving.
vt. move or manoeuvre the
buttocks, as when a human
dances or a bee shifts its rear to
sting. See: `koo hips; butt.
koonii ace. very close. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: `nci-koonii right up close.
koopuu nce. See: koopuu-laggoo
variety of ornament.
koopuu-laggoo
Var: koopuu-lagbuu (P). n.
armlet; variety of ornament,
consisting of a silver band worn
around the forearm. See: laggoo
bracelet.
`koopr n. raised plate, such as is
commonly found as a ceremonial
dish for offering betel in the
Assam plains, and which has
ritual value in some Galo
ceremonies.
`koob n. mug. Source: English.
`koobaa n. ladder; stairs;
especially, the ladder/stairs
leading up to the entrance of a
house.
`koobik adj. have plumbers butt;
be exhibiting ones buttock
cleavage, as when wearing loose
or low-riding pants.
koobuu Var: koob (P). n. variety
of ornament, probably lead,
bell-like, in an apple-sized cone,
with a loop in the narrow top
and designs on the face.
koobuu-`curgen
Var: koob-curgen (P). n.
traditional ornaments, in general.
See: koobuu variety of
ornament; `curgen variety of
ornament.
`koorin nce. See: tabin-`koorin
variety of termite.
`kooree nce. See: `jeci-`kooree
festival clothing.
Koor1 name. first son of Karkoo.
`koor vt. compare. `koor hibam
`tokee. Compare them all
together.
`koornam-`gomcr n. adjective.
Type of word (part-of-speech)
denoting properties,
characteristics or attributes of
people or things. Gram: In Galo,
the overwhelming majority of
adjectives are lexicalized disyllables,
however a small number of
monosyllabic adjectival roots with
the meanings big, small, old and
new are capable of productively
forming adjectives by compounding
with classifiers or certain types of
nominal root. Most basic adjectives
have the structure a-ROOT,
although most adjectives overall
have the structure ROOT-ROOT. A
certain number of adjectives are
four-syllable compounds, often
including in the fourth syllable a
semi-reduplication of the second
syllable. See: `koor compare;
`gomcr word.
koor2 nce. See: `imb-koor
termite (variety).
`kool nce. red posterior; red
buttocks. Usage: usu. found in
compound. See: `beo-`kool
koohap koc
73
variety of monkey.
koohap Var: koosap (P). n. tongs
made from cane, used for
all-purpose work around the
fireplace.
-koo...-loo vs:advsr. quite roughly.
Gram: Split manner suffix indicating
that the subject brings about the
action indicated by the verb roughly
or in an imprecise or unsystematic
manner tukoo tuloo mor. Ill
kick roughly; imprecisely.
namkoo namloo `duu. The
house is
roughly/unsystematically made.
See: -koo roughly.
-`koo...-`loo vs:advsr. make a hole
(result). Gram: Split result suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb results in a hole being
made in something See: -`koo hole
result.
-kok vs:adv. 1 open (result). Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something is opened as a result of
the action indicated by the verb, or
that obstacles or difficulties are
removed tukok kick something
open (as e.g. a door). `m
puktum `m pukkok kaa. He
popped open the lid.
2 initiate. Gram: Verb suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb is initiated
rkok vi. start to laugh.
`rkok vt. initiate an activity.
`rkok-`mekok vt. take the
initiative; overcome obstacles.
`abaa `naruu `m
`rkok-`mekok `laaduu.
(You) can overcome all of
these things.
-`kok vs:adv. split-wise; straddling.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the subject is transferred to a
splitwise or straddling posture as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. `tukok kick and get stuck
in a straddle (e.g. of a tree fork).
o sokii lo `tkok r. Ill sit
straddling the chair.
kokam n. variety of oko plant.
Zingiberales sp. ?. See: oko.
kokorko! int. cock-a-doodle-doo;
sound of cocks crowing.
kokr vt. roll up or tie a leaf, object
or packet into a pretzel shape, as
for ease of carrying.
`kogdr n. peak, as of a cresting
wave.
`kogdr-`kogbar adj.
non-uniform, of a landscape;
undulating with rapid peaks and
troughs. See: `kogdr peak;
`kogbar trough.
kognam1 vi. crow; make the sound
of a rooster. porok `kogduu.
The chicken is crowing.
kognam2 vt. perform chick
divination. See: `roo-kognam.
`kogbar n. trough, as of the trough
of a wave or an eroded basin of
land.
`koaa-`koraa adj:expr. speechless;
unable to speak due to fear or
extreme happiness. See: konam
move the mouth; -`aa ...-`raa
no result.
`koak vi. stutter. Syn: `gokak.
`koee Var: luee (P). n. banana
heart; the edible heart of a
banana tree.
koc Var: kos (P). n. channel or
ditch of relatively small size,
through which water is running
koc-kor kopuu
74
or has run; stream.
koc-kor Var: kos-kor (P).
n. brook; small trickling section of
a stream. See: koc channel;
kor brook.
`kock n. piece or fragment of a
leaf, especially as may be used as
a plug to stop up a container.
`kock `lok `htum r. (I) will
stop up (the container) with leaf
fragments.
`kojup adj. a type of sitting
position, leaning against the floor
with the legs locked, i.e.
closed/together at the ankles as
well as at the knees. See: `kotaa
sit with legs splayed.
`kojo adv. awhile; in awhile. `koj
`ne inr. Ill go in a minute.
`kojo-`allo n:time. the future.
See: `kojo awhile; `allo
tomorrow.
kojjuu n:time. awhile ago; some
time back; some time ago.
`kojjuu `na `ag `ko! Before was
is the time when it was hot (now,
however, it has cooled down)!
adv. long since; long ago; a long
time ago. `kojjuu ikaa. He
went a long time ago.
`kojjo n:time. afternoon; time after
midday.
`kotaa adj. a type of sitting position,
leaning against the floor with the
legs splayed, i.e. closed/together
at the ankles but relaxed and
open at the knees. See: `kojup sit
with legs closed.
`kotuu n. spoon.
kodap n. element of a `hibok
fishing dam, a pack of flat-bound
koluu banana leaves, used as a
water-impermeable surface to
divert the flow of water through
a small channel in the dam.
`kodum n. variety of
yellow-skinned jungle banana.
kodee n. soil; dirt; earth.
kodee-deer
Var: kodee-deey (P). n. plains;
flatland. See: kodee earth; deer
plains.
`konaa n:num. nine. Usage: (P).
See: `keaa nine (L).
`konam1 vt. dig by scooping or
scraping away dirt without much
effort, as when scooping some
dirt away from a plant using the
finger. o kodee `m `koduu.
Im digging in the soil (by
scooping it away).
`konam2 vt. request; beg for
something. o abo `ne `koduu.
Im begging something of (my)
father.
konam vi. move, of the mouth;
move ones mouth. kon-kob
`tokee! Say something (you
fool)!
-`kop vs:adv. dented. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb results in an
object being dented. Also occurs in
semi-reduplicated form
-`kop...-`rop.
`kopak n. banana. Strictly indicates
a variety of edible banana, but is
usually used as a default term for
bananas in general. Musa
acuminata.
kopuu n. bunch of oko leaves
used to strike a sacrificial
mithun, as by a bride during a
kopen `komam
75
marriage ceremony.
Syn: kampuu.
kopen n. rice packet; packet of rice
wrapped in oko leaf, used for
distributing to large groups and
carrying over a distance. kopen
`m `penduu. Im folding up the
rice packet.
`kopk n. eroded area. `kopk `
mee go `kaaduu. There are
many eroded areas (here).
kop n. variety of Solanum
(eggplant), with bitter fruits
about the size of a cherry tomato.
Solanum khasianum.
-kop vs:nf. while; during. Gram:
Concurrent suffix, indicating that the
marked verb represents a process
during or at the same time as which
something else happens. Generally
followed by -`laa or `m().
gkkop `laa, `oloo `laku. When I
was in the process of carrying it,
it fell.
`kopr vi. pout, as of an angry,
spoilt child. `kopr `yokee!
Dont pout!
kopr n. packet made from oko
leaf, used for storing and
transporting rice. kopr prnam
make a kopr packet.
-`kop...-`rop vs:advsr. dented. Gram:
Split result suffix indicating that
something becomes fully or
completely dented as a result of the
action indicated by the verb.
`mookop-`moorop adj.
sunken; sunken-in, of cheeks.
See: -`kop dented result.
`kobuu n. rodent; mouse; rat.
`kobuu-apik n. rodent dirt-pile;
the dirt-pile kicked up by a
burrowing rodent. See: `kobuu
rodent; apik soil discharged by
animal.
`kobuu-`mkuu n. variety of
plant. Actinostemma tenerum.
See: `kobuu rodent; `mkuu
cucumber.
kobdaa n. element of a loin loom, a
stick used for stretching the cloth
horizontally so that it will not
collapse. Found immediately
above the point where the
`tapin is to be thrown over,
and immediately below the
`taap bunching tool.
Syn: `itam.
kobnam vt. hack; chop with an axe
or dao, using maximum force and
leaving large wood chips. o
`hn `m kobr. Ill chop
(down) the tree.
`kom pcl. also. Gram: Conjunctive
particle marking a noun as one who
participates in an event/state also
(in addition to someone/something
else). Basically identical to `cin in
this function, although not as
commonly used. Source: Minyong
(Adi). `ookom inr. I too will
go. `rdak `kom `rmaa `kom.
Whether you do it or not.
`yadd `lokom kaamaa `b
`rmaa `duu. We are at no point
ever without some. See: `cin
also.
`komam n. valley; area at the base
of any set of two or more usually
quite steep cliffs, generally with a
small stream or groundwater
deposit, in which water-loving
plants such as bananas and
gingers are mostly found, and
where cultivation is not generally
possible.
`Kom koluu
76
`Kom name. name of a river in
Likabali circle.
`komgo n. variety of fishing trap, a
`hip dam or river barrier into
which gaps are constructed, at
the end of each of which is a
`takom fish trapping container
into which fish can enter but
cannot escape.
komci Var: `rokkom (P). n:time.
early morning, around dawn.
adj. early in the morning. komci
`duuku. Its dawning.
`komci n. variety of grasshopper,
thought to look like a girl, with
red colouring around the area
where the lips might be.
kom`cii n:time. crack of dawn;
extremely early in the morning.
komci-tanii adv. very early in the
morning. See: komci early
morning.
`komp n. peach.
kombo nce. well, from which water
is taken. See: kbaa-kombo well.
`komlee n. variety of grasshopper.
kor- clfqr. Classifier for steps/paces,
as when measuring the length or
breadth of a surface area. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. korum, korpi...three paces,
four paces... See: akor pace.
-kor vs:nzr. way of doing
something. Gram: Nominalizer
forming a noun describing a manner
of doing something
`mekor n. way of talking;
manner of speech. o `bk
`mekor `b menr. I will
speak in his manner.
`rkor-`mekor n. manner;
way of doing things.
`korum Var: `koyum. n.
1 ancients; ancestors.
2 ancient times; the time of the
ancestors. `korum `ogo...Once
upon a time... `korum boolo,
`nom `cin par. In the old times,
wed have killed you too!
koroo n. ditch or channel of
medium size, through which
water is running or has run.
See: koc channel.
koroo-`komam n. geological
depression of any size or variety
caused by the eroding effects of
water, such as a valley, trough, or
ditch. See: koroo ditch; `komam
valley.
`korom n. sandal; shoe (archaic).
Properly refers to plank shoes,
i.e. a sandal whose sole is a single
plank of wood.
kor n. brook; small, trickling
section of a stream.
kornam vi. step, as on stairs.
korcaa vi. step up (on a stair).
`koobaa `og `jopcaa `yookee;
`korcaa `tokee! Dont jump
up the ladder, step up
(properly)!
korlen vi. step out of ones
house; leave ones house
forever.
korloo vi. step down (on a stair).
kornoo nce. See: abo-kornoo
Himalayan jungle nightjar.
korsik n. pandanus. Usage: (P).
See: `tako pandanus (L).
koluu n. variety of wild jungle
`kohuk kgnam
77
banana with many hard seeds.
Usually given to pigs.
`kohuk n. dried-up, browned leaf
of an oko plant (any variety).
`koh n. head of a stream or
channel.
-`ko...-pek vs:advs. exchange; back
and forth; in alternation;
reciprocally; in turns. Gram: Split
manner suffix indicating, of a plural
subject, that the action indicated by
the verb is brought about in
alternation or in turns. Often has a
reciprocal sense. When the subject is
singular, indicates that the the action
has effects on different objects.
`duuko `duupek `laju. Lets
switch seats. no `laa Tamar
`tko tpek `duu. You and
Tamar are sharing a cigarette.
`jiko-jipek vt. exchange gifts;
give reciprocally.
meko mempk vt. switch
between ideas (Ill do this - no,
actually, Ill do that - no, on
second thought Ill do this).
`k vt. count; enumerate. `Tai,
`htak knam `ruu `gadd `m
`kkaa toku. Tai, count up all the
measured-out poles.
kar n. variety of bird, possibly
speckled wood pigeon. Columba
hodgsonii.
-`k vs:adv. extensively. Gram:
Manner indicating that the action
indicated by the verb happens
extensively, either in that it happens
for a long time, or in that it affects a
large range of objects `mek
kumaa `lacin...Even if we dont
go into all the details... ohoo
`mookom `mak `laa, ohoo
`mapaa maa! We looked all over
the place where the cane is
usually found, but didnt find
any!.
`kck Var: `ksk (P). adj. salty.
n. saltiness; salinity.
knam1 vi. lie flat; lie down, as
when sick; slouch around, not
worrying about propriety or
posture, as though one were not
in a position to worry about
niceties (because ill or otherwise
afflicted by something). `b `aci
`laa nam `t `kl `kl `dooduu.
Hes lying sick and motionless
up in the house. `yooyaa `rs
kaaku maa `mla, `kl
`doomum goku `lakaa. Seeming
that theres not much to do, it
looks like its a case of just lying
around uselessly.
knam2 vt. slice; cut with a sawing,
side-to-side motion using a knife,
as when cutting meat. `klk
`tokee. Slice it into (the pot).
kyr vt. cut around in a circle,
as when preparing a bamboo
container.
krik vt. saw something in two.
`kkoo n. variety of pigeon or
dove.
-kk...-rk vs:advsr. everywhere;
fully; with full coverage of an
area. Gram: Split result suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb is fully or completely
carried out, is carried out
everywhere in an area, or with full
coverage makk mark search all
over an area. pakk-park
`mokaa. (They) completely
cleared (the field).
kgnam vt. pound something
using an instrument. o oii
baanam `m kgji r. Ill smash
kgmk -k
78
up the baked fish for you.
kgmk vt. pulverize something
by pounding it with a tool.
`kji n. variety of pigeon or dove.
Chalcophaps sp.
`kt n:kin. 1 eldest maternal uncle.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the eldest brother of ones
mother.
2 uncle-in-law. Usage: used to
refer to or address the father of
ones wife.
3 paternal aunts husband.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the husband of ones fathers
sister.
kd n:kin. third maternal uncle.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the third brother of ones mother.
Rare, possibly archaic in usage.
knam1 vt. campaign, as for an
election; canvass an area as part
of a campaign. o dp `m kr.
Im going to canvass Dipa (in the
election campaign).
knam2 vt. measure; measure out,
e.g. units of length or quantities.
`amo `kduu `m, `all `b `kt
`kem! When measuring paddy,
do it properly! o `h `m
kkaa r. Ill measure the (length
of the) wood.
kristan n. Christian. Source:
English.
kroo n:kin. second maternal uncle.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the second brother of ones
mother. Rare, possibly archaic in
usage.
`krci n. emerald dove. Chalcophaps
indica.
krt nce. See: krt-pumpaa
rodent (variety).
krt-pumpaa n. variety of rat,
foul-smelling, usually
jungle-dwelling.
`klum n. maroonbacked imperial
pigeon. Very large variety of
dove resident in tall trees, with a
leisurely flight pattern. Ducula
badia.
-`k vs:adv. dead. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb results in something
being killed (subject of intransitive
verbs or object of transitive verbs)
`pk `tokee! Kill (the snake)!
-k numr. six. Gram: root form, used
for combining with classifier roots to
form enumerative classifier
expressions oii `nkk go six
fish. See: akk six.
`k pcl. Informative particle. Gram:
Signals that the mentioned sentence
is being uttered for the purpose of
informing the hearer of a fact he or
she does not yet know. Very often
follows hearsay particle yu,
basically adding the sense thus (it is
said). `doken doo `yuk. I heard
from someone that its tasty. `t
`ben `k. It seems to be that one
up there.
-`k Var: `-k(k) (occurs in
non-phrase-final positions). pros.
s. Gram: Genitive case marker,
occurring as a suffix to pronouns and
demonstratives `ok abo my
father. `nok amin `m `meji
`lakaa! Tell me your name!
See: `g Genitive case
postposition.
-k vs:adv. abortively. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject acts
as though about to do something
`k kbaa-kombo
79
(but does not), or starts to do
something (but does not follow
through). tuk act as though one
would kick. See: -to...-k for the
first time.
`k1 int. okay; bye.
Usage: Interjection usually either
signalling agreement or lack of
objection with a proposal, like
English okay. Often used when
saying good-bye, where it can
have a sense closer to see you
(later). A: `caar ku. B: `k. A:
Were going home. B: Okay, see
you. `k, `i? See you later,
eh? `k, `ment `kee. Okay, go
ahead (and continue the story).
`k2 pcl. come on! do it, got it?
Yhear? Gram: Admonitive particle
used in an imperative sentence when
a speaker lacks confidence that the
command will actually be carried out
by the addressee. Increases the
hortative force and possibly includes
a warning that there will be
consequences if the listener should
fail to carry out the commanded task.
`occik `m `jilaa `k! Dont
forget to give him the knife!
adin domaa `b `k! Dont eat
meat, yhear?
-k vs:adv. tightly. Gram: Verb suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb is performed in a tight
way, or results in something being
tightened or packed-close. k
`tok! Pound (the earth) tight
(around the stake)! gok
`tokee! embrace (him) tightly!
`kcuu n. sternum; joining point
of the two halves of a ribcage.
knam vt. cook vegetables,
generally by boiling. oo `lok kt
`yoola! Make some food why
dont you!
`kkoo n. variety of
ground-dwelling squirrel.
`kjin vi. stretch, as in relaxation.
Syn: `kjin-`ktaa.
`kjin-`ktaa vi. stretch, as in
relaxation. See: `kjin stretch.
`ktaa vce. See: `kjin-`ktaa
stretch.
`kt n. supporting beam; in house
construction, a beam supporting
a gtuu pillar, which (unlike
the pillar) does not reach all the
way to the roof.
kdr n. tailbone.
knam vi. 1 twist; roll over, as
when sleeping. `b `kduu. Hes
rolling over (in his sleep). ohoo
`kduu. The rope is twisted.
2 lie down in some position,
probably which would have
required twisting to attain.
kdr vi. lie on ones side.
klek vi. lie on ones back.
vt. twist something. o ohoo
`m `kduu. Im twisting the
rope.
knk adj. diligent; careful;
considerate; respectful and
wholehearted. knk `jaab `ok
agom `m `taduu. He listens to
what I saw very carefully and
diligently.
kbaa n. 1 meeting; village
council. kbaa baanam to hold a
meeting.
2 public; the general public.
kbaa-kombo n. well, literally,
a common or public water
source. See: kombo well.
`kb `krnam
80
`kb n:qual. 1 other. Gram:
Pre-nominal qualifying noun with a
definite or contrastive meaning (the)
other (one, not the one already
mentioned) `kb `ap-`ahee `gadd
` `doken maa. The other fruits
are not delicious.
2 else. Gram: Post-nominal
qualifying noun with an indefinite or
additive meaning, as (something)
else or another (one) ii `kb
kaamaa. There wasnt anyone
else. o lalk `kb go `gp lagi
`duu. I should wear another
(different) shirt.
kb n. variety of wool, from which
`jebo tunics are traditionally
made.
km pcl. tell me about it! Gram:
Sympathetic informative particle to a
declarative sentence, usually
containing some information which
is contrary to what the addressee
may have thought or hoped-for.
Carries an additional implication
that the speaker is in sympathy with
the addressees inability to either
find out some particular information
or obtain a particular result. A: o
birii `maajib `tl `duu! B: aah!
birii kaamaa km! A: I would
really like a cigarette. B: Aah!
Tell me about it; there are no
cigarettes about (Ive been
looking for one all afternoon)!
aci dooluu `caamaa km! Elder
Brother hasnt gone to the village
(and I too have been trying to
figure out where he might have
gone).
-`kr vs:adv. cooperatively. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subjects act in a cooperative way, or
help one another in the action
indicated by the verb. ii `aken
`gonnam attr `pakr `duu. A
group of men are slashing at one
of them.
-kr vs:adv. twisted. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
twisted as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. `hgm o
`ykkr kaa. I knotted this.
kren n. fishing line; line of a
fishing pole.
krm n. main body of a fishing
pole; pole of a fishing pole.
`krcr n. fishhook; hook of a
fishing line.
krnam1 vi. be twisted, of rope,
wire, or any other similar thing;
be or become fouled-up or
tangled of itself. ohoo `krduu
ku. The rope has become
twisted-up (not braided).
vt. bend or twist rope or wire into
a non-straight or wavy shape, but
without bending it back onto
itself or curling it. o ohoo `m
`krduu. Im twisting/bending
the rope.
krnam2 vt. chop or hack at with
great force and little precision, as
when chopping down a tree or
when very angry. Properly refers
to an an instance of chopping in
which more than one blow is
required to complete the cut;
often references chopping apart
of non-whole trees, as standing
logs or branches from trees. o
`hpoo `m `krtuu`r. Ill chop
down the tree trunk. akc
`gadd `m `krloo `tok! Chop
off/down the branches!
`krnam vt. thrust the pelvis, as
when having intercourse or with
sexual intention.
`klak k!
81
`klak n. beating stick; stick used
for beating.
`kloo int. okay; got it; will do;
sure; gotcha. Usage: Interjection
indicating full agreement with a
proposal. A: al `b int `laa `dei!
B: `kloo! A: Yall go safely now!
B: Will do!
kl n. red squirrel; variety of
reddish jungle squirrel.
khuu1 n. tortoise; turtle.
Syn: `raakop.
khuu2 n. rabbit.
k! pcl. Contrary/contradictive
constituent-final particle. Gram:
Marks a sentence as information
which is contradicts or is otherwise
marked as contrary to something the
addressee has said or done.
Usage: generally pronounced with
a final glottal stop and a
high/level intonation. `korum
`g `rnam ` `mb `rbbee k!
The things that happened in the
old days actually *were* like that
(although you dont believe it).
aci immaa k! Elder Brother
hasnt gone (contrary to what
you had told me earlier)!
`dagmaa k! Its not there (on
the tree, contrary to what you
told me would be the case)! A:
`doken maa. B: `doken `duuk!
A: Its disgusting. B: It is not;
its tasty. `rbum dobum deek!
Dont make the dust scatter, you
hear!
-gaa `gaahee
82
G - g
-gaa vs:adv. incorrectly targeted;
affecting something other than
the intended target. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb is directed at,
or results in affecting, some object
other than the proper object or the
one intended. Also occurs in
semi-reduplicated form -gaa...-yaa,
with the overall sense of affecting
everything available ii `m tugaa
`deek. You might mistakenly
kick someone with your
haphazard kicking. eggaa
`tokee! Write it onto another
page!
`gaan n. song. Source: Hindi.
`gaanam1 vt. 1 chant a variety of
loud, high-energy chant.
2 yell or shout at someone.
`ibo Tamar `ogaa `gaaduu.
Nyibo Tamar is chanting a
Nyogaa. See: `ogaa chant
(variety).
`gaanam2 vt. 1 fetch water; fill a
container with something, as a
substance such as water; pour or
decant something as to fill a
container. `hilk `lo `issm
`gaaduu. Im filling the giant
bamboo water tank with water.
2 cup; cradle; hold something in
a cupped or contained fashion, as
with cupped hands or when
making a receptacle from ones
shirt.
3 spread the hands. attr
`gaala `dakkaa to, o `jobloo
`kaadee. All of you stand there
with hands outspread; Im going
to try to jump down.
gaanam vt. scratch with the nails
with significant force, potentially
causing a wound, as from a
birds or cats attack, or when a
wife fights with her husband;
scrape with all fingers, as when
taking up balls of rice.
gaaom vt. knead; soften, as rice
when eating.
`gaapuu n. variety of wasp, yellow
or tawny in colour, living
underground or in any hole.
gaapoo Var: gaapuu. nce.
See: ilo-gaapoo wasp (variety).
gaayap vt. wave the hand. `om
gaayap `dagn `b `y `bree?
Whos that down there waving
at me?
gaarii n. vehicle; car. Source:
Assamese.
`gaaree n. wreathed hornbill. Small
and black variety of hornbill.
Rhyticeros undulatus.
`gaalum nce. round variety of
wasp. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: itum-`gaalum
bumblebee.
gaal n. variety of massive tree,
with up to 1m diameter trunk
and a very reddish wood. Closely
related to `benjo, but with a
slight difference of the bark and a
much redder wood.
`gaahee Var: `gaas (P). n.
1 spinal cord muscle; the
muscle responsible for body
-gaa...-yaa ganam
83
strength.
2 element of an `bak ritual
object, a tightly wrapped leaf
running along the object edge.
-gaa...-yaa vs:advsr. at everyone; at
everything. Gram: Split manner
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb affects or is
directed at everything which is
available to affect
kaagaa kaayaa vt. look at
everyone or everything,
systematically as though to
scrutinize all.
tugaa tuyaa vt. kick
everywhere or at everything
which is required.
`gai adj. excellent.
gagnam vt. 1 catch or grab hold
of something with the hand, at
moment of catching or when
holding afterward; also, to catch
a thief, or come to know who the
culprit is. oo-`gy `m
agak-agak `b gakt `kee. Grab
the mustard greens bunch by
bunch.
2 grasp, in a mental sense; come
to understand a concept or idea;
detect the identity of a culprit;
figure out who has done
something or what has been
going on. `gaglaa maa. I cant
figure it out. `om SMS jib
`na `jr `m `gaktuu ku. I
found out which girl has been
sending me SMSs.
3 select; choose (as a partner).
`am `ijr `m o gakkaa - no
gagyoo `kee! Ive picked out
that girl - keep your hands off
her!
4 occupy, as an area of land.
gaksi vt. keep or see someone in
a sexual relationship,
especially in secret. `Tajum
`ne `bree `iik im go gaksi
`laa `mko? Was it Tajum
whos been said to be seeing
someones wife?
gakoo nce. handle of a fortune
wand. Usage: Usually occurs in
compound. See: agam-gakoo
omen of good fortune.
`gad Var: gadd. n. group. ii `gad
`hg these people; this bunch of
people.
n:qual. guys. ih `gadd ` the
Nishi guys... Gram: Plural definite
qualifying noun used to follow
another noun with a pluralizing
sense somewhat like those guys or
simply more than one. Not a true
plural suffix, since not obligatory
when more than one entity is
referred-to, and not able to occur in
indefinite sentences. However, in
definite sentences, is usually best
translated by English plural -s.
ganam1 vie. scale or climb a vertical
surface such as a wall; move
(horizontally) while suspended
on a vertical surface such as a
wall or tree. o `hn `m `gaduu.
I (am able to) scale trees.
ganam2 vt. pare; whittle; cut by
placing thumb close to blade and
drawing off strips or sections
from an object, as with a sickle
when harvesting rice or with a
knife when chopping vegetables
to prepare for cooking; cut with
short strokes (in any direction,
towards or away from self), as
when paring a nut or cutting
ones fingernails. Properly, blade
must be positioned close to the
cutting surface, and must not
`gajr gamnam
84
deliver an impact in the process
of cutting. o `hpin `m gar.
Ill pare the wild lemon. gac
`laac d. Its harvest time.
`rokcik `b `gapak `tok! Cut it
off with a knife!
`gajr vt. julienne; cut
match-sized pieces from a
length of something.
-gap vs:adv. affixed; stable; stuck
fast. Gram: Result suffix indicating
that the action indicated by the verb
results in something becoming
stabilized, affixed to something else,
or stuck fast to a surface. `jengap
`hiduu ku. Theyre becoming
friends.
`abgap vt. shoot (e.g. an arrow)
such that it sticks fast in the
target.
`tagap vt. concentrate on what
one is hearing; understand and
remember what is said.
mgap vt. concentrate, as on
work; memorize something, as
a procedure or list.
pagap vt. strike a surface, as a
log with a dao, causing the
blade to become stuck.
`yeggap vt. stick to something;
become fastened to something.
`blaa `abak `ok lalk `m
`yeggap `duuku. The jackfruit
resin has stuck to my shirt.
-gam1 adjs:der. bit by bit. Gram:
Incremental adjective suffix, usually
redubplicated as -gamgam.
Indicates a progressive, step by step,
increase of the quality indicated by
an adjective, usually in terms of a
small, inceptive amount. `dol
`gamduu. I feel like a bit of a
snack. o `kanoo gamgam `duu.
Im a little bit hungry.
-gam2 vs:adv. successfully;
auspiciously; lucky; with fortune.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the action denoted by the verb is
successful, fortunate, or auspicious.
igam to, `di! Good luck!
(when going hunting). See: agam
luck.
gam2 v:c.arg. bring home the bacon;
be an expert hunter; be successful
in matters incumbent on a real
man. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun igam expert
hunter `nok abo igam gamb
`duuree? Is your father still
bringing home the bacon?
See: igam expert hunter.
gam n. village headman. Source:
Assamese.
`gamnam1 Var: `gmnam. vt.
support a side blindly; join or
support the majority simply
because it has higher numbers,
without regard to what is right or
wrong. `nunu agom al-`pomaa
`m hkkaa `maab `doola
gmpee `gob `gmmm
`yookem. Dont just blindly join
the majority without considering
the merits of each point.
`gamnam1 vi. play. Gram:
Semi-meaningful final element of the
discontinuous compound verb
`janam-`gamnam play joyfully; be
fashionable `bulu `rgaa `jaab
`jalaa `gamla `rd `kee. They
were totally absorbed in playing.
gamnam1 vt. fasten, fix or bind, as
a stabilizing pole to a length of
wall using a strip of bamboo, or
when working around the edges
of a basket. ckc `m gamt `kee.
Fasten the wall binding.
`gamnam `gici
85
`gamnam2 Var: `amnam (L, P). vt.
bite. `ikii ` tabb `m `gak kaa.
The dog killed the snake.
gambuu nce. See: loobo-gambuu
house crest.
gamb n. beam framing the
exterior of a oopee wall, used
to keep the wall from buckling or
otherwise loosening.
garop n. variety of ornament worn
by a bride.
`gar Var: `gaii (P). n. resembler;
one who resembles something;
similar thing. `gcaa-`hca
holuu `gacaa `gar go; `gii `hii
` holuu `gaii nam `gar go.
Youth is like climbing a fence;
growing old is like descending
the other side.
adj. 1 equidistant from a point.
`lpaa `gar `hicc `bolo right
down in the utter centre.
2 resemble; resembling in
manner or appearance. no aci
`gar `. You look like Elder
Brother. rk `gar `b doyoo
`kee. Dont eat like a pig.
gark n. notch in an arrow where
the bowstring is set.
gart n. variety of ornament worn
by a bride. See: garop ornament
variety.
`garnam vi. 1 hatch, of a birds
egg. porok `g `ao `garkaa ku.
The chickens eggs have
hatched.
2 germinate, of a seed.
3 bear a child, in a poetic sense.
4 speak in a variety of ritual
chant.
`Galoo name. 1 name of a Tani
tribe found primarily in
central/lower West Siang
District, Arunachal Pradesh, and
also in areas of Upper Siang, East
Siang, and Upper Subansiri.
2 name of a Tibeto-Burman
language of the Tani branch
spoken primarily in central
Arunachal Pradesh, North East
India. Recognized as an Official
Language of the State of
Arunachal Pradesh in September
2008.
`gal n. fabric; woven fabric. Often
used to refer to a skirt, but
properly refers to the fabric prior
to being worn. Once worn as a
skirt, it may be called a bck.
Source: Minyong (Adi).
`gahee Var: `gas (P). n. variety of
river fish. Neolissochilus spp.
`giinam vt. transport; bring or
carry something in a wagon or
other vehicle as a load. `giicaa r.
(I) will transport it up there.
traak `l `m `giiduu. The
truck transports stones.
giinam vt. collar; pull or pull at
something by grasping the
whole, e.g. when gripping
someones entire knee and
pulling. `lb `m `yoogo `laa
giid-giid `dakko? Why are you
grabbing at my knee?
`gig n. frame spine for an
`igin basket.
`giccii adj. muddy, of a river.
`gici Var: `ginsi (P). n. variety of
densely-woven basket with
back-straps used for marketing,
herb-collecting, and light labour
in general. Relatively smaller
than an `igin and most often
`gin- gubnam
86
used by women. See: `igin large
densely-woven conical basket.
`gin- clfqr. Classifier for `igin
(tightly woven) baskets or `igin
basketfuls of any substance, such
as grains or small fruits. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. `igin `gii two igin
baskets. See: `igin large, dense
conical basket.
`ginnam (2)1 vt. 1 wipe some
substance off a surface with a
finger, as when scooping up the
liquid and small pieces of rice
remaining on a plate after eating.
okii `m `gilla `doduu. Ill eat
the fish guts by scraping them up
with my finger.
2 whittle or scrape pieces from
a surface by cutting forehand, i.e.
with the blade moving inward
towards oneself. ptak `m
`kaaken `doob `gitt `kee.
Whittle out the container nicely.
`gippak vt. shave off, as
something unwanted. `gippak
`tokee! Scrape it out/away!
`ginnam (2)2 v:c.arg. dirty water;
make water dirty. Gram: Generally
occurs with associated noun `higik
muddy water `higik-`ginnam to
make water dirty/muddied.
guugaa n. Jews harp; mouth harp.
`guucup n. concave knot on a tree.
guu n. 1 penalty; fine for
transgressive behaviour.
2 bride price; payment,
generally in trade, which the
family of a man must arrange
with the family of a woman
whom that man hopes to marry.
guu-`monam vt. levy a fine.
`h `coonam guu `mor.
Im going to levy a fine on the
person who stole my wood.
guu-`guut n. large penalty,
fine, or bride price. See: guu
penalty; `guut large penalty.
`guuk n. convex knot on a tree.
`guut nce. large penalty.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: guu-`guut large penalty.
`guup nce. variety of chant.
Usage: generally occurs with
associated verb yornam.
See: `guup-yornam chant
(variety).
`guup yornam v. variety of
traditional ceremonial chant.
`gut nce. See: `gut-yapom
variety of yapom spirit.
`gut-yapom n. variety of
yapom spirit. See: yapom
demon spirit.
`gunam vi. burn; be burning. `h
` `guduu. The woods burning.
a `m uun `rdoo `b `guam
`duuku. He got himself all
burned to the point of being
wounded.
gubnam1 vi. bear fruit, of rice
paddy; of rice paddy, be at the
stage just before full ripeness at
which the stalk has borne full
fruits and are beginning to weigh
it down, but before it is ripe and
ready to harvest. `ammo
`gubduu ku. The paddy is ripe.
vt. incubate eggs. porok ppp
`m `gubduu. The chicken is
incubating the eggs.
gubnam2 vi. lean, as a tree. `hn `
-`gum -gee
87
ttam `peel `b gupcoo `duulaa
`ka! The tree is leaning over the
cliff edge!
-`gum vs:adv. win. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the subject wins over
the object in the action indicated by a
verb.
`rgum vt. win a contest.
`megum vt. win an argument.
`gumr n. pigpen. Usage: (P).
See: `gumr pigpen.
gumnam v:c.arg. rumble, of
thunder. Gram: Generally occurs
with associated noun doogum
thunder doogum-gumnam the
rumbling of thunder.
See: doogum storm.
`gumpaa n. pigpen built on the
ground (not on a raised
platform).
`gumr Var: `gumr (P). n. pigpen,
traditionally located beneath the
toilet area of a house, when it is
located on the balcony. Also
refers to more modern-style
pigpens, which are generally
separate from the house and
raised a few feet from the
ground.
-gur vs:adv. assist; help. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject acts in help or out of
assistance to the object, as when the
object is unable to or does not know
how to do some activity by himself.
`bk `rgur namm `m o
`hablaa kumaa. I cant count
how much hes helped me. `b
`bull `m ayaa `mpaa `b
`mlaa `bullm `rgur r mto.
He felt sorry for them and he
wanted to help them.
guree n. horse. Source: Assamese.
gurnam vi. 1 whirl, as a
whirlpool; spin or rotate at
speed; churn, as water in a high
current; rumble, as a thing under
pressure and about to surge
forth. `iss ` `gurduu. The water
is churning.
2 grumble, of a hungry
stomach.
gurn-`naan n. element of a loin
loom, a bamboo pole set at the
very top side. Can fold under the
`rubuu, which it is set
immediately above.
gurb Syn: nako.n. back (of the
human body).
gulii n. bullet. Source: Assamese.
guluu n. fireplace border; wooden
border around a fireplace, on
which food and glasses may be
placed if it is large enough.
-`gee vs:adv. maintain a gap. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that an
existing gap is maintained in
performing the action indicated by
the verb.
`mogee vt. spare something by
working around it.
-gee vs:asp. Disjunct perfective
suffix. Gram: Occurs only in verbs
suffixed by Direct/Experienced
Perfective -baa or Action
nominalization in -nam. In a
declarative sentence, indicates that
either a second or a third person
subject (someone other than either
the speaker) performs the action
indicated by the verb. In an
interrogative sentence, indicates that
the subject is second person (the
addressee). In an interrogative
sentence, indicates that the actor is a
third person. Cannot be used with
first person subjects. an! no doggee
`geekar go
88
`bak! What? Youve already
had your meal! `, `ok hoo
`m `nkk jiggee kuba. Wah,
my cows been gored to pieces
(by something/somebody other
than myself). `b doggee
`baree? Did he eat? no `ttt
`maab tgee `ko! Youre the
only one who smoked up (the
cigarettes) for heavens sake!
vs:mod. go ahead (and x). Gram:
Permissive imperative modal suffix
indicating that the speaker agrees
with a standing proposal or query
concerning whether the addressee
should or should be allowed to to
something, and is telling the
addressee to go ahead and do it.
Usually, but not obligatorily
followed by kee Light Hortative
or kaa Advisative Hortative.
`immen `geekee! Go ahead and
roam! (as though giving
permission).
`geekar n. fishing pole. Usage: (P).
See: kr fishing pole.
`geekoo n. mountain pass;
mountain valley through which
it is possible to travel.
geenam1 vi. 1 heal, of a cut
wound; become fully healed, and
no longer in any special danger
of becoming worse or infected.
uun geekaa ku. The wound
has healed over.
2 seal, of a surface which has
been cut or breached, as a gap in
the earth or a cut wound.
Overspread; cover completely;
creep over, as a skin disease or a
parasitic plant. `hn `m
tar-tamaa `geelup `laa. The
creeper overspread the tree,
covering it.
-`gek vs:adv. dirty. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something becomes
dirty as a result of the action
indicated by the verb
`hagek vi. slip or slide on
something trodden-on, such as
excrement, dirtying oneself.
gennam (2) vi. 1 lie down to rest,
but not to sleep. `gell `duu. (I)
want to lie down.
2 lie collapsed; lie prostrate, as a
shot animal.
vt:poet. sacrifice a hundred red
roosters. `korum `ogo `it
`Gooy pol gebbee `yuk. Its
said that once upon a time
Master Gooy sacrificed a
hundred red roosters.
gekkup vi. lie facing downward,
as the male in a sexual
position; be male, by
implication.
gellek vi. lie facing upward, as
the female in a sexual position;
be female, by implication.
gekkup `nag `ree maa gellek
`nag `ree? Is (your baby) a
boy or a girl?
`Gensii name. Gensi, name of the
major town in Gensi circle in
southwest West Siang District,
Arunachal Pradesh, from which
the name of Gensi circle is taken.
gebbuu n. quiver; container for
arrows.
go art. a; an; one. Gram: Indefinite or
Individuating article. Marks typically
indefinite, often individuated, but
not necessarily singular referents.
Cannot co-occur with Topic or
Accusative markers, nor with the
Imperfective copula. Usually
introduces new or unknown
discourse referents. When occurring
with a single predicative nominal,
-`go goonam
89
usually has a mirative sense, as
what? I didnt expect that! In some
cases, has a more classifier-like use,
licensing a reference which would
not be possible with a stand-alone
noun. ganam `gona `i? One
(betelnut) which has already
been cut, (thats what you want)
right? o `looi go ramto. I was
sick for two days. aas go `bree.
I suppose well be going home
now. (lit. I suppose itll be a case
of us going home.). `ee go!
What? Its shit!! (I thought it was
mud I was stepping on). `yadd
go `a-am aar `d, `k go
`igin `m `tuubam hir.
However many women come,
that many (baskets) will be kept
together.
pcl. O! Gram: Initial element of Split
vocative name particle NAME
go...NAME a O my dear NAME
Ai Mumsi go, Ai Mumsa...O
my dear Elder Sister Mumsi...
-`go vs:adv. warm; hot. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something
becomes warm or hot as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
`crgo gr `laa `tduu. (We)
drink it after warming it. o
`tgo r. Ill warm it by putting it
(on the fire). `romgo `tokee.
Heat it up by roasting it.
`goe n. variety of chirping insect,
possibly a variety of cicada, with
an insistent, buzzsaw-like chirp
which dies out gradually after
several iterations.
-goo1 vs:adv. before. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject acts
before the object does in the action
indicated by the verb. tugoo first
to kick. o `nunn `m `caagoo
kaa. I went up before yall did.
-goo2 vs:adv. around; around
something. Gram: Directional suffix
usually occurring on motion verbs,
indicating that the subject goes
around something in performing the
action indicated by the verb. uugoo
hid `kub `motuu `laa. We
made (the fire) such that it would
shine all around/everywhere.
`poon `urgoo r. Well go
around collecting fermented rice
from everyone.
yggoo vi. skirt; circumscribe.
raggoo vt. surround something
with fencing.
goo onom. sound of a person
shouting.
`Googar name. name of a village in
Likabali circle.
`googee n. arc.
goodaa nce. ladder element of a
`murkoo-goodaa.
See: `murkoo-goodaa ritual
bamboo ladder.
`goonam1 vi. pass, of time; spend
time on a particular thing.
`uik agom `jabt `kolo aloo
`goobik kaa. We spent the
whole day talking. `nok rnam
`m `ijr `lo `goolk `mum toku
`kee. Go ahead and spend all
your life on girls only.
goonam1 vt. drive or lead an
animal or a child; not possible, or
not appropriate, for an adult
human. o hoo `goopak `duu.
Im leading the cow away. `b
hob `gocin goaa to. He also
brought some mithuns.
goonam2 vi. 1 swell; expand;
bulge; bloat, of something
spherical, bulbous, or rounded,
as a full or fattened stomach.
goonam `goku
90
ppp `bk akii `m `goog kaa.
Eggs have bloated his belly
(with gas).
2 rise, as the level of water;
grow up, as a child. `m
`hamrm, `hambuk to, `hogo
`gooto. If you stepped in it, you
sunk in, it would come up to
here.
3 inflate; overinflate; grow out
of proportion; of speech,
injudicious or insouciant. agom
`m `goom `yookaa. Dont let
your words spiral out of control
(in boasting or threatening). o
ii `m `cemmo `lmaa mbee;
`ok aci agom `m `goom kaa. I
didnt want anyone to know
(about the project); (but) my
elder brother let the cat out of the
bag/spread the news all over.
goonam2 v:c.arg. make an
enclosure. Gram: Generally occurs
with associated noun luugoo
enclosure luugoo goonam to
make an enclosure.
goorii n. clock; watch; timepiece.
Source: Assamese.
`Goorii name. name of a village in
central West Siang district.
`gooree n. white variety of sweet
potato. Usage: (P). See: maapuu
white sweet potato (L).
goor n. spring action trap which
can be set up to depend on a
naturally-tensed object, such as
bamboo. When an animal trips a
laid stick, the trap springs closed
and catches the animal in a vise.
`goolm n. ritual object consisting
of a single bamboo stick with a
series of several looped bamboo
sticks affixed to one side only.
Effectively, a one-sided version
of a goodaa.
See: `murkoo-goodaa ritual
bamboo ladder.
-gok vs:adv. cracked. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the object is
cracked or cracked open as a result of
the action indicated by the verb
deegok boil something, causing
it to crack (such as a potato).
`gog n. element of a `hibok
fishing dam, a stone/pole prop
used to restrain the current and
prevent the dam elements from
being eroded and washed away.
`gog-`gob n. fishing dam
elements, in general. See: `gog
dam element (variety); `gob
dam element (variety).
gognam1 vi. 1 sing (a song). o
`gaan `gogduu. Im singing a
song.
2 chirp, of an insect.
gopuu-`goee ` `gogduu ku. The
gopuu-`goee insects are
starting to chirp.
vt. call someone, as to beckon. o
`bm gokto. I called (to) him.
gognam2 v:c.arg. crack; breach.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun deggok crack in
earths surface deegok gognam of
the earths surface, to crack, as in
an earthquake.
`gokak n. stutter.
vt. stutter; stammer, in speech. o
agom `m `gokak `duu. Im
stammering over the word.
Syn: `koak.
`goku n. classical language;
archaic language. A set of
lexemes which is used very
commonly by priests and orators,
gok `gob
91
and more rarely by ordinary
speakers. Believed to represent
an earlier form of Galo, its use is
considered to be a high cultural
skill.
gok n. open mouth, as when
yawning.
adj. open-mouthed, as when
yawning.
gok-`aajin n. yawn.
vi. yawn. no gok-ajin `duu.
Youre yawning. See: gok
open-mouthed; `aajin stretch.
`gojoo n. bamboo platform, either
semi-detached or fully detached
from a Galo house, generally
unroofed. May be used as an
extra balcony for resting during
fine weather, as well as a
convenient location for
sun-drying clothing, chilli
peppers or other such things.
`gona pos. next; following. Gram:
Subsequential postposition to a time
noun, marking it as the next,
following or ensuing time unit after
the one nearest to the time of
reference. `ar `gon `og `bulu
a-a `g nam lo ikaa ku. The
next morning they went back to
their own homes. `pool `gon
`alo, o `lken go maa `rm `li
go `caar. Ill visit you once or
twice next month.
gonam vi. use a stone slab trap;
trap small animals by laying an
odo stone slab trap. o od `got
`b inr. Im going trapping.
`gonam vt. raise a platform; erect a
platform, such as a hunting
platform or house balcony.
`gojoo aii `nago `golen boolo
al deedoo. If you raise the
platform a bit it will be fine.
gonna pos. one of (them); some of
(it/them). Gram: Postposition
marking a quantity noun as a portion
taken from a set, or a common noun
as an individual taken from a group.
`og atuu `gonna kudaa, dumpaa
compk lo `lk kaa. And then
again some of them crawled
under the pillow. `m adaa
`gonnam, `paloo gr `laa, adin lo
tktaa kaa. After cutting down
half of it, he cut it again into the
meat. `ok yaamee `ogo, ii
`gonna hocr go `apto. Back in
my childhood, a guy shot a stag.
gop- clfqr. Classifier for handspans
(measured lengths from tip of
thumb to tip of little finger with
all fingers outstretched). Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. gobum three handspans.
See: agop handspan.
`gob1 n. element of a `hibok
fishing dam, a horizontal beam
placed across the breadth of the
dam, used as an upper framing
point to strengthen the
apparatus.
`gob2 Var: `gb. pos. until (a time);
up to (a point); to the point that
(a state/condition) is reached;
when it comes to (some
topic/idea/quality). `ayum
`gob `jilaa `kee. Give me a
handfuls worth. `ij `gob
puuluu kamb `duuku `na. Its
still white to this day. `poolo
`gob `hogo migoo `hilaa
`rduu. For up to a month they
chased each other around here.
`cennam `gb da, `maaji `cenduu.
(He cant speak very well, but)
when it comes to (conscious)
gobnam gci-gten
92
knowledge, he knows a lot.
gobnam vi. measure by or in
handspans. o `htak `m
gopkaa bee. I measured out the
plank (in terms of handspans).
See: agop handspan.
gom- clfr. Classifier for vocalisms,
including mouths and words.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. nappaa `gomt `na
`hoopen `. This one with a big
mouth is a chameleon. See: agom
speech.
`gomuk n. 1 intonation; phrasing;
sentence.
2 language; dialect; form of
speech.
`gomcr Var: `gomsr (P). n. speech
fragment; building block of
speech. May be used to translate
English morpheme, word,
phrase or sentence, although is
less often used to translate word
than agom.
`gomjup adj. closed mouth.
vt. close the mouth. nappaa `m
`gomjup toku `kee! Close your
mouth!
`gomnam vt. hug; embrace. o
`ikii `m `gomkaa. I hugged the
dog.
`gomb1 adj. overheard directly;
heard as a result of being in
proximity to the sound source,
rather than having been
communicated by another
person.
`gomb2 n. word, especially in
written language.
gommaa adj. mute; dumb, i.e.
unable to speak at all.
gomraa n. code language; pig
Latin; variety of purposefully
mixed-up speech designed to
confuse a listener or hide ones
meaning, as `juuka for
`kajuu lets go. `bull ` `tacen
maad `b gomraa `b `menlaa `ju.
Lets talk in pig Latin so they
wont understand us.
-gor vs:adv. quickly; immediately.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
an action is performed quickly or
immediately tkum gorbaa `duu.
She gets drunk quickly. `laagor
`tokee! Pick up (the telephone)
quickly! higor `maaduu. (They)
dont die quickly (of doves).
`gor n. platform made for
observation purpose, as for
hunting or for household/village
security (as opposed to for
resting, e.g.). See: `gojoo resting
platform.
`gorbak Var: borbak (P). n. fork in
a tree; valley between two
branches.
`golaa cnj. and. Gram: Numeral
conjunction r `golaa aum
thirty-three.
golo `b Var: `golb. pos. even up
to. Usage: Lare only; Puugoo:
`gob. `bm gognam `ij `golb
aamaa da. (Though) he was
called, he hasnt arrived even
now.
gkoo n. axe handle.
gci vce. See: gci-gten impede.
gci-gten vi. impede or disturb
someones activities or ability to
act effectively. gci-gten
`empaa! Youre disturbing my
activities!
gtuu `grnam
93
gtuu n. house pillar.
gtum n. hammer; pile-driver.
gten vce. See: gci-gten
impede.
gdaa nce. household management;
management of household
affairs. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: gdaa-`isi
homestead.
gdaa-`isi n. homestead; area
used by people for working and
living; means of sustenance from
the land. gdaa-`iss `m `kaa.
Ive organized everything for my
sustenance from the land.
See: gdaa household
management; `isi water.
`gdin ace. See: `gdin-`hbaa
successful.
`gdin-`hbaa adj. successful in
life; prosperous.
gnam1 vi. prepare; get ready;
ready oneself, as for departure.
gt `kee, `kaju, `inlaa `ju! Get
ready, come on, lets go!
gnam2 vi. live ones life; survive.
gnam-hnam `yoom `bla?
Hows life these days?
gnam3 vt. plant or erect
something (e.g. a pillar) in the
ground by simply stabbing it in,
i.e. without digging a hole
beforehand. o luug `m gkaa.
I drove the fencepost into the
ground.
gnam-hnam vi. live ones life.
gp n. goitre, on the neck.
`Gb name. name of a Galo clan.
`gl1 n. variety of tree, about the
size of a jackfruit, with leaves
similar to a `rt and carrying
a very dangerous sting. See: `rt
nettle tree variety.
`gl2 n. cockfeathers; feathers
coming off a cocks tail.
-gk vs:adv. impaled. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
impaled as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. dggk
hinam to impale oneself while
walking; strike oneself on a
pointed object while walking,
causing it to break the skin.
`gcaa Var: `gsaa (P). n:poet. youth.
Usage: Goku.
`gnam vt. 1 go or go to.
Usage: sense common in Eastern
Tani but rare or archaic in Galo.
2 sneak; move stealthily.
hor-`mootum `gnam going
hunting. See: am-`gnam
sleep around (man).
3 trudge; move around in a
watery or muddy area. o `hil
`glak maa. I cant move around
in swampy areas.
4 plough. rkk `m `gkaa ku.
Weve ploughed the fields. `am
`lraa nam `laalk `paaku `laa,
haal `graa nam `laalk `paaku
`laa, rkk `m `rto. We took in
planters, we took in ploughers,
and did the fields.
gy nce. variety of mustard eaten
as a vegetable by Galo and,
especially, Minyong Adi.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: `oo-gy variety of mustard.
gy n:poet. old age. Usage: Goku.
`grnam vt. grasp and tug; grab
and pull with both hands, as
when saving someone who is
`g- `g `lok
94
falling. akc `m `grkaa. I
grabbed the branch.
`g- clfr. Classifier for cords of
wood. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `gppii four
cords (of wood). See: `g cord
(of wood).
`g pos. 1 s; of. Gram: Genitive case
marker Usage: occurs as a noun
phrase postposition (enclitic).
Obligatorily marks possessor
nouns (not pronouns) in a
possession construction. Also has
Comitative sense with when
occurring in a Comitative
construction [X gv V-ko lo]
V-ing with X. Bojr `glaa
Bohar `g `lgaa `b o `saa
`mor. Ill make tea for Bojwr
and Bohar.
2 via; by way of. Gram: Viative
postposition marking a noun which
is not itself a goal or target, but
which is passed by way of or in the
general direction of in the course of
some event. `hokk `al `Googar
`al `minlen `laa, `Googar `g
Hil minaa `laa. (I) chased it
from here over to Googar, and
via Googar chased it here to Sili.
3 by means of. Gram: Mediative
sense of the genitive postposition
marking the means through which
an activity is accomplished (such as
the vehicle of a motion predicate)
`al `g ~ gaarii `g `indu go on
foot ~ by car. See: -`k Genitive
pronominal suffix.
-g vs:val. lead; take; bring. Gram:
Comitative suffix indicating that the
subject brings the object together
with him on an activity of which the
subject is the leader. On intransitive
verbs, functions to add an object
noun to the sentence understood as
the brought person. o `nom nam
`bolo acin dog r. Ill take you
down to the house for a meal.
`nom o kaag r. Ill take you to
see it (the movie).
ig vt. lead someone
(somewhere). `nom `joola inr,
door `b igr `nom! Hell
snatch you away, carry you
away with the wind!
`duug vt. take on someone as a
spouse, as a brothers wife
after he has died; support
someone as a live-in partner
after some misfortune.
doog vt. sleep with someone;
make love to someone. `bm
o `doog `rnna. Im going to
sleep with her, got it?
mig vt. chase someone or
something; drive something
away (as an animal). hoo `m
ming `tok! Drive the cow
away!
rg vt. 1 look after someone;
take care of their basic needs.
2 have an affair with
someone, particularly
someone elses married wife.
`g `lok Var: `glk. pos. since;
from. Gram: Postposition marking a
time noun as a point in time since
which (if past) or from which (if
present or future) an event or state
has endured or will endure. May also
mark a non-temporal noun in the
same way, if being construed as a
point in time (as since Gandhi).
`korum `jimii `okk; Abo Tanii
`g `lokk Since the beginning of
the world; since from (the days
of) Abo Tani. `hir `g `lokk o
acin domaa. I havent had food
since this morning. `alloo `g
gen `gmnam
95
`lokk from tomorrow
(onwards).
gen n. back-strap harness for a
loin loom, used to create and
maintain tension so that the loom
remains aloft. See: aen sheath
strap.
-`g vs:val. touch; onto. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb results in
something touching something else.
`dg drip onto something.
`nom `tigg kaa. Ive dabbed
you (with my finger). o `batak
`m `hamg `duu. Im stepping
on the floorboards.
attach; depend on. Gram:
Applicative suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb entails
the subject depending on or
otherwise being attached to the
object `b ager `kaarm `om
`meng `duu. If he has work to
do he calls me (out of attachment
or my necessity to its successful
completion). `tuug support
something of necessity, because it
cannot stand by itself.
`mg vt. depend on
something. `mg `hagg
kaamaa. I havent so much as
a shoulder to lean on. o
`mg haa kaaku maa. Ive
got no-one left I can depend
on.
`gkoo n. base-frame of a loin
loom, to which the gen
back-strap is fixed. Section
closest to the body, which may
rest on the lap of the weaver.
gnam1 vi. feel or be disposed in a
certain way, i.e. well or with
sickness; be positioned, of ones
body. `b akii al `maab `gduu.
He has a stomach ache. o
`rapkom gtup kaa. I bumped
my head on the fireplace
shelving.
`gkur vt. have ones back to
something.
`gken vi. feel good. o a
`gken `duu. Im feeling
good/fit (lit. Im carrying
myself well).
grp vi. get up; get up in the
morning. grp tokaa! Get up
(its time to wake up)!
grk vt. face something or
someone.
1 carry or wear something,
on ones body or in ones
possession. o `ej gmaa! Im
not wearing any clothes!
mnam go o gkaa ku. I
had a feeling/thought. no `uii
`gduu `p. A devil is
probably possessing you
(making you do bad things).
2 have a disease. `b hgyaa
`gduu. He has a cough (as a
disease).
2 take after or carry after
someone, generally an elder
family member such as ones
mother, father, or elder sibling;
resemble a sibling in features.
o `ok aci `ne `gduu. I
resemble my brother (in
features).
gnam2 vt. hurl; throw something
very heavy, and which requires
some effort to throw.
`gmen n. ornament; item of
jewellery.
`gmnam vi. collapse, of
something large and ceiling-like,
as a house, a ceiling or roof, or a
`gr grb
96
tree of reasonable size. namm
`gmkaa. The house collapsed.
`gr vt. rub with the back, as an
animal scratching itself, making a
mark on something as a result.
hobb turg `b gr `laa
`dagduu. The mithun is
standing there scratching its back
against the pillar.
-gr vs:nf. moreover; however;
furthermore; yet; although. Gram:
Additive concessive suffix indicating
that in addition to the marked verb,
something else which is potentially
contrasting or unexpected is also the
case. May also be used alone, with an
implication and yet (something
other than this should properly be
the case) h! diin mgr! Aya!
I said diin, moreover (i.e.,
rather than using the proper Galo
word for day)! no `m
megr, `b `m gr...agom
`yoomb `meken `doob?
You say this, he says that - how
will you arrive at a consensus?
`m mogr, `am aii go `pt
gr `ahoo `nam `laakaa to, `l
`m. After doing that, get the
one which is a bit long and (yet)
fat, the stone. mgr
`lacin...However; at the same
time...
grk onom. crack; crunch; sound of
a stick or tree branch breaking.
grnam vt. wind; crank; twist e.g. a
pole to loosen or tighten fabric
that is wrapped around it (not
used for twisting rope).
grb n. skirt for a ritual effigy,
formed from folded-over leaves
wrapped tightly around the
effigy base.
-`aa `anam
97
Q - q
-`aa vs:adv. empty result; null
result; void result. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb has no result,
does not connect with the expected
target (and in fact connects with no
target) or has an impotent or empty
effect. Often found in
semi-reduplicated form
-`aa...-`raa. `tuaa kick or
move the foot and not find any
target. `naaaa throw
something at a void, thinking
theres a target (although there is
not). `hamaa to stumble into a
hole while walking.
`aanam vi. 1 be lost; get lost. o
`aaduu. Im lost (as when
walking around in the jungle).
2 be a wastrel; be in a condition
of having spent or wasted ones
money or possessions. o
`aaduu ku. Ive become a
wastrel.
3 be wasted; be or have been
frittered away fruitlessly, as of
money. `ok `murkoo ` `aakaa.
My moneys been lost/frittered
away.
vt. 1 lose ones way or direction.
o bdaa `m `aakaa. Ive lost
the way.
2 waste something; fritter
something away fruitlessly. o
idaa lo yaakaa go `aat ba. I
spent tons at/for my marriage.
o `murkoo `m `mum `b
`aakaa. I wasted the money
uselessly.
-`aa...-`raa vs:advsr. no result.
Gram: Split result suffix indicating
that the action indicated by the verb
has no result
`koaa-`koraa vi.
speech-impaired.
`caaaa-`caaraa vi. go (up) on a
wild goose chase. See: -`aa
empty result.
-`ak vs:adv. intensely; intently.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
the action indicated by the verb
happens in an intense or intentful
manner. pori riak hila duunm,
tapamaa. I was studying so
intently, I couldnt hear you.
`kaaak vt. gaze intently.
`rak vi. laugh like mad;
laugh so hard that no sound
comes out.
`agnam vi. 1 be lost.
2 get out of or quit a place; take
off; quit someone; leave
someone, as a wife or husband.
o `agr ku. Im getting out of
here/leaving you.
3 roam; go off in no particular
direction, not caring where one
goes.
vt. lose ones way. o bdaa `m
`akkaa. Ive lost the way.
`agmen vi. roam around; take
an aimless stroll. `alloo
aigo `agmen kaataade.
Im just going to go take a bit
of a stroll over there.
`aglen vi. separate off from a
group.
`anam vi. breathe heavily; pant;
anr innam
98
be winded, as after exercising;
have no remaining stamina. o
`aduu ku. Im panting (from
exhaustion). `an `tokee! Take a
breather!
anr vi. rest.
`apee n. variety of fish. Labeo
devdevi.
-am Var: -`am (emphatic form).
vs:adv. all; everything; finished;
completely. Gram: Exhaustive suffix
indicating that all or every one of a
plural subject (of an intransitive
verb) or object (of a transitive verb)
participates in or is affected by the
action indicated by the verb. When
the subject of an activity verb is not
plural usually indicates that the
action is finished or done completely
aloo looam `taduu ku. The
day is about to be over. `k
ptaa-kobuu kaaam `duu!
The small animals all watched!
`uii `gadd `m gogam gr
`kula. They called all the spirits
together.
ceam vt. know everything.
`ram vt. finish a task. o porii
`m `ram toba. I finished
studying (for tonight).
`amnam Var: amnam (P). vt.
bite. Syn: `gamnam.
-ar vs:adv. spilled. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that part of an object
or substance falls outside the
intended target as a result of the
action indicated by the verb. doar
of rice, for some to fall on the
ground while eating.
`par vt. miss while pouring,
such that some amount spills
outside the glass.
arak expr. snoring sound; any
grunt-like sound made from the
nose. `yubak `laa arak
`mlaa...sleeping deeply and
snoring... (lit. and saying
arak...).
arsi n. dew.
-`ii vs:adv. join. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject joins
another actor as a co-participant in
the action indicated by the verb. no
acin `dorr `m, `oocin `doii r.
If you eat rice, I will do the
same.
-ik vs:val. extinguish. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something
(usually, a fire or light) is
extinguished as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
`piiik vt. extinguish a flame
due to food or water boiling
over the pot.
miik vt. extinguish a flame by
blowing it out. o kendl `m
miik kaa. I blew out the
candle.
ik nce. See: ik-tao pimple.
ik-tao n. pimple. See: tao
thorn.
-in vs:adv. all; exhaustively. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the
subject acts on all available objects, of
every possible variety, in terms of
the event/state indicated by the verb.
doin `lamaa. (I) cant eat all (of
the various quantities; there are
too many).
inci-polee Var: inc-polee. adj.
not fully ripe, of a fruit or other
ripening plant. `app `
inc-polee `duu. This fruit is yet
to fully mature.
innam2 vt. 1 pinch. `b om
ikaa. He pinched me.
innam (1) o
99
2 tear, as paper.
innam (1)1 vi. be ripe, of fruit or
grains. doo lo `blaa ` inbaa
`duu. Jackfruits ripen rapidly
under the sun. `ammo `induu
ku. The rice is now ripe.
innam (2) Var: innam (2). vi. be
extinguished; go out (of a fire).
`mm ` ikkaa ku. The fires
been extinguished.
`inluu n. grove of tapioca vines;
tapioca plantation. iin-`inluu
tapioca grove.
`ilap n. bundle of sticks, twenty
by standard, or half of one
`aro, or five `ahu.
illaa n. honey made from taik
honeybee.
`ui pro. we (dl.); we two. Gram:
First person dual pronoun
`unu pro. we (pl.); we all. Gram:
First person plural pronoun
ur pcl. as well as (something else);
also; in addition to someone else.
Gram: Particle indicating that the
subject participates in the action
indicated by the verb in the same
way as, or in addition to, some other
person who did so first. May have a
reciprocal meaning in some cases.
`oocin ii urr! I am also
human (just like you)! `cent
`urt `kee. Try to know it as he
does. `g doob boolo `ipak
`g `rm `b, `unu, `cent ur
hae. If (our writing) had
remained, as the non-tribals now
are, we also would have known
(how to write).
`urnam vi. fall or topple over, of a
tree or bamboo clump, of natural
causes, exposing the roots (not by
human activity). `hoo `g
door-doogum lo `ok `blaa
`hn ` `uree `kunnaa `ii. It
looks like my jackfruit tree fell
over in last nights storm.
urnam vt. roll a ball-like or
sphere-like object. Generally
used to describe the rolling of
large objects which cannot
otherwise be lifted, such as a
boulder or fallen tree. `l `m
`urduu. Im rolling the stone
(by pushing it).
eenam vi. 1 be lost, particularly
of ones belongings; be forgotten.
`yaraa ` eekaa ku. (Ive) lost
something.
2 pass away; pass on; die
(euphemism). ii-iku ii `gadd
` eeam kaaku. The wise old
folks have all passed on.
-ek vs:adv. too (much). Gram:
Excessive suffix indicating that the
subject carries out the action
indicated by verb to excess, and/or
that the object is excessively affected
by the action.
aek adj. overcooked, of rice.
`kaaken `keek `jaadu too
beautiful.
baaek vt. over-bake; overcook
by baking for too long.
`meek vt. talk too much,
especially in a boasting way;
overdo ones speech. no `yaraa
`g `daam `m maaji `meek
`duu. You talk too much of
the price of things.
ennam (2) vi. be surplus, as of a
store or stock of grain; be extra.
`ambin ` `edduu ku. The rice
has reached a surplus level.
o Var: oo. pro. I. Gram: First person
singular pronoun, Nominative case
`om opii-piilik
100
`om pro. me. Gram: First person
singular pronoun, Accusative case
`ok Var: `ok. pro. my. Gram:
First person singular pronoun,
Genitive case
`op Var: `op. pro. to me. Gram:
First person singular pronoun,
Dative case
-o numr. five. Gram: root form, used
for combining with classifier roots to
form enumerative classifier
expressions oii `no go five
fish. See: ao five.
oii n. fish, in general. See: `mn
fish (P).
oii-alap n. fin of a fish.
-oo vs:adv. 1 habitually;
regularly; as a habit. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject performs the action indicated
by the verb regularly or as a habit.
hobb `moodii `lo roo `na,
deer lo rmaa `duu. These
mithuns are mountain-dwellers,
they dont live in the plains.
2 practice doing something; do
something as practice. Gram:
Indicates that the subject is
participating in the action mentioned
by the verb as practice, or in a
praticing manner. o Tanii `g
hobb `m paoo `hidak `ogo
iii to. I left as Tani was
practicing killing the mithun.
3 remainder. Gram: Nominalizing
suffix deriving a noun representing
the remainder of an activity which
has already been partially
performed.
taoo vt. have the habit of
listening to something; be used
to hearing something, as a
particular language.
dooo n. leftovers; leftover food.
`hm dooo `m, acc `m, `abr
`m, baa `laa jito. The
leftovers...hed bring and give
to his brothers (i.e., human
beings). If he couldnt eat it
(all), right?
`mooo vt. habitually make
something.
-oohi vs:adv. during; while; in the
process of. Gram: Temporal suffix
used to indicate that an action is in
progress or currently unfolding.
When used in coordination with two
sentences, has the effect of indicating
that one event happens during or
while the other event is in progress.
`caaoo `hiduu nana. Im on my
way up right now, you see.
okii n. fish guts; fish innards,
whether fresh or cooked.
`og n. mahasheer, a variety of
river fish. Neolissochilus
hexagonolepis.
oco Var: oso (P). n. Tor tor
mahasheer, a variety of river fish.
Tor tor.
ocr Var: osr (P). n. variety of
fish. Glyptothorax spp.
otup n. variety of carp. Garra
gotyla.
onam vi. be dazed; be confused;
stare blankly or with a blank or
dull expression. o `oduu ku.
Im all dazed/confused.
opii n. mori, a variety of Indian
carp. Similar to `orpuu but
larger, up to about hand-size.
Labeo dero.
opii-piilik n. fingerling size of
the mori, a variety of river carp.
Labeo dero.
`op nam
101
`op n. variety of mountain carp.
Psilorhynchus spp.
`op-pree n. variety of
mountain carp. Psilorhynchus spp.
ob n. Indian mottled eel. Variety
of long-bodied eel, high in fat
and valued. Said to be able to
survive for periods out of water.
Anguilla bengalensis.
`omuk n. variety of fish, white,
similar to oruu, up to about
half-forearm length, found
mainly in ponds.
omnam vi. inch, as an inchworm;
crawl or scoot with part of the
body leaving the ground, as a
leech or otter. `tapek ` omin
`duee `lakaa! The leech is
inching along for heavens sake!
oyaa n. fermented fish; rotten fish.
oyaa-olum n. culinary
preparation of fermented fish
boiled in bamboo, then smashed
and liquefied. See: oyaa
fermented fish; olum boiled,
liquefied fish.
oyoo n. variety of carp. Garra sp.
`oraa nce. variety of mountain
carp. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: `oraa-pakkaa
variety of fish.
`oraa-`pakkaa
Var: `okaa-`pagraa (P). n. variety
of mountain carp. Psilorhynchus
spp.
orik n. variety of catfish, striking
and ferocious-looking with
green-gray, smooth, lizard-like
skin, flat, whitish belly, dorsal
fin, catfish-like whiskers, and
sharp cartilaginous teeth.
Bagarius bagarius.
oruu n. variety of carp, small and
longish, living under stones and
eating algae. Galo catch
frequently and smoke-dry, to
serve as a prized snack to be
enjoyed while drinking rice
liquor. Garra spp.
or Var: oy (P). n. snow trout.
Variety of fish, usually found in
river heads. Schizothorax spp.
olum n. preparation of fish boiled
in bamboo, smashed with a
pestle or stick and liquefied. May
also be prepared using
fermented/rotten fish.
nam vi. be lazy or lethargic, as
when afflicted by a disease; feel
that ones body isnt performing
properly, i.e. with slow reflexes
and poor balance, as after
drinking liquor. `m `nam `b
`la `duumum `duuku `lakaa,
`yoo cinam-ramnam go `kaaduu
`kunnaa `d? Hes just sitting
around like a bump on a log,
what on earth could be the
matter with him?
`rp n. minnow of the tr fish.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: tr fish variety;
tr-`rp tr minnow.
` Var: `o (P). pro. myself. Gram:
First person reflexive pronoun, used
in singular, dual and plural functions.
`k agom-aii `m `cenb `tar
`kunnaa `bree? Will (our
children) continue to know our
language?
nam vi. crawl or creep without
leaving the ground, as a human
baby or a lizard; walk on all
fours; move stealthily, as when
mnam tr
102
stalking an animal. `uaa `
`koodaa `lo `duu. The baby
is crawling on the balcony.
mnam vi. creep or crawl, as an
animal without legs or with
poorly-functioning legs, as a seal
or otter.
-r vs:adv. to excess. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the subject acts
excessively or to excess in the event
indicated by the verb.
tr n. hangover, from
drinking too much.
-`caa cakkoo
103
C - c
-`caa vs:adv. upward to a goal;
northward to a goal. Gram:
Directional suffix, indicating (of an
intransitive verb) that the subject is
directed or moves upward or
northward, or (of a transitive verb)
that the object is transferred upward
or northward, in both cases reaching
some goal or new position or state.
`uucaa vi. rise, of the sun.
`jaacaa vi. swim vertically or
upstream.
`tcaa vt. pick up something
relatively small.
`pucaa vt. tug something
upward. `pucaa `tokee! Pull it
all the way to the top!
`racaa vt. drag something up.
`laacaa vt. pick up something
relatively large.
`hecaa vt. pull something
upward using ones hands.
`caagoo Var: `haagoo (P). n:rel. east;
direction of sunrise.
`caaaa Var: `haaaa (P). nce.
See: `caato-`caaaa late morning.
`caatuu Var: `haatuu (P). n. upward
rising slope, as a hill from the
perspective of one standing at its
base.
`caato Var: `haato (P). nce.
See: `caato-dooi rising sun;
`caato-`caaaa late morning.
`caato-`caaaa
Var: `haato-`haaaa. n:time. late
morning; past the time when
anyone should reasonably be
remaining asleep. dooi
`caato-`caaaa grk `laa! Its
past wake-up time already (why
are you still sleeping?)!
`caato-dooi Var: `haato-dooi. n.
rising sun; risen sun. See: dooi
sun.
caadr Var: `ootar (P). nce. utter fool.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: peccaa-caadr moron.
`caanam Var: `haanam (P). vie.
1 ascend; move upwards,
whether vertically or along a
sloping incline. `caat `kee!
Come on up!
2 rise, of the sun. doo
`caaduu ku. The sun is rising.
3 grow, of a plant; sprout, of a
plant. `kenloo `g `am cinnam
`caadaa `duu. The paddy
planted the other day is
sprouting quickly/straightaway.
4 move northward.
5 go to a house; enter or go to a
home. o `bk nam lo `caar.
Im going to his house.
`caamak n. fibre-like pith obtained
by scraping the trunk of a
tamak tree at the branching
point. Prized as an excellent
tinder which lights quickly and
burns very rapidly, even when
fresh. See: `tamak palm variety.
`cakku Var: `hakku (P). adj.
extremely bitter.
cakkoo nce. See: aii-cakkoo
tiny amount.
`cagna -ci
104
`cagna ace. grower. Usage: archaic
form generally found only
compounded to size adjectives.
aii-`cagna n. small one;
small thing.
kai-`cagna n. large one; large
thing.
`cagnam1 Var: `hagnam (P). vt. jerk
upward, as when tossing rice
grains from a winnowing basket
in one stroke; uppercut, with tool
or fist, as when boxing or
stabbing someone in the jaw.
`occik ` `cagr. (Ill) stab
upward with a knife.
`cagnam2 Var: `hagnam (P). v:c.arg.
spin cotton into thread by hand.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun `tacak cotton
`tacak-`cagnam to spin cotton.
See: `tacak cotton.
`canam adj. work properly, of a
machine or other instrument.
`canam maa! Its not working!
cam- Var: ham- (P). clfqr. Classifier
for groups of ten. Gram: Root form,
used for combining with numeral
roots and some adjective roots.
Usage: Compounded to numeral
roots to form higher multiples of
ten when counting. camr ao
five hundred. See: acam tens
place (in counting or
multiplication).
`campak n. elephant apple (tree or
fruit). Variety of evergreen tree
with a massive, chaotic trunk, up
to 60 high and 6 in diameter,
yielding a sour, apple-sized fruit
prized by humans and elephants
alike. Commonly enjoyed by
Mising as a boiled
vegetable-cum-flavouring agent,
the fruits are relatively rarely
eaten by Galo. Extremely
common in plains area; less
commonly found at higher
elevations. Dillenia indica.
camr Var: hamy (P). n:num.
hundred. Syn: `al.
`caruk vi. dry out, of a wound; start
to heal over, of a wound (as
when blood is starting to
harden).
-`ci1 vs:adv. shift place; shift position.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
something shifts location or position
as a result of the action indicated by
the verb. `pakci `yookee! Dont
flick water (at me)!
-`ci2 Var: -`si (P). vs:adv. reach. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that a goal is
reached as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. `pc maa.
(I) cant manage to reach (what
Im trying to reach with the
tongs). `kaac maa. I cant see
(what Im trying to see; theres
some obstacle or I cant make it
out). `ic `duu. Its fully ripe.
`yooyoo `m `rduu, `un `ceci
raaku maa. What sort of stuff
are you doing, we (old folks)
dont really understand it
anymore.
-`ci3 vs:val. be or become ill, as a
result of some activity (such as
eating poisonous food). Gram:
Result derivation indicating that the
subject causes the object to become ill
as a result of the action indicated by
the verb
`rci vi. allergenic; causing
allergies. Syn: `doci.
-ci vs:adv. cut in half along length.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the action indicated by the verb
-cik `cinam
105
results in a whole entity being
divided into two along the length, as
when a bamboo pole is split in two
down the middle, or when a
pumpkin is halved.
-cik Var: -sik (P). vs:adv. disperse.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
something disperses as a result of the
action indicated by the verb
naack vt. throw something
(such as ashes) such that it
disperses.
pack vt. strike at something
with a blade, causing it to jack
up and fly away (as e.g. a
piece of wood balancing on a
ledge).
Cikar name. son of `Urci, father of
Karkoo.
-cik...-ik Var: -sik...-yik (P). vs:advsr.
fully disperse. Gram: Split result
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb results in
something being dispersed or
scattered all over the place tucik
tuik kick something such that it
disperses all over the place. `is
pc `oloo namm, `iss ` `om
pokcik-pogik `laa `mokaa. The
water pot having fallen down,
the water scattered and sprayed
all over me. untraa bar yakku
namm, `mook `hg untraa
pokci-pogik `laa dooku `lakaa.
The basket of oranges having
spilled, oranges are lying all over
the place. See: -cik disperse.
`ciii n. 1 pestle, to go with a
mortar. Especially, a giant pestle
used for husking rice in a large
mortar.
2 planting stick; stick used for
spearing seed-holes in the
ground when cultivating.
`cikam Var: `hikam (P). n.
crisped rice; the hard, sticky rice
formed at the bottom of the pot
when not cooked evenly.
ciar Var: `hiar (P). n. rice
scraps; scraps or bits of rice
which have fallen to the floor.
`cijep Var: `hijp (P). n. pinch, as
of salt, especially when using all
five fingertips. `om `cijep
`gob `jilaa `kee. Give me up to a
five-finger pinch (of salt).
`cin pcl. also; even; too; as well.
Gram: Additive particle usually
following nouns or adverbs. When
following a subject or object noun,
has the basic sense N also, N too
or N as well (did some action, in
addition to someone else). When
marking an adverb or noun which is
relatively less expected, has a sense
closer to even N (in addition to
something more expected). oo `cin
inr. I too will go. `hoo `cin
`kanoo `rm `prsin `kogm `b
`kogduu. homen `cin `kanoo
`rm taakuu `menm `b
`menduu. If a wildcat is hungry,
hell crow like a jungle fowl. If a
tiger is hungry, hell speak like a
dove. (proverb of the wolf in
sheeps clothing). `bullm
`yoocin `memmaa. He didnt
say a thing to them. `cecin
`lma! I dont even want to
know! `gm `kaapaa `cin
kumaa, `i? You dont so much
as see them any more, right?
`cinam1 vi. reach or reach out, with
a limb extension or pole/long
stick held horizontally, as when
trying to touch or measure the
extent of something. `tm `cici
kaato. Try to reach that up
there. o garii `m `cikkaa
`cinam cilii-ramlii
106
namm `cici `maa. I tried to
reach (out to touch) the car but
couldnt reach it.
vt. 1 divine, soothsay or foretell
using the method traditionally
practiced by Galo shamans in
which a chicken egg is used as a
divination medium. Usually
occurs with associated noun
pp. In the practice of
pp-cinam, a shaman chants
over an egg, which is then
believed to transmit a message to
the shaman. pp-cinam may be
used to divine the cause of an
affliction, under the belief that a
spirit has possessed the sufferer
and requires a sacrifice of some
kind to be appeased and leave
the sufferer in peace. For this and
other purposes, the shaman will
use the egg to determine what
kind of sacrifice is required.
Other purposes of egg divination
include determining what sort of
sacrifices should take place at
traditional festivals. `ibbo
`ppp `m `cikaa. The shaman
chanted over the egg.
2 possess, of a spirit,
particularly an unborn child.
hobee `ao `m `cila. The
monkey(s spirit) entered the
child.
`cinam3 vt. prepare flatbread from
rice powder. `t-`cinam to
prepare flatbread from rice
powder.
`cinam3 Var: `hinam (P). v:c.arg. be
in pain. Gram: Generally occurs
with associated noun `aci pain
o `ciduu ku. Im in pain.
See: `aci pain.
`cinam-ramnam
Var: `hinam-ramnam (P). v. have
a disease. cinam-ramnam `b
`rp `hila, a `hg almaa.
Because of always getting sick,
my health is no good. See: `cinam
in pain; ramnam have fever.
cinnam (1) Var: `punam (P). vt.
pluck or pick, as a berry with
ones fingertips. o `ahee `m
`cinduu. Im picking the berries.
cinnam (2)1 Var: hinnam (2) (P). vi.
dive, of a longish thing. horam
`om kaat `laa `hil `bok `cillk
kaato. The otter saw me and
dove into the pool.
vt. 1 throw a spear or spear-like
object (as a pencil). `cilloo throw
a spear downward. `cigup
throw a spear such that
something shatters.
2 point, as with a finger.
3 plant seeds with a planting
stick. cibbaa to plant seeds with
a planting stick quickly.
4 walk in a pointed manner; be
pointed, of footwear.
`hiloo-`mroo `g `ijr jutaa
`gadd ` `maajib `cittuu doo.
Girls shoes nowadays are very
pointed.
cinnam (2)2 Var: hinnam (2) (P). vt.
brew `ogrin (white rice beer).
cibo n:poet. brother. Usage: Goku.
cimpk Var: himpik (P). n.
semi-liquid surface starch formed
over cooked rice.
cilii1 nce. newborn babe. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: yapci-cilii little devil.
cilii2 Var: hilii (P). nce.
See: cilii-ramlii epidemic.
cilii-ramlii Var: hilii-ramlii (P). n.
cillii-kookii `cumnam
107
epidemic; virus; viral illness.
cillii-kookii expr. shrieking
sound; uncontrollable sound.
cillii-kookii `mlaa `moin `duu.
Hes going along shrieking and
shouting and making a lot of
noise.
`cuukaa Var: `huukaa (P). n. small,
loosely-woven basket hung from
the `rapko fireplace shelf, used
for storing cooking accessories
such as spoons and salt, as well
as any other fireplace accessories
or small, easily-lost objects.
`cuucak Var: `huusak (P). n. small,
densely woven basket with a
long strap for carrying seeds at
the hip when planting a jhum
field with a planting stick.
`cuucr Var: `huusr (P). n. nipple,
on a male or female breast.
cuui n. horned beetle.
cuurii n. variety of small
nectar-eating bird, slightly larger
than hummingbird but
non-hovering, with a yellow back
and some green.
cuurii-pkii n. See: cuurii bird
(variety).
`cugrii Var: hugrii (P). n. dried fruit
of the bottle gourd (calabash),
most often used as a ladle
dedicated to pouring warmed
water over fermented rice when
filtering `opoo. Lagenaria
siceraria.
`cugrii-`pumpaa
Var: `hugrii-`pumpaa (P). n.
gourd. See: `curgrii bottle gourd;
`pumpaa balloon.
cucu n:mese. meat, in motherese
(baby talk).
cunik nce. variety of beetle.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: `eepik-cunik dung beetle.
-cup vs:adv. closed. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb results in
something being closed or fastened
karcup vt. close a circling pile of
stones.
`karcup vt. button up, e.g. a
shirt. lalk `m `karcup hit
`kee! Button up your shirt!
cupcak Var: hursak (P). n. laughing
thrush. Term used to denote
many spp. of laughing thrush
(family Muscicapidae), but
perhaps prototypically
bluewinged laughing thrush.
Garrulax squamatus.
`cubnam Var: hubnam (P). vi. chirp
or peep, of a chick or a
high-pitched electronic device.
`nok goorii `cubdak `na `tar
`. Your watch sounds like its
going off.
cumnam1 Var: humnam (P). vt.
jump in place, as to stomp
directly downwards on
something with both feet and
with maximum force, or when
dancing a pogo-style dance, as in
a `poopr. `an-am `gadd `
`poopr `cumduu ku! The
women are all dancing a
`poopr dance!
cumnam2 Var: humnam (P). vt.
weave. `ej cumnam to weave
clothing. `an-am
hiloo-mroo maajii `b `ej
`cumlaa ku. Women nowadays
are weaving lots of clothing.
`cumnam Var: `humnam (P). vt.
1 scoop by hand, generally
curum cennam (2)
108
using two hands but also
possibly using one, as when
transferring rice or other grains,
or beads. `ambin `m `cumt `kee!
Scoop the rice!
2 grasp with the claws, as a
hawk or eagle. dookoo porok
`roo `m `cumgee baoo. The
hawk grabbed the chicken (in its
claws).
curum nce. See: deb-curum ~
bet-curum kingfisher.
`curgen Var: hurgen (P). n. variety
of ornament, probably made of
lead, with a circular base and a
handle-like T-bar extending
upwards. Up to 10 slashes appear
on the T-bar, which are thought
to increase its value.
curnam Var: hurnam (P). v:c.arg.
spit. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun tacur spittle
tacur curnam to spit.
`culluu-kaguu n. variety of bird,
mountain-dwelling, with a
melancholy call.
ceenam Var: heenam (P). vt. split
along the length or whittle strips
from a length, especially of
bamboo, by starting with the
knife poised at the edge and
splitting inwards. o `drc `m
`ceeduu. Im splitting the
bamboo strips.
`ceepor vt. gape; open the mouth
unusually wide, as a snake when
angry and preparing to strike.
`b `ceepor `tola `dooduu. Hes
lying there gaping (of a snake
about to strike).
-cek1 vs:adv. disable. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
disabled as a result of the action
indicated by the verb `ok alak
`m `hdaa ` pcek kaa. He
disabled my (weapon) arm by
hitting it with a stick (causing me
to drop my weapon).
-cek2 vs:adv. shortened; abbreviated.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
something is shortened or
abbreviated as a result of the action
indicated by the verb
`mecek vt. summarize
something; say something
briefly and without going into
detail.
icek bdaa n. shortcut (path).
-`cek vs:adv. rip result.
`pacek vt. cut into ripped
sections.
-cen vs:adv. cornered. Gram: Result
suffix to motion verbs indicating that
something is moved into a corner as
a result of the action indicated by the
verb aacen move into a corner.
-`cen Var: -`hen (P). vs:adv.
knowingly. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject has
knowledge of the action or the object
of the action indicated by the verb
`docen maa. I dont recognize
what Im eating.
`kaacen vt. 1 understand what
one sees.
2 recognize someone.
`tacen vt. understand what one
hears.
`cennam (1) Var: `hennam (1) (P).
vt. know. `cemmaa `b
unknowingly.
`ceam vt. know everything
there is to know.
cennam (2) Var: hennam (2) (P). vt.
-cem -`c
109
chew or grind something brittle
and without body, as a crab. o
tpp `m cekkaa. I chewed the
corn.
-cem vs:adv. enjoy; like to do
something. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject likes or
enjoys to participate in the action
indicated by the verb. docem maa.
I dont like to eat it.
`celaa Var: helaa (P). n. variety of
crab.
-`coo vs:adv. first. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject is first
among all potential people to
participate in the action indicated by
the verb, or that the subject performs
some action first, before doing
something else `tcoo drink first
(before doing something else OR
before anyone else does).
coonam1 vi. expand or extend ones
range, as the branches or roots of
a spreading plant. `takuk akc
koroo `peel `b `coolen `duu.
The fig tree is spreading over to
the brook.
coonam2 Var: hoonam (P). vt. steal.
`b `coolaa kumaa `pa. He
wasnt able to steal (my oranges,
since I made a good fence).
`coonam vi. gallop; run, of a
galloping animal. Var: `yoonam.
`cokko Var: `hokko (P). n. chin.
cognam Var: `hognam (P). vt. toss
liquid, whether by splashing
with hands or using a container.
`cokkap vt. douse; toss liquid
onto something.
`cogbee n. jawbone.
`com Var: `som (P). pcl. I guess
(that). Gram: Declarative sentence
particle indicating that the speaker
has no real knowledge of the
mentioned information, and is
putting it forward as a blind guess.
May also include an implication that
the speaker doesnt care very much
about the truth or falsity of the
information. Yompaa `yoolo
`com? (Indeed,) where *is*
Yompaa (I also have no idea)?
`com. Im not sure/dont know
(as in answer to a question). `g
com `g maa `com. It may or
may not be the case. `pji
`naacom tkum `duunaa maa
`pji namm `com tkum
`duunaa. I cant tell whether its
the pourer or the pouree whos
drunk.
comnam Var: homnam (P). vi.
stretch the body, as when trying
to reach a morsel of food with the
mouth, or when peeking around
a corner at something. o `ijr
`m comkaa `laa `kaaduu. Im
stretching to look at the girl.
comci vt. reach something by
stretching the body for it.
compk Var: cokpk; lk (P). n:rel.
under; below; beneath; space
immediately beneath or below an
object.
-c vs:adv. glowingly; dimly;
ineffective. Gram: Manner suffix
describing a glowing (red) quality to
the action indicated by the verb.
Usage: Usually occurs in the split
form -c...-l, with the basic
meaning dim, and, by
metaphorical extension,
ineffective.
rc vi. glow; burn brightly, of
coals.
-`c Var: -`s (P). vs:adv. keep safely;
stow away. Gram: Purpose suffix
`ac mc-ml
110
indicating that the predicated
event/state is being carried-out by
the subject for the purpose or with
the result of keeping, looking after or
caring for the object. Also occurs in
the split form -`c...-`bk, with the
overall meaning stable.
`ac vt. store; keep properly (not
leaving lying about). `nok
`murkoo `m `ac kumaa gr
`laa? Why dont you keep
your money properly?
`kaac-`tac vt. look after or
take care of something or
someone.
`kac vt. stow; put something
into safekeeping.
`tc vt. pick up and gather
together, as when collecting
dirty dishes.
`laac vt. gather, as when
reaping harvest.
`ckoo Var: `hko (P). n. lower side
or section of a village.
cgoo Var: hgoo (P). nce. whole
village; whole town; whole
world. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: cgoo-doogoo
the world.
cgoo-doogoo
Var: hgoo-doogoo (P). n.
everyone; everywhere; the world;
every area in which there are
human beings.
ctuu Var: htuu (P). n. broken pot.
`cdum Var: hdum (P). n. upper
side or section of a village.
cnam1 Var: hiinam (P). vi. chill, of
weather; be very cold. Gram: Does
not conjugate regularly; instead of
`cduu, cnam `duu is usually
said. `iss ` `maajib `ark `laa
`ck `takaa! The water was so
cold I was about to freeze to
death! cnam ! Brrr! Its cold!
`hiloo `maajib cnam `duu. Its
really freezing today.
cnam2 vt. 1 slap something
using the palm of the hand, as a
persons face or a volleyball. o
`abr `m ckaa. I slapped my
younger sibling.
2 clap the hands.
`yapop-cnam clap the hands.
ckaa hinam n. play a sport
involving slapping, such as
volleyball. boolii-bool ckaa
hinam play volleyball.
`ck vt. swat something by
clapping it dead, as when
killing a fly.
`cpok Var: `hippop (P). vi. clap
the hands.
`cpop vt. slap someone, as on
the back.
cpar Var: hpar (P). n. large sized
mortar used for pounding rice.
-`c...-`bk vs:advs. stable. Gram:
Split result suffix indicating that an
object is made stable as a result of the
action indicated by the verb. `all
`b `rac `rabk `mogr. Its
woven nicely (so that it will be
stable).
-c...-l vs:advs. glowingly; dimly.
Gram: Split manner suffix indicating
that the subject has a dim or glowing
quality in terms of the action
indicated by the verb
uuc-uul vi. dim, of a light.
doc-dol vt. eat less than
might be expected.
mc-ml n. dying embers.
-ck `crnam
111
-ck1 vs:adv. barricade. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that a barrier or
barricade is created as a result of the
action indicated by the verb
kaack vi. obstruct ones vision;
lie in the path of ones sight.
kukee kaack `duu. The
stool is obstructing (my)
vision.
`torck vt. drape (a cloth) to form
a barrier, as to hide behind.
tck hinam vt. shield the eyes
from the sun using the palm of
the hand, as when squinting.
naack vt. create a barrier by
throwing things (making a
pile).
-ck2 vs:adv. 1 spread. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
spread over something else as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb.
2 splashed on. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is
splashed-on as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
ckci Var: hksi (P). n. wall of a
house, particularly one made
from `oopee flattened
bamboo.
-ck...-yk vs:advsr. scattered. Gram:
Split result suffix indicating that
something is scattered about as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. pokck pogyk scatter
everywhere.
`ock `oyk vi. fall and scatter.
See: -ck spread.
cgnam Var: hgnam (P). vi. of a
door or window, to be in a
particular state (as open or
closed).
vt. move a door or window into a
particular state (open or closed).
Gram: must occur with a result suffix
denoting the state (see below)
ckkok Var: hkkok (P). vi. be
open, of a door or window.
vt. open a door or window.
cktum Var: hktum (P). vi.
closed, of a door. rp cktum
`duu. The door is closed.
vt. close a door or window.
rp `m cktum `tokee Could
you close the door?
`cr- Var: `hr- (P). clfr. Classifier for
grain-like/grain-sized things,
such as uncooked rice kernels,
small beans/dal/peas, insects,
drops of water, and pebbles.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. `cirt na `hgm al
`yaaduu. Big-sized ones (chick
peas) are tastier than these (small
grams). `l `lci-bree `cri go
two pebbles. See: `acr seed.
-cr vs:adv. full; to the top; to the
brim. Gram: Result suffix indicating
that an object is filled to the top as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. `hg `ptup ` bcr `duu.
This containers full to the brim.
crum nce. See: crum-nabbuu
green bee-eater (bird).
crum-nabbuu n. green bee-eater,
a variety of nectar drinking bird.
Merops orientalis. See: nabbuu
protruding lips.
`crgak v. give a silk cloth as a
marriage solicitation from a boys
family to a girls family.
`crnam1 Var: `hrnam (P). vt.
1 drape, as when hanging wet
clothes over a line. `ejj `m `crl
crnam -c...b
112
at `kee. Keep the clothes draped
(over the line).
2 fold clothing (not paper).
crnam Var: hrnam (P). vt. boil
water. `iss `lok crt `kee. Heat
up some water.
`cii n. pinkie finger; smallest
finger.
-c1 vs:adv. contrarily; in a
separatist manner. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject
participates in the event indicated by
the verb in a contrarian or
separatist-like manner Usage: Also
occurs in the semi-reduplicated
form -c...-r. See: ac apart.
-c2 Var: -s (P). vs:adv. exclusively.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
the subject brings about the
predicated event/state alone or to
the exclusion of others.
c- Var: h- (P). clfr. Classifier for
fingers or for bodies made up of
fingers or offshoots, as some
types of plant tuber. Gram: Root
form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. takee ac cum go three
ginger rhizomes. See: ac
offshoot; lakc finger.
-`c vs:adv. just; exactly; precisely.
Gram: Suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb is just,
exactly or precisely right, as hoped,
or as intended. `allom tak
kabboolo tark `c hae `na. If
we then make the roof tomorrow
it will have been right on. `hg
tark `c `nago. This ones just
the right kind. `hk `c `nago
lagi bee. I wanted one exactly
like this.
`c n:time. moment; time; point in
time. `og `c `ogo...At that
time...
n:qual. just; exactly; precisely.
`bk `orok gnam `nok `c.
His machete-wearing is just like
yours. tark `cgo jilaa `kaa.
Give just the right amount.
`hg `cna `ok hktr . This
is exactly the point where I
stopped tracking (because the
trail disappeared). `yomb `c?
Exactly how much?
`cuu n:rel. edge. `m tebul
`cuu `a `dagduu. Hes
standing on the edge of the
table.
cdaa n. thumb finger. Syn: `cn,
`lagn.
cnam Var: hnam (P). vi. boast.
csi vi. boast about oneself.
cg vt. boast about something.
`b `murkoo `m cg `duu.
Hes boasting about (his)
money.
`cn n. thumb finger. Syn: `lagn,
`cdaa.
cyr Var: hyr (P). n. ring finger.
-c...-r vs:advsr. contrarily. Gram:
Split manner suffix indicating that
the subject acts in a contrarian
manner in bringing about the action
indicated by the verb `mec
menr `laa be contrarian; say
just the opposite of whatever
someone else may say. See: -c
contrarily.
-c...b vs:advsr. tangled. Gram:
Split manner suffix indicating a
tangled manner to the subject in
terms of the action indicated by the
verb. `rc `rb of a tree, to
have many twisting and tangling
branches, unlike other trees.
-ck `cbnam
113
-ck1 vs:adv. splintered. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
splintered as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
-ck2 vs:adv. boldly. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject acts
boldly or without regard for
consequences.
mck vi. bold; disregarding of
consequences. mck `laa
`meyoo `kee! Dont just
speak freely/without
consideration!
`cko n. weapon wielded by the
demon spirit `Diimii, which is
stored under his arm.
`ckoo Var: `hkoo (P). n. cranny;
corner; nook; hidden-away place.
See: cr corner.
cgnam1 Var: hgnam (P). vt. bind
or fix a `gal fabric on the
body to wear as a skirt. o gal
`m ckkaa. I bound the sarong.
bck cktr the top point (on
the waist) reached by a skirt.
cgnam2 vt. break off a piece from a
whole, as with ones teeth or
fingers.
cnam1 vi. argue; fight vocally.
`bu `aci `b cmii hioo. The
two of them really fought it out.
`m `om cgaa-cyaa `mola.
He really cursed me out.
cnam2 vi. 1 strike a pose; take up
positions, as when preparing to
strike in a fight or battle. bot
cmii hinam of bulls, to take up
positions in a contest.
2 of an eagle or bird with
similar abilities, hover and
station over the ground for a
period by flapping the wings.
See: rlii-cnam hover by
flapping.
cnam3 Var: heenam (P). vt. weave
or knit a wall from oopee
flattened bamboo; wall or wall
off an area. o ckc `m `cduu.
Im weaving the wall.
`cnam Var: `hnam (P). vt.
1 curse by taking the name of a
god or spirit; put a curse on
someone, as may the spirits
cause a snake to bite you!
2 beseech or implore a spirit or
god; supplicate to or lament to a
spirit or god, generally
concerning some aspect of ones
misfortune, possibly with fury
and desperation.
`cnam-beenam
Var: `hnam-beenam (P). v.
prayer; incantation; chant; curse;
supplication. See: `cnam curse to
spirits; beenam invoke spirits.
-`cp Var: -`sp (P). vs:adv. pinched;
wedged. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is pinched
or wedged between two objects or
surfaces as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
`hcp adj. wedged between two
objects, as when storing a
paper or packet between the
wall and crossbeams of a Galo
house.
cpaa Var: paatuu (P). n. relatively
large or voluminous woven
back-piece, especially as worn by
Minyong people. See: `raac
bamboo back-piece.
`cpen Var: `hkpen (P). vt.
partition, as a space by laying a
wall across it. See: cnam lay
wall; -`pen separate result.
`cbnam Var: `hbnam (P). vt.
cmp cl-chak
114
1 pinch or press between slabs,
as a crabs claws, or between the
toes. Generally not used to
describe pinching between
fingers. `tacc ` `om `cbduu.
The crab is pinching me.
2 economize; pinch pennies. o
`murkoo `m `cbduu. Im
stretching my budget/pinching
pennies.
cmp nce. See: yacm-cmp
dwarf chameleon fish.
`cmsap n. gill(s) of a fish.
cr Var: hr (P). n. corner.
crt Var: hrt (P). n. herd of deer.
Syn: crluu.
`crnam Var: hrnam (P). vt. bump
against or push something using
ones body rather than arms or
legs. o aci `ne `crkaa. I
bumped up against elder
brother. `crkaa `hiduu.
(Theyre) bumping up against
one another.
`crn Var: `hrn (P). n. doe; female
deer.
crbo Var: hrbo (P). n. buck; male
deer.
crluu n. herd of deer. Syn: crt.
`crlee Var: `hrlee (P). n. wild deer.
adj. wild, of a deer.
clam Var: hlam (P). n. side of an
object with sides, as the two sides
of a wall. Syn: kalam.
cl Var: hl (P). nce. side.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: cl-chak both sides.
cl-`gona Var: hl-`gona (P). n.
opposite side; opposite direction.
cl-chak Var: hl-asak (P). n.
both sides, of a sided object such
as a wall.
-`jaa `jaanam
115
J - j
-`jaa1 adjs:der. really; quite;
considerably; resolutely; indeed;
(too) much. Gram: Elative
intensifying suffix `ago `jaar `p!
It will probably be too hot.
`doken `jaamaa. Its not so very
tasty. `bk `lgaa `jaab `caakaa
jir. Ill go up entirely for his
sake. `iss ` kai `jaa `rm,
koc-kor `kuduu `b `rr `p.
When the waters quite
high...you might be able to fish
around in the corners.
-`jaa2 vs:adv. destroyed. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
destroyed as a result of the action
indicated by the verb Usage: Often
occurs in the semi-reduplicated
from -`jaa...-`yaa, with the
overall meaning decrepit or
utterly destroyed and useless.
`mojaa vt. destroy something.
-`jaa3 vs:adv. fall into water. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the
predicated event/state results in
something falling into water.
-jaa vs:adv. really; actually; in fact.
Gram: Manner suffix inficating that
the predicated event/state is really,
in fact or actually the case,
perhaps contrary to expectations.
`hg al `jaaduu. This is actually
good (I expected it would be
bad). aajaa namm...Having in
fact come... `b doj `jaamaa;
`ikii `m jit `kukee. Hes not
actually full; give him the dog
(meat; that will satisfy him).
`jaa n:qual. real. Gram: Qualifying
noun following another noun and
giving the basic sense real (one),
actual (one) or true (one). `nok
dooluu `jaa ` `yoo ` `laa? What
is your exact (true) village (of
origin)? `unuk `duuko `jaa `
Baahar `t `maab. Our real
place is Baasar up there, isnt it.
pcl. 1 please. Gram: Request
particle following a noun phrase
with the basic sense I would very
much like to have x or x please.
Can also be used in a wishful sense I
wish I could have x (knowing well
that I cant). r go `jaa! Oh, for a
bow (to shoot that bird)!
2 much; so much as (that). Gram:
Particle usually following the adverb
`mb like that, with the overall
meaning so much as that or to the
extent of that. Usually used in the
negative, with the overall meaning.
not so much/often as that or not to
that extent. May or may not be
followed by `b. `mr-`kenluu
`mb `jaa `is-rk `rmaa to. In
the old days, we didnt cultivate
wet fields much. `oocin `mb
`jaab `kanoo daamaa. I too am
not all that hungry. `tolo
`jaamaa, `bolo `jaamaa. Not so
far up there, not so far down
there.
3 truly. Gram: Particle occurring
clause-finally, roughly with the sense
really, truly or in fact. o
`hooj ` `jaak. Im actually a
chameleon.
`jaakr n. variety of flowering
plant.
jaajin n. fuchsia. fuchsia spp.
`jaanam vie. swim; float.
Usage: Used to describe the
jaanam jamtak
116
swimming of human beings or
other animals, not fish. o `is `lo
`jaakaa. I swam in the water.
jaanam vi. glide; float. `hn ann
`kaaken `b `jaaloo `dagna. The
leaves are floating down
beautifully.
`jaayoo n. variety of flowering
plant.
-`jaa...-`yaa vs:advs. ruined;
destroyed; decrepit. `naahuu `m
`tujaa `tuyaa kaa. I kicked the
granary into oblivion. `namjaa
`namyaa `dak old and decrepit,
of a house.
jagnam1 vi. 1 erode or become
eroded, of land/soil.
2 detach, of a body of land from
a whole, as during a landslide; of
a large piece of land, separate
from the whole. `iss ` `tnam `,
kodee `jagduu ku. The soil is
eroded from the flooding.
vt. dig at a surface; remove soil
with a tool, especially from the
surface of an area. Syn: `dunam.
jagnam2 vi. be stillborn, of a baby.
`h `g `a `tolo `ao `jagna
`ttt. This years births are all
failures up there. See: bjak
give birth to weak/stillborn
child.
`janam vi. 1 of a school of fish,
emerge and group near the
shallows of a river. arum `m,
oii `gadd ` `ln `dook `hogo
`jalen `duu. The fish gather here
by the boulder in the evening.
2 of animal younglings, be led
out of the nest by the mother.
rk `ann ` `ao `gadd `m `jalen
`duuku. The mother pig is
leading (its) children out of the
nest.
3 emote; express emotional
energy; dance about; preen and
fawn over someone, as in praise
and happiness upon receiving a
gift. pipi maaji `jaduu. Pipi
really jumped for joy/was very
happy (upon receiving the gift).
4 style; be stylish; wear stylish
clothes and do oneself up
stylishly. `b maaji `jaduu. Hes
really styling it up.
`jark vt. fawn over someone
upon meeting them.
`jaji vt. express ones emotions,
as when trying to elicit
sympathy.
`janam-`gamnam v. 1 carouse;
play joyfully; dance about in
happiness, satisfaction and joy.
`jat-`gamt `kee! Play joyfully!
2 be fashionable; be stylish.
See: `janam dance about;
`gamnam play.
-`jap vs:adv. flattened. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
flattened as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
`tujap vt. flatten or crush
underfoot.
`jappo n. male duck.
jabnam vte. talk. o `bm `ne
agom `m japkaa. I talked to
him about a few things. jabben
`yookaa! (You should) stop
talking!
`jabn n. female duck.
`jablii n. breeding duck; duck used
to establish a breeding line.
jamtak n. shoe. Usage: (NW).
jamnam -jik...-mik
117
jamnam vt. chew or bite into
something soft, as rice, or with
body, as meat.
-`jar vs:adv. joyously. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject is
acting joyously, as though very
pleased to see someone, or in a
flirting and flitting manner
`mejar vi. flirt, by way of ones
words.
`rjar vi. flirt, by way of ones
actions.
jarnam vi. fly, as a bird or plane;
flap wings. Usage: in Pugo, sense
is of something flying due to an
exterior force rather than under
its own power. pta jarduu.
The bird is flying.
-ji vs:val. Benefactive suffix. Gram:
Verb suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb is done for
someone, for the benefit of someone,
or affecting someone in some
indirect way (whether to that
persons benefit or detriment). Acts
as an applicative, adding a noun to
the sentence which may be marked
in the Dative or (more often) in the
Accusative, according to the verb
type as well as the subdialect or
speech habits of the speaker. `opoo
`lok neji kaato. Brew him
some rice beer. `nunnm o
`dooy go ji r `dei. Ill tell
yall a story, hey. porok rogjr
`m `ak jikaa ku. (Abo
Tanis) hen was also bitten to
death.
-jii adj:mono. small. Usage: (P). rjii
grown small, of bamboo (e.g.).
See: -yaa small (L).
Jiikee name. Jiikee, name of a
variety of very powerful spirit.
`jiit n:poet. sun. Usage: Goku.
`jiimi n. soil; firmament, from
which Abo Tanii (the first
human) was created.
-jik vs:adv. melt. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that an object melts as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb.
-`jik vs:adv. haphazardly. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject acts in a haphazard or
careless way. Often occurs in
semi-reduplicated form
-`jik...-`mik.
-jik vs:adv. disturbed; impeded.
Gram: Result suffix to an intransitive
verb, indicating that the subject (of
an intransitive verb) or object (of a
transitive verb) is disturbed or
impeded by something in the
course of an action. Often occurs in
split forms -jik...-ak or -jik...-mik
o `hibuu `m ijik kaa. I
muddied up the river by walking
through it.
-jik...-ak vs:advs. stuck; impeded.
Gram: Split result suffix indicating
that the subject becomes disturbed or
impeded, or gets stuck as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
ijik inak get stuck on
something while walking; get
impeded or disturbed by
obstacles lying in ones path.
See: -jik impeded; agnam hook.
-`jik...-`mik vs:advsr. leisurely.
Gram: Split manner suffix indicating
that the subject brings about the
action indicated by the verb in a
leisurely or carefree manner
`dojik `domik vt. eat for fun, as
when theres nothing else to
do.
`ijik `immik vi. roam around.
See: -`jik haphazardly.
-jik...-mik vs:advsr. disturb. Gram:
`jiccii Jimee
118
Split result suffix indicating that the
subject is disturbed or impeded as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. See: -jik impeded.
`jiccii adj. muddy.
`jijjaa n. truth. `jijjaa `m o
`hrum `cenkaa ku. I just found
out the truth tonight.
adj. really; in truth or in reality.
-jin vs:adv. swollen. Gram: Manner
suffix with the basic sense swollen;
can also be used metaphorically, as
to indicate someones opinions about
themselves.
mjin vi. selfish.
hagjin vt. blow out the stomach.
-`jin vs:adv. straightened; stretched
out. Gram: Result suffix indicating
that something is straightened or
stretched out as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. Often occurs
in the split form -`jin...-`taa, with
the overall meaning straightened or
flattened, as a crumpled sheet of
paper. mojin `tokee! Straighten
it out! tujin ljin `tokee! Stretch
out your legs!
`hagjin vt. suck in ones belly.
`tajin vt. strain to hear; listen
carefully, as for an animal
when hunting or a thief.
jinam vte. give. `gm jikaa to. Let
me have that. `gm o `nom
jimaa r. I wont give that to
you.
jinam n. gift; something which
was given.
`jilk n. sent thing; something
that has been sent. oklo nok
jilk go dooduu. I have
something thats been sent to
you.
jisa n. something which one
needs to give to someone.
`jinnam (1)1 vi. tiptoe; walk
silently and carefully, trying not
to make any noise. `jinla `intok,
horr `tapaa `deela! Go on
tiptoes or the boar might hear
you!
`jinnam-`runam vi. sneak
about; sneak around; be
stealthy in ones movements.
`jinnam (1)2 vi. stretch; be elastic.
jinnam (2) vi. melt, as plastic in
the hot sun. Gram: Not generally
used to describe the melting of ice or
snow, although it may be extended
by some speakers. au `jidduu ku.
The (pig) fat is starting to melt
down.
-`jin...-`taa vs:advs. stretch out;
flatten. Gram: Split result suffix
indicating that something is fully
stretched-out or flattened as a result
of the action indicated by the verb, as
when spreading out a sheet of paper
`tujin-`tutaa `tokee! Straighten
out your leg by kicking it
outward! `mojin-`motaa `tokee!
Flatten it out! See: -`jin
straightened; `taanam spread
out.
`jimii n. 1 void, emptiness from
which the Earth was created.
Generated by the third entity
Maaji and, in turn, progenitor
of `Miihin.
2 silence.
3 loneliness.
adj. 1 silent.
2 lonely. `jimii `b mboolo...If
I feel lonely...
Jimee name. name of a Lare Galo
`ju -jum
119
village in central West Siang
district.
`ju pcl. lets. Gram: Inclusive particle or
suffix on verbs, indicating a
suggestion on the speakers part that
the speaker and the listener should
do something together Usage: Often
used together with Self-directed
imperative suffix -`laa. `mb
`ju. Lets (do it) like that. `kaju,
`inlaa `ju. Come on, lets go!
acin `dolaa `jukee. Lets eat,
shall we? `un `hok `kuju. Lets
(get off) here.
`juujaa vi. be wet. adum `juujaa
`duuku. My hair has gotten
wet.
`juujaa-ryaa adj. uncomfortably
damp, wet, or soaked, as a
mildewy room or an
uncomfortably swampy jungle.
`juunam vi. be wet. See: `juujaa
wet.
vt. wet or wetten something;
make something wet. `iss `
`om `juuduu. The water is
making me wet.
`juumak n. tripwire of a spring
action small animal trap.
jugr n. spring action of a small
animal trap, generally a length of
thin, resilient wood fixed into the
ground at one end and bent to
maximum tension to provide a
spring action to the trap noose
when a fixed line is tripped.
`jugg n. treadmill.
`jugnam v:c.arg. perform a war
dance. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun `pajuk war
dance `pajuk-`jugnam to
perform a war dance.
jugnam Var: dugnam (P). vi.
1 run. `b jugbaa `b jugmaa
`duu. He isnt running quickly.
2 have diarrhoea; have loose
motion. See: akii-jugnam.
vt. ride, as a bicycle or a
motorcycle.
jugnam-pognam n. hurry about;
rush around; busy oneself with
various tasks. See: jugnam run;
pognam hop.
-`jup vs:adv. closed; settled. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something closes (as a mouth) or is
settled (as an account) as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
nappaa `gomjup toku `kee!
Close your mouth!
`mejup vt. settle; agree; arrive
at a decision. agom `m
`mejup `kaa. They agreed
on the point (of dispute).
`jubnam vt. 1 work or function
properly; be in a well-ordered
and functional state. `ok gaarii
`jupku maa. My car isnt
functioning properly anymore.
`jubna go! What a corker
(spoken in irony)!
2 be resolved or in a state of
resolution, as a point of dispute.
`nunuk agom `jupkaa `ree
`jubmaa `ree? Was your point
(of dispute) agreed on or not?
3 fit; suit, of clothing to the
wearer or partners in a
relationship. `nom `Adii boolup
`maajib `jubduu. On you Adi
hats look really good. `jupsi maa.
(They) dont suit one another (as
a couple).
-jum vs:adv. release water. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that water is
`jurnam `jeci-`kooree
120
gradually released from something
as a result of the action indicated by
the verb, as when wringing out wet
clothing. See: ejjum wring out
clothing.
`jurnam vt. of a priest, perform
and follow all the rules and
formalities of a ceremony.
Usage: Cannot be applied to
laymen.
`jein n. rag; old, discarded clothing.
`jein `b `rduu ku. Its
becoming a rag (of clothing).
`jee n. green-yellow-blue.
adj. blue; green; yellow. See: `yajee
blue; green; yellow.
-jee vs:adv. messy. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the predicated
event/state results in a mess being
made.
jee pcl. thats why; because of that.
Gram: Particle marking a preceding
declarative sentence as a reason
why something else happened.
Usage: May be restricted to
foothills Lare. Unlike in
Assamese, does not have a
complementizing function in
Galo. Source: Assamese. `b al
maa `jee. Hes not a good sort,
thats why (I didnt invite him).
`bk `ajen `gadd ` `ipak `ttt
ku `jee. (His friends are) all
non-tribals, thats why (he keeps
inserting Assamese words).
-jek vs:adv. into chunks. Gram: Result
suffix usually found on cutting verbs
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb is carelessly brought
about and/or results in a residue of
large chunks (which may be
unwanted).
gajek vt. whittle carelessly such
that large pieces rather than
small ones come off.
vs:nzr. section. Gram:
Nominalizer deriving a noun
meaning something resulting
from an action of ripping, tearing
or otherwise dividing.
gajek n. strip of ripped-off
clothing. `ej gajek go a
section of clothing resulting
from ripping.
peejek n. section resulting from
slicing something.
hrjek n. scraps resulting from
the action of stripping bark.
jek- clfqr. Classifier for slices, as of
meat. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. adin `jegi
go two slices of meat. See: ajek
a little bit; one slice.
`jeku n. old clothing; second-hand
clothing; hand-me-down.
-`jek...-paa vs:advs. expertly. Gram:
Split suffix indicating that someone
brings about an event expertly
Usage: Usually occurs in the
negative to indicate a lack of
expertise in doing some activity.
See: `ajek-apaa valuable.
`jegaa n. clothesline;
clothes-hanging pole, usually
made from bamboo, used for
draping or hanging clothing
over.
`jeci Var: `js (P). nce. variety of
clothing. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: `jeci-`kooree
festival clothing.
`jeci-`kooree
Var: `js-`kooree (P). n. type of
skirt made for festivals;
traditionally, mostly white, but
`jecek jognam
121
nowadays possibly coloured.
See: `jeci variety of clothing.
`jecek Var: jesk (P). n. fragment of
cloth.
jejen nce. See: `roo-jejen
tonsils.
-`jen vs:nzr. partner; -mate. Gram:
Nominalizing suffix to verb roots
forming a noun with the basic
meaning partner in doing x or
x-mate.
`tjen n. drinking buddy;
drinking partner.
`jennam (1) v:c.arg. be friends.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun `ajen friend
`jengap `hiduu ku. Theyre
becoming friends. See: `ajen
friend.
jennam (2) vt. prune; cut with
much force and little aim, as
when clearing brush from an
area of ground. `rtak go bt
`laa `nm `m `jettok. Go get a
bamboo blade and clear the
ground cover.
`jennam (2) vi. rip; tear; be ripped
or torn. `ok lalk `jekkaa ku.
My shirt has gotten torn/been
ripped up.
vt. rip; tear. o `him `jerr. I will
tear this.
`jettuu vt. rip something in two;
tear into two pieces.
`jepee n. coat; thick woven tunic,
for winter use.
`jep n. tunic; shirt.
`jebo n. variety of apron-like tunic
worn over the head, open at the
sides and descending to about
knee-length.
`jeraa Var: jeyaa (P). n. variety of
clothing made of thread spun
from silkworm cocoons.
`jel n. red clothing.
-joo vs:adv. (in order to) please
someone. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the predicated
event/state is brought about in order
to please someone. Most often, the
pleased person will be an elder or
respected person; not generally used
in a placate sense, i.e.
elder-to-younger or
human-to-animal.
jooko n. variety of edible plant,
enjoyed as a vegetable. Thought
to be related to `raar.
See: `raar plant (variety).
`joonam vt. lift something; heft
something. `joen `tokee! Lift it
up!
joonam vt. pay someone for work,
in cash or kind; reimburse or
repay. `ok `is rkk `m `ipak
`k `ai go `joolk toba, `am
`ld `b. I hired two
non-hill-tribals to plant my
paddy fields.
-`jok vs:adv. sloppily. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject acts
sloppily in bringing about the event
mentioned by the verb. Often occurs
in semi-reduplicated form
-`jok...-`yok.
-`jok...`yok vs:advsr. messily;
sloppily. Gram: Split manner suffix
indicating that the subject brings
about the event mentioned by the
verb messily, sloppily, or in a
haphazard way `ejjok `eyyok `laa
`eddak `kom al r. It will be fine
to write it messily/sloppily.
See: `-jok sloppily.
jognam Syn: `koik.vt. flatter
`jokaa `jgn
122
someone; boost someones
position or spirits. `om jogyoo
`kee! Dont flatter me! `mum
jognam `m `tal maa. I dont
want to listen to your flattery.
See: `mejok praise.
`jokaa Var: `jomkaa (P). n. wok;
deep-dish frying pan.
Syn: mookaa.
`jokii n. seat; chair or stool.
`jokii-muraa n. seat; chair or
stool. See: `jokii seat; muraa
chair.
`jot n. grove or stand of Bambusa
tulda, the variety of bamboo most
commonly used by Galo.
`jobnam Var: `yobnam. vi. jump,
either vertically (high) or
horizontally (long), but not over
something.
-j vs:adv. fattened. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
fattened as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
-`j vs:adv. appreciably; to an
appreciable degree, with gusto or
aplomb. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject acts in a
manner fulfilling of the action
indicated by the verb, in an earnest
or truthful manner or with relish and
gusto. `doj `b dot `kee. Eat
with gusto and satisfaction (as
though you were a rich person
with plenty of tasty things to eat).
`mej vt. tell the truth; speak
truthfully. agom `m `mej
maa. He doesnt speak the
truth.
`jcam Var: `jsam (P). adj. thick, of
e.g. cloth, as well as soup. `jcam
`na pt big container.
See: bocor thin (cloth).
jj ace. See: jj-ryaa damp.
jj-ryaa adj. damp, as of a room.
jj-ryaa `empaa. I feel stuffy
(because this room is damp and
mouldy).
`Jak name. name of a variety of
powerful spirit.
`jt nce. See: `jt-`taat sun
(poetic).
`jt-`taat n. sun, in a poetic or
ceremonial sense. `jt-taat `g
`pcaa `dagm...on the ascent of
the glowing orb (i.e. at sunrise)...
jnam1 vi. be plump; be fat; be
healthy.
jg vt. fatten; cause to become
fat. rk adin jg `duu.
Pork makes you fat.
jnam2 vi. sink, as a drowning
person. Gram: Generally occurs with
following Result suffix.
`jlk vi. sink into water; sink
into liquid. `l ` `jlk kaa.
The stone sank.
jnam3 v:c.arg. become an old man.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun j old man
See: j old man.
`jr adj. tender, as a young leaf.
`jr-`joor adj:expr. tender;
immature, as the buds on a plant
or an infant. See: `jr tender.
`Jhi name. name of a variety of
powerful spirit.
jgnam vi. adept, in mystical
matters and/or priestly duties.
`ibbo `cin `jgmum `maaduu.
Shamans dont just
automatically become adept.
`jgn n. buffalo cow.
`jglee jy
123
`jglee n. wild buffalo.
Jgloo name. name of a variety of
spirit.
-`jr vs:adv. into small pieces. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that small
pieces are the result of the action
indicated by the verb.
`ceejr vt. whittle into very small
pieces.
`gajr vt. pare into small pieces,
as matchsticks from a length of
twig.
jr n. auxiliary workspace in a
field; area near a field rest house
(`naakum) where harvest is
gathered and any other auxiliary
tasks are performed. Has
traditional significance as area
where animal sacrifices take
place.
`jrji n. skirts of a clearing; area of
transition underbrush between
village clearing and jungle.
jrjoo nce. See: apoo-jrjoo
blackbreasted sunbird.
`jrt n. young woman;
marriageable but not aged
woman.
Jrdoo name. name of a Galo clan
found in Jwrdoo village, as well
as in Sili village in Likabali circle,
as well as elsewhere.
`jrlee n. virgin; young, unwedded
female. See: `ijr girl.
`jrlk nce. See: `tajr-`jrlk
feathered bamboo.
Jh name. name of a village in
central West Siang district.
-j vs:adv. dispersed; scattered.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the action indicated by the verb
results in something being dispersed,
scattered, or spread about. no acin
`m doj `duu. (By your
eating), youre making food fall
all over the place. hgyaa `m
gj `duu. Youve spread your
cold all over (among the
villagers).
`pagj vt. flick fingers to shake
off excess water or food.
jnam1 vi. 1 shout. `om jrk
`yookee! Dont yell your answer
back at me!
2 blabber; run at the mouth;
talk too much and too loudly.
jnam2 vi. limp. Tamik `jl
`induee `kulaa `kaa. Tamik was
limping away for some reason.
`jkk n. hiccup.
adj. hiccupping. o `jkk
`duuku `laka. Im hiccupping
for goodness sake.
`jgr n. ceremonial preparations;
initial stages of `ui-`mennam.
jnam vi. vigorous; healthy; vital;
rich with vitality, as a plant
which has passed the stage of
sprouting and is growing with
full vigour. `ammo jrp `duuku.
The paddy is starting to enter its
full growing stage.
jmar nce. See: jmr-jmar dusk.
jmr-jmar n:time. dusk.
Usage: usu. occurs compounded
with kan dark(ness).
kan-jmr-jmar dusk.
jmr nce. See: jmr-jmar dusk.
jy n. variety of cane, very long,
used in weaving baskets and
sheaths. Not very long-lasting,
jrnam -jr...-mr
124
growing mainly in foothills and
plains; cultivated.
jrnam vi. spin on an axis, as a top;
rotate or be rotating. `mb
`rdak `kom, `nokkm `jryaa r.
All the same, (my top) will spin
longer than yours.
vt. rotate, spin or twist an object
on its medial axis.
-jr...-mr vs:advsr. jerkingly. Gram:
Split manner suffix indicating that
the subject jerks about in bringing
about or experiencing the action
indicated by the verb porok tujr
tumr `duu. The chicken is
kicking out its legs (in its final
death throes). See: jrnam spin;
rotate.
-`aa `anam
125
X - x
-`aa vs:adv. as a group; as a set.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that a
plural subject is acting as a group of
individuals. `maaa `duuku,
`naruu `! Theyre all searching
for them, everyone! `iji, maaji
`b `rken `b `raa `duuku.
Nowadays, life has become very
comfortable for everyone. `bulu
`mken `laa attr `doaa
kaaku. They happily ate
together as a group. `bull `
imbam `hiaa to. They went
together as a group. bos
`aapom `yookaa! Dont be
afraid (to a group)! `bull ` insi
`aato. They went in a group by
themselves.
aaii-aaree n. dragonfly.
Usage: (P).
See: `aakii-taaii-`taaree
dragonfly.
`aaaa Var: abai (P). n:kin.
paternal uncle. Usage: used to
refer to or address any of ones
fathers brothers, whether elder
or younger. For some speakers,
may alternate in this usage with
abo.
aaam nce. See: aaam-acin
bridal rice.
aaam-acin Var: aaum-acin;
aaam-asin (P). n. bridal rice;
ceremonial rice received by a
bride when en route from her
birth village to her husbands
village, her new home. See: acin
cooked rice.
aai n. variety of colourful
chirping insect, whose name is
apparently onomatopoeic with
its chirp. Possibly a cicada, or a
variety of similar insect.
`aanam vt. pierce, stab, or
penetrate something with a
pointed object with an
underhand motion. o `bm
`mtuu ` `aakaa. I stabbed
him with a burning log.
aar n. variety of ornament,
aligned in type with tkom.
`agnam vi. 1 pliable; flexible.
jugr `hg `aek `jaadak!
This spring trap is too
weak/loose!
2 of rice, to be soft, fully
cooked, or ready to eat. acin
`agduu ku. The rice is soft
(fully cooked).
`agek vi. overcooked; of rice,
cooked too long until it is soft
and inedible.
`akoo n:kin. fourth
daughter-in-law. Usage: used to
refer to or address the fourth
wife married into the family
(generally, the wife of ones
fourth son in birth order).
agoo n. betrothed woman; taken
woman; woman who has agreed
to be married, but who has not
been married yet.
agoo-rennam n. steal, take
away or sleep with another
mans wife.
`anam vi. 1 wither.
2 break down; become decrepit;
fall apart of itself, of an object,
-ap `arnam
126
presumably of old age. namm
`akaa ku. (My) house has
become decrepit.
-ap vs:adv. continuously. Gram:
Temporal suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb occurs
as a continuous process.
-ap Var: -yap. vs:adv. continuously.
Gram: Temporal suffix indicating
that the action indicated by the verb
occurs as a continuous process
`meap vt. speak
continuously.
amii n:kin. last daughter-in-law.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the wife of ones youngest son.
am n:kin. daughter-in-law.
Usage: used to refer to the wife of
any of ones sons, by blood or
kin.
am-`gnam vi. of a man, play
or run around with a mistress or
lover, whether married or not.
`b am-`gduu. Hes playing
around. See: am
daughter-in-law; `gnam
sneak.
`amt n:kin. 1 first
daughter-in-law. Usage: used to
refer to or address the first wife
married into a family (generally,
the wife of ones eldest son).
2 respected daughter-in-law.
Usage: used to refer respectfully to
any younger male kinsmans
wife, irrespective of birth or
marriage order.
amd n:kin. third
daughter-in-law. Usage: used to
refer to or address the third wife
married into the family
(generally, the wife of ones third
son in birth order).
amnam1 vt. masticate food,
particularly when half-chewing
food to give to a child.
amnam2 vt. take in a
daughter-in-law; especially,
manage the various rituals that
are required as part of the
process of taking in a
daughter-in-law, such as visiting
every house in the village upon
leaving it and going to a new
one, presenting the bridal rice to
her on the way to her new
village, etc. dooluu `m agoo
`laa, namm `m, aken-aken `m,
`inla...They took her on the
bridal visitation rounds around
the village, going to each house
one by one... `Igoo `g `ann `
am-`amduu. Igos mother
is taking in a daughter-in-law.
Atr `b am-`amko `duu.
Atr is undergoing the rituals
associated with becoming a
daughter-in-law.
amnam3 vt. sharpen; make a
sharp point on something using a
knife or dao.
amroo Var: amyoo (P). n:kin.
second daughter-in-law.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the second wife married into the
family (generally, the wife of
ones second son in birth order).
`arnam vt. 1 push gradually
using a tool.
2 dig by thrusting directly into
a substance, as opposed to
wedging or thrusting at an angle,
as a pig when digging with its
snout in search of tubers, or a
bulldozer or snowplough when
moving earth or snow. rk
kodee `m `arkaa. The pig dug
-`i ikok
127
up the soil (searching for roots to
eat).
3 fuck; have intercourse, as
coarsely construed and/or
impolitely described.
-`i numr. two. Gram: root form, used
for combining with classifier roots to
form enumerative classifier
expressions oii `ni go two
fish. See: `ai two.
-i adj:mono. small. Adjective root
combining with classifiers and
other noun roots. `hn `ni
`nago a small tree. See: aii a
bit.
ia n:poet. human. Usage: Goku.
`ii pcl. turn out that; figure out
that; discover that. Gram:
Discovery particle following a noun
or copula, indicating that the
information mentioned by the
speaker has just been discovered, or
figured out by means of deduction.
Often best translated by English
seem or must be, although only in
the sense of discovery, not of
evidence. Cannot follow verbs unless
they are nominalized. kaaku
namm, tatk dooku maa.
kegee `kunnaa `ii. They
looked and the frog was not there
anymore. It seemed he had run
away (spkr. has no direct
knowledge of this). `g,
mnam...Caina `araa `tol `eeii.
So this, if you think about
it...must have been up in China.
Aci `kuii. It turned out to be
Elder Brother. `og Abo-Tani -
`accoob `indool kaanam - `b
`hil-`ldum `lo, `yas `hlk
`duuna `ii! Then, Abo Tani
-going very carefully and looking
- discovered that she was pissing
into the lakehead!
ii n. person; man; human being.
pro. someone; some other
person/people; others; person or
persons whose identity one does
not know. o `iik nam lo ins
`kaaduu. I have to go to
someone elses house (thats why
I have to leave early). no `iik
`hdaa `m `nuutr jikaa ku.
You broke somebodys stick..
`iik gaarii go `cootuu namm
`ii. It seems he stole someones
car.
ii-`jaa n. real person; original
person; pure person; non-inferior
person; non-slave. See: ii
person; `jaa real.
ii-tanii n. human being. See: ii
person; tanii human.
ii-hob n. gentleman; cultured
person; good person. See: ii
person; hob mithun.
ikam n. 1 old woman. Usually
refers to a human, but is also
used by some speakers to refer to
old (female) animals.
2 grandmother. Usage: (P).
adj. old, of a woman. o maaji `b
ikam `duu! Im such an old
woman!
ikam-horam n. old woman;
wizened old dame. See: ikam
old woman; horam sick old
animal.
`iko n. wise old person; aged and
accomplished person.
`ikoo n. element of a loin loom.
ikok n. cultural expert; orator;
sage; very knowledgeable and
accomplished person who has
mastered most traditional
iktap inam
128
knowledge and is able to speak
artfully on any subject.
iktap vi. blink of an eye.
Usage: (P).
`igaa n. warrior; strong man.
adj. strong, of a man.
igam1 n. expert hunter; man who
is notably successful at hunting.
n:poet. male. Usage: Goku.
igam2 name. igam village, name
of a Lare Galo village in central
West Siang district.
igom n. 1 VIP; very important
person; special or honourable
person endowed with some
appreciable social status.
2 officer; high functionary in
the state or national bureaucracy.
`ici Var: `isi (P). n. patient; sick
person; ill person.
`ijr n. girl.
ioo name. Minyong, an Eastern
Tani tribe (or sub-tribe of
Adi) of East Siang District,
Arunachal Pradesh.
it n. crowd of people; throng.
it-homen vt. look after
someone; take care of someone;
be someones guardian angel.
`ok it-homen nam porok
`m `yla `coodak `na? Who
has stolen my special chicken
(which Ive been taking such
good care of)?
`it n. rich person. no `den `itt.
Youre the rich one (not me).
adj. rich. `ok `ao ` `it `duuku!
My son has become rich!
idaa n. marriage, including both
the negotiation process and the
actual culmination/ceremony.
Properly indicates only the
process of marriage proposal by
the mans family to the womans.
Upon acceptance of the proposal,
the idaa is considered
complete. In usage, however,
may also denote the marriage
ceremony.
idam n. handicapped person;
person with a deformity or
disability by birth.
idin n. human flesh, considered
as a potential food item, as for
cannibals; human meat.
`idum n. everybody; everyone.
idoo n. rain. idoo oku maa. It
isnt raining anymore.
adj. rainy. `hiloo idoo `rp. It
may rain today.
idoo-kessoo-kelloo
Var: kessoo-kelloo. n. variety of
lizard. Syn: dooi-kessoo-kelloo.
See: idoo rain; kessoo-kelloo
variety of lizard.
`ina pcl. Indirect certaintive. Gram:
Copula particle indicating indirect
speaker certainty regarding the
information contained in the clause;
i.e., that the speaker is certain that
the predicated information has been
claimed to be true, or is believed to
be the case by someone. `tol ee
`ina. It is definitely said to
have happened up there. Ab
Tanii `accob `pukkool kaakaa
namm `uaa go `duunaa `ina.
Abo Tani having ever so slightly
opened it and looked (and) it
turned out that there was a baby
inside, right?
inam v:c.arg. be sunny. Gram:
Generally occurs with associated
ino im `henam
129
noun dooi sun dooi `iduu.
The suns shining.
ino pcl. certain (that); sure (that).
Gram: Certainty particle following a
copula or ee indicating that
the speaker has direct access to and
certainty concerning the information
contained in the clause. `tol ee ino.
I am certain it happened up
there. `pak kunam ino. In the
end, we killed him (like that).
indum n:poet. woman.
Usage: Goku.
`ipak n. non-hill-tribal. Term
referring mainly to plains people,
but also to non-hill-tribals in
general. Generally includes all
non-tribal Indians, as well as
plains tribals, but is not used to
refer to any Arunachali hill
tribals or hill tribals of other
North East Indian states, such as
Nagas, Manipuris, or Mizos.
`ip n. visage; countenance;
identity. `ip `kaajek maa. I
cant make out his face (who he
is).
ibuu n. grave.
`ibo n. priest; shaman; sorcerer,
particularly a priest of the Donyi
Polo religious tradition.
adj. be a priest; act as a priest;
perform the duties of a priest.
ibo n. 1 non-kin person; person
from a non-kin/non-taboo clan,
eligible for marriage, or that clan
itself. `akoo! `ibbok `aaduu
`lakaa! Fourth Daughter-in-Law!
Some (unexpected) guests are
coming!
2 guest; invitee.
`ib adj. in person; in the flesh;
face-to-face. o `bm `ib `b
kaark hito. I met him in
person.
`imaa n. 1 figure; outline figure
of a person.
2 shadow; figure cast by the
sun.
3 reflection; figure cast in water.
4 picture; photograph.
ii-`imaa shadow.
imaa adj. poor, lacking money
and possessions. Syn: ymaa.
`imak n. 1 enemy.
2 war. `imak `monam to
make war.
imek n. Tibetan person.
im n:kin. wife. Usage: used to refer
to, but generally not to address,
ones wife. `b `nok imm oo!
Shes your wife after all (dont
treat her like that)!
`im n. hill person; hill tribal.
im jugnam vi. cheat on ones
husband; of a wife, leave her
husband without his knowledge
and go to another man. Tabee
`g imm im jukkaa ku.
Tabees wife left him for another
man. See: im wife; jugnam
run.
im `laanam v:inc.arg.O. marry a
woman; take a wife; get married,
of a man. mleem, `b `kohuk
`m im `laato. Thinking about
that, he took a dried-up leaf as a
wife. See: im wife; `laanam
take.
im `henam vt. kidnap a
woman; forcibly take a woman as
a wife or slave. See: im wife;
`henam pull.
im-`koodaa umnam
130
im-`koodaa Var: `nuugaa (P). n.
womans balcony; narrow
balcony surrounding a house, to
which women were traditionally
confined during taboo periods.
See: im wife; `koodaa
balcony.
im-`rabgo Var: `eyap (P). n.
womens doorway, usually
leading in from the
im-`koodaa womens
balcony. See: im wife; `rabgo
doorway.
`irm n. rich person. Usage: rare,
most often used in a sarcastic or
joking manner.
`ilap n. rare, non-enumerative
form referring to a set of twenty
(often, of sticks), or half an aro.
ilap gobboolo pr. A set of
twenty (sticks) will do.
iluu n. crowd of people.
ilum n. population; people; body
of a people.
`ilee n. living human, particularly
as construed in terms of his
death, as in the context of a
murder or war; condemned man;
human who undergoes or will
undergo unnatural death.
`ilee pana n. murderer.
`iloo Var: `illo (P). n:kin.
husband. Usage: used to refer to,
but generally not to address,
ones husband.
`iloo-`koodaa Var: `nuugaa (P).
n. mens balcony. Main, often
very large, balcony of a house.
Traditionally off-limits to
women, although nowadays
usually not so. See: `iloo
husband; `koodaa balcony.
`iloo-`rabgo Var: `eyap (P). n.
mens doorway, leading in from
the `koodaa balcony towards
the `imik fireplace, near the
`baago fathers seating area in
the interior. See: `iloo husband;
`rabgo doorway.
ilo-hodoo Var: il-hodoo (P). n.
1 evildoer; bad or undisciplined
person.
2 terrorist; extremist.
adj. cruel.
uunam vt. stir with a tool, such
as a stirring-stick, or with ones
finger.
uugoo vt. stir in circles, as
when stirring soup.
ukoo nce.
See: taum-ukoo-podoo huge
thorn.
`umoo n. face, of the head of a
living thing.
`um pcl. only; just; simply. Gram:
Delimiting particle indicating that
nothing more, else, or other than the
marked information is the case.
`kopak ` `um `doken `duu.
Only the bananas are delicious
(the other fruit available are not).
homen `mda `kaapaa maa, `all
`m `um oo. We didnt see
the tiger in the end, though, just
his footprints. o nam `lokk
`korlen `um namm oo. (At
the time when the accident
happened) I had *just* stepped
out of my house. `tiium `tak
`lo...To *just* start it getting
sweet...
`umr n. variety of small
anopheles mosquito.
umnam vt. squeeze. o Pipi `g
`epum `ognam
131
alak `m `umduu. Im
squeezing Pipis arm.
`epum n. nose.
`ebuu Var: obuu (P). n. tail.
`eruu n. ear.
`eruu `monam vt. brand
livestock by making a sign on the
ear, so as to tell ones own
animals apart from those of
others. See: `eruu ear; `monam
make.
`erk n. wild taro plant, not
traditionally eaten.
oo pcl. actually. Gram:
Counterexpective particle, marking
information as being counter to,
contrary to, the opposite of, or
otherwise inconsistent with an
expectation (whether the expectation
is held by the speaker himself or
presumed to be held by an
addressee). May give a sense that the
speaker is correcting an error
someone else has made. o caaci
mnam oo! I said caaci (not
caacaa). yji maaoo,
`yp-roodoo. Actually, not a
garbage fly, a horsefly. `b
kuoo; `un da `cemmaa. It
may have been him who broke it;
we know nothing about it.
-oo Var: -ii; -i. vs:adv. away
from others; departing from the
scene. Gram: Result suffix usually
found on motion verbs indicating
that the subject leaves an area or a
group as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. tatk arum
`ogo `poglen `oolaa ku. In the
evening, the frog had jumped out
(of the bottle) and away. o
hobb `m `padak `lo iii to. I
left at the mithun-killing time
(saw the preparations, but didnt
see the actual chop).
ood n. elders and guests
resting area, to one side of an
`imik fireplace.
oonam vt. cause an animal to
come, either by
calling/beckoning (as for pigs) or
by tempting with a treat (as
when tempting a cow with salt).
o hobb `m `ooduu. Im
beckoning the mithun.
oopee n. flattened bamboo;
bamboo which has been cut
around the circumference and
flattened, as for the floor or walls
of a house.
`oosi Var: `oosi-pekoo. n.
womens resting area, opposite
the `baago at a Galo fireplace.
`oosi-`pekoo n. womens
resting area, so-called because it
is located in the area between the
two fireplaces of a house.
See: `oosi womens resting
area; `pekoo middle.
-`ok vs:adv. placatingly. Gram:
Manner or purpose suffix indicating
that the subject acts in a placating
way or in order or patronize an
inferior, such as a baby, child, or
animal.
`okik nce. See: `dookoo-`okik
heat lightning.
`ok n. black panther.
`ogaa n. variety of loud,
high-energy chant. See: `gaanam
chant (variety).
`ognam vt. of a disease, to
manifest itself, either in the sense
of afflicting a particular person or
of spreading within a
community; transmit or infect, of
`ogrin kaa
132
a disease; be contagious, of a
disease. `acc ` `ogduu. The
disease is present (and
spreading). `acc ` dooluu `m
`ogduu ku. The disease has
infected the whole village.
`ogrin Var: `oin (P). n. white
rice beer, made via a relatively
fast and straightforward
fermentation process, without as
many steps as for `pookaa.
`ogrin cinnam (2) to prepare
white rice beer.
`oin n. white rice beer. Usage: (P).
See: `ogrin white rice beer (L).
`oin-dossoo n. cockroach.
Usage: (P). See: `takci-bree
cockroach (L).
`or n. tail joint; point at which
the tail joins the body, forming
the axis on which it swings.
`oc Var: `os (P). n. lower
spine; lower part of the
backbone, where a tail would
normally emerge in an animal
which has one.
`otuu adj. tailless, i.e. without a
tail. Usage: (P). See: kootuu
tailless (L).
`otup n. tip of an animals tail.
`ot n. tiger; lion; giant wildcat of
any variety. Syn: `hoo.
`odu1 n. dried tigers jaw, fixed in
the belt of a sword to wear as an
ornament signifying dignity and
prowess.
`odu2 name. name of a Galo clan.
`opin n. tiger skin. Usage: (P).
See: `menpin tiger skin (L).
`open vt. leave something
behind; forget to bring
something. o `yaraa go `open
kaa. I forgot to bring something.
`obuu n. tail (alternate
pronunciation).
obo n:kin. brother-in-law;
son-in-law. Usage: (P).
`obok n. tassled base of an `r
ritual object, a variety of
medallion-like object made from
`drci bamboo strips and hung
from sacrificial altars.
-om Var: -yom. vs:adv. mixed up.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
something is mixed up as a result of
the action indicated by the verb
gaaom soften/knead, as rice
when eating.
`omnam vt. swallow. o acin
`m omkaa. I swallowed the
food. o omkaa. I swallowed
(something, maybe spit).
`omlk vt. absorb; take in by
swallowing.
orak name. name of a Galo clan
with traditionally close relations
to the `odu, among others.
`oree n. big cat with striped or
elaborately-designed coat, of any
of several varieties.
`olap n. fishtail; tail of a fish.
`o n. cousin; child (male or
female) of ones maternal aunts
daughter.
- vs:adv. disparagingly. Gram:
Manner suffix to a transitive verb
indicating that the subject has a
disparaging view of the object in
bringing about the action indicated
by the verb.
kaa vt. disapprove of what
m ktm
133
one sees. `nok `rnam `m o
kaa `duu. I dont approve
of your actions.
m vt. resent; despise; mind
or object to a transgression.
`- clfr. Classifier for years. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. `r aum `golaa `ken
thirty-one years (of age).
See: `a year.
`gam `b adv. happy new year.
`gam `b `dei! Happy new
year!
`coo-`loocoo v. prepare
materials in advance of a task.
See: `nam prepare materials;
loonam provide provisions;
-`coo first; in advance.
i n:kin. maternal aunts
daughter. Usage: used to refer to
or address the daughter of ones
mothers sister.
`ten n:time. three years hence;
three years from the time of
speaking.
tom n. ode; ballad.
`nam1 vt. manage, organize or
prepare materials, as for
construction of a house. o
`yaraa `m `r. Ill prepare the
materials (for the construction
task).
`nam2 v:c.arg. pass, of a year.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun `a year `a
` `bik kaa. The year passed
without consequence (good or
bad).
poo name. name of the spirit of
pregnancy/childbirth, who is
considered to be responsible in
case any problems are
encountered in the course of
childbirth, such as death of the
mother. poo hinam to die in
childbirth.
`b n:kin. maternal aunts son.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the son of ones mothers sister.
-...-co vs:advs. mind about
something; object to something.
Gram: Split manner suffix indicating
that the subject feels put out, minds
or objects to something in terms of
the action indicated by the verb.
m mco kumaa `b `k!
Dont yall go mindin now!
See: - not good.
` Var: ` (P). n:time. two years
from now; year after next.
`kci1 Var: `ksi (P). n. left eye.
`kci2 Var: `ksi (P). n. eye
disease; sty; conjunctivitis.
`kci-pol Var: `ksi-pol (P).
adj. of the eyes, to be irritated and
slightly red, as after swimming
for a long time. See: `kci eye
disease.
`kci-`rlii Var: `csi-glii (P). n.
conjunctivitis. See: `kci eye
disease; `rlii plague.
kc Var: ks (P). adj.
1 closed eyes.
vt. close the eyes. kc `laa
`dakt `kee! Stand there with
your eyes closed! o ak `m
kc `duu. Im closing my
eyes.
ktap-pootap vi. blink.
Usage: (P).
ktm n. brow; area above the
eye, not including hair.
`kpam glaa
134
`kpam n. blind person.
`kpin n. eyelid.
kpuu n. white of the eye.
`kpoo adj. open, of the eyes.
ak `kpoo `duuku. (His)
eyes have opened.
vt. open the eyes. `kpoo
`tokuk! Open your eyes!
`ksi nce. eye water; water from
the eyes. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: `ksi-glaa
eye water.
`ksi-glaa n. water emerging
from the eyes, as when
overwhelmed by the heat of a
chilli pepper. Not used for tears
resulting from crying.
`gor n. spectacles; glasses.
gjak-baayak n. eye crap.
Usage: (P).
gji n. pupil; coloured centre of
the eye.
gji-pajak n. eye crap; crap
deposited in the corner of ones
eye, as after sleeping. See: gji
pupil.
gji-baajik n. eye crap; crap
deposited in the corner of ones
eye, as after sleeping. See: gji
pupil.
gjk nce. See: gjk-brk
eyelid deformity.
gjk-brk adj. variety of eyelid
deformity, when lid is split in
single or multiple places.
See: gji-pajak eye crap.
`gbum n. eyes with non-folded
lids, as of a Mongoloid person.
`gbk n. right eye.
gmaa adj. blind; sightless; unable
to see.
`gmii adj. eyes slanted or
pointed downward. ak
`gmii `duu. (Her) eyes are
pointing downward.
`gm n. eye hair, including
lashes and brows. `gm
`tuupaa kuma; goo `mpaa
kumaa. I cant catch so much as
a glimpse of you (youre
completely lost to me). See: `am
body hair.
gyap Var: ktap-pootap (P). vi.
blink. no gyap `duu. Youre
blinking.
vt. wink at (someone). no `om
gyap kaa. You winked at me.
gree n. 1 high priest; advanced
shaman.
2 divination dance; variety of
dance performed by shamans to
try to determine the cause of
something, as a disease or the
disappearance of an animal, and
to determine the appropriate
course of action (usually, what
sort of animal is to be sacrificed
to appease whatever spirits are
involved in the mishap); literally,
an examination performed with
fully closed eyes. gree hookaa
`jilaa `kee. Please dance me an
examination dance (to determine
the cause of this problem).
`gr n. dust particles in the eye.
grm adj. lazy-eyed; one eye
looking off to the side (a birth
defect).
glaa n. tear; water emerging
from the eyes when crying.
See: `ksi-glaa eye water.
glo `h
135
glo adj. have cataracts; be
affected by cataracts and unable
to see.
`glor n. blue or other
bright-coloured eyes, as those of
a cat or some Caucasians.
gl adj. red-eyed; of the eyes, to
be irritated and red.
`m-ii n. glimpse.
j n. 1 old man.
2 grandfather. Usage: (P).
adj. old, of a man. `b j jben
`jaaduu. Hes too bloody old.
j-ikam n. old people; old
folks.
adj. old, of a set of people,
especially an elderly couple.
`bulu `j-ikam `nduuku!
Theyre reeeeally old (of a
couple)! See: j old man;
ikam old woman.
j-hokam Var: j-hon (P). n.
old man, in a jocular or mildly
pejorative sense. See: j old
man; hokam wizened old
animal.
jk n. priest-like person;
knowledgeable and
spiritually-inclined person who
is, however, not a shaman or
priest.
-`r vs:adv. laughable. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the event
indicated by the verb is funny,
laughable or ridiculous.
`mr adj. funny; hilarious.
`mr `! Hilarious!
rnam vi. laugh; smile. `yoogo
`laa `rduu `ko? What are you
laughing at?
rsum n. smile.
adj. smiling. no rsum `duu
`lakaa. Youre smiling, to my
surprise.
rsum-pomum n. smile.
adj. smiling. See: rsum smile.
`h Var: `ih. name. Nyishi, a
major Western Tani tribe of
Arunachal Pradesh.
-`ta taaci
136
T - t
-`ta Var: -`t. vs:adv. about to; going to.
Gram: Temporal suffix indicating
that the action indicated by the verb
is incipient, is about to happen, has
not happened yet, or is hoped to
happen. Occurs frequently on
subordinated Purpose clauses in
`-b. aloo looam `taduu ku.
The day is about to be over. akii
`dett `duuku! My stomach is
about to burst! `hok `int boolo,
par `p; `ak `int boolo, par `p.
If we set out via this way, they
may get us; if we set out via that
way, they may get us.
ta- pfx. Masculine diminutive prefix
to a nominal, adjectival or proper
name root. Gram: In the nominal
lexicon, generally found on lower
animals and insects, small or
componential features of the natural
world, and terms relating to males or
human beings more generally, but is
not often productive in this capacity.
Occurs rarely on adjectives,
principally features of the natural
world. Productive as a nicknaming
prefix to the name root of a male,
generally carrying a connotation of
familiarity and possibly superiority
on the part of the speaker. Aci
Tamin nickname of Elder
Brother Kenmin.
-taa vs:adv. additionally; again;
more. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating, of an event, that it should
happen again (having happened
before at least once already), or of a
type of object, that more should be
affected (in the same way as before).
lagi `taaduu. (I) want some
more. `mk dumpoo `m ptaa
`hila. He included some of his
own head (in addition to the
mithun head which was already
in use).
-`taa Var: -ttaa. vs:mod. Motion
modal suffix. Gram: Suffix
indicating that in bringing about the
event mentioned by the verb, the
subject moves or must move away
from his/her/its place of origin.
Found only in imperative,
permissive, and propositional
sentences (not in interrogatives or
declaratives). no `ak `h go
`laakaa `taa. Go and get some
wood from that one. `dottaa
`kee! Go (there and) eat! `an,
`hog `duutak. Mother, sit here
(moving from the place at which
you currently are). `laataa `dee?
Ill get it (from there) for you,
shall I? `is `huttaa `lap. I
reckon Ill go take a bath.
taakuu n. variety of bird.
`taakee n. variety of plant, with
thorns, somewhat like a
blackberry bush. Delonix sp.
(brachycarpa?).
`taak n. dove. Most general term
for dove, though properly
referring to the rufous turtle
dove. Frenetic, wing-clapping
upward flight and coasting
downward flight. Hunted and
eaten. Streptopelia orientalis.
`taain n. variety of winged
termite, living in the ground,
emerging with wings in the
evening in April, May and June.
Edible.
taaci nce. See: doolo-taaci variety
taaii tao
137
of bird.
taaii n. mayfly.
See: `aakii-taaii-`taaree
dragonfly.
`taat nce. See: `jt-`taat sun
(poetic).
`taanam vt. spread out; release,
causing to spread and disperse.
`taapar vt. unfold and spread
out (something which had
been rolled-up).
taanam vi. untie; become untied,
especially of a shoelace.
`taapin nce. See: `oin-`taapin
variety of plant.
`taap n. element of a loin loom, a
smooth, very sturdy section of
wood, tapered at both ends, used
for bunching up thread which
has been sent through by the
shuttle; found immediately
above the kobdaa, and below
the `niikoo.
taam n:poet. girl. Usage: Goku.
taayap Var: yapkaa (P). n. fan;
prototypically, a hand-held
rotary swing-fan made of a sheet
of bamboo weave. taayap
yabnam to wave a fan.
See: yabnam to fan.
`taayoo Var: aree (P). n:rel. top; top
side; upper side.
`taaree nce. dragonfly.
Usage: Usually occurs in
compound.
See: `ak-taaii-`taaree
dragonfly.
taalii n. plate, for eating from.
Source: Assamese.
`taal n. red-coloured bird, of any
or an unknown species.
taasin-purin n. Usage: (P).
See: acin-paarin false Solomons
seal.
taii1 n. variety of insect.
Taii2 name. dialect of the Galo
language, also known as
Taipodia or Taipudia. Mostly
spoken in Likabali town, on the
Assam border at the extreme
southern edge of the West Siang
district, Arunachal Pradesh, and
in villages to the north and west
thereof, including Magi, Siji and
Jaate, to the north of Likabali,
and Kame, to the northwest.
`Taii3 name. name of a river in
Tirbin circle.
`taii n. last or youngest son. See: `oii
last child.
taik n. leprosy.
tain n. mushroom.
tain-ind n. variety of edible
fungus, quite large,
ground-growing, reddish in
colour, cup-shaped. See: tain
mushroom; ind late-grower.
tai-`boojup n. conical thatched
roof traditionally placed over a
Galo grave.
`taek n. variety of catfish.
Pterocryptis afghana.
`taek n. pearl millet. Pennisetum
glaucum.
taen n. cowry shell, traditionally
used as an element of ornaments.
tao1 n. variety of bee, smaller than a
taik, hatching from nest-holes
in rotten wood.
tao takee
138
tao2 n. 1 thorn.
2 splinter.
tao-atii n. honey of the tao bee.
See: tao bee variety; atii honey.
taoo n. hail; frozen rain. Usage: (P).
See: ta hail (L).
`taok n. variety of bamboo, used to
make rope, as well as `oor
impaling stakes. Cephalotachyum
fuschlanum.
ta Var: taoo (P). n. hail; frozen rain.
`tak n. head louse. Pediculus
humanus capitis. See: tak body
louse.
`tar n. variety of small, fly-like bee.
tak n. fan palm, a large,
water-resistant, fan-leaved palm
which grows abundantly in
Arunachal Pradesh, both wild
and under cultivation. An
essential component of house
construction, it is used
principally as roof shingling and
is among the most important
natural resources exploited by
Galo. Livistona jenkinsiana.
tak- clfqr. Classifier for flat-sided
entities, especially fragments or
pieces of a whole, as pieces of
betelnut or cheeks (on a face).
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. See: atak flat-sided
piece.
-tak vs:adv. cracked. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
cracked or a barrier is broken in the
action indicated by the verb. Also
occurs in the semi-reduplicated form
-tak...-yak. naatak throw
something through (a window)
causing it to break.
takaa1 n. black one. rk takaa
black pig.
`takaa1 nce. See: `takaa-lagbuu
leather armlet.
`takaa2 vt. ask, as a question.
takaa2 nce. fern. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: oo-takaa
fiddlehead fern.
`takaa-lagbuu n. leather armlet;
variety of ornament consisting of
a hairy (unpolished) wild goat
leather band worn around the
forearm. See: lagbuu armlet.
`takak n. phlegm; mucus settled in
the back of the throat.
`takam Var: ta`kaam emphatic
form. n:qual. every; every one; all.
Gram: Qualifying noun following
another noun with the overall sense
all of x or every (one of) x. Source:
Minyong (Adi). ii `m `takaam
`m gogg rku `laa...After calling
every one of the people... `tokk
`iin `takaam ` `Daar `g amin
`m `gduu. Everyone who came
down from up there carry the
name of Daring.
takam n. clay.
takam-rams n. kindling.
Usage: (P). See: tako-ramc
kindling.
takar n. star.
Takii name. nickname of Rwkii, the
legendary brother of Abo Tani
from whom the spirits and
demons are descended. See: Rkii.
`takuk n. variety of fig used for
firewood, fruit and for mithun
food; typically found in deep
jungle. Ficus spp.
takee n. ginger. Commonly
`takek tak-kooc
139
cultivated and prized as a
flavouring agent for all manner
of foods. Also employed with a
ritual value, particularly during
the moopin festival period.
Traditionally believed to have
the power to ward off attacks by
forest spirits such as yapom.
Zingiber officinale.
`takek1 n. filth; dirt; soil on the
body.
`takek2 n. variety of giant cane,
top-quality and very costly.
takek n. death essence; a virus-like,
itching emission of a corpse,
which is believed to have the
power to spread.
`tako Var: korsik (P). n. Himalayan
screw pine. Variety of tree-sized
pandanus, found in shady or
sunny areas alike at medium
elevations with huge, spreading,
slender, toothed leaves. Pandanus
furcatus.
tako nce. See: tako-ramc
kindling.
takoo nce. variety of bird.
Usage: usu. occurs in compounds.
See: takoo-paapuk variety of
bird.
takoo-paapuk
Var: takom-papok (P). n. variety
of bird, whose name is
onomatopoeic with its call.
`tako-`blaa n. pineapple.
See: `tako pandanus; `blaa
jackfruit.
`takom n. variety of fish trap,
usually constructed from cane or
bamboo, placed in a river
channel opposite the current.
Fish can enter but cannot escape.
takom n. grasshopper.
takom-dummaa n. variety of
grasshopper with a steeply
sloped head. Literally, headless
grasshopper. Figures
prominently as a comical
character in Galo folklore.
See: takom grasshopper;
dummaa headless.
takom-papok n. variety of bird.
Usage: (P). See: takoo-paapuk
variety of bird.
takom-yam n. variety of insect.
See: takom grasshopper.
takor n. hilt; the metal binding at
the blade end of a dao or knife
handle.
tako-ramc
Var: takam-rams (P). n.
kindling; very small sticks
dropped from trees, used for
starting a fire.
tak n. blood dysentery.
tak-`tabum n. grievous diseases,
of all kinds; diseases with the
potential to destroy the body and
kill the human host. See: tak
dysentery; `tabum smallpox.
tak1 n. squirrel.
Tak2 name. nickname for boys.
`tak n. body louse; cootie; human
parasitic louse, white in colour,
living in clothing and feeding on
blood. Pediculus humanus
humanus.
tak-kooc Var: tak-kooc;
tak-koos (P). n.
jungle-dwelling rodent of any
variety, including squirrels,
chipmunks, and so on. See: tak
squirrel; kooc chipmunk.
`takci tagnam
140
`takci nce. See: `takci-bree
cockroach.
takci Var: taksi (P). n. half,
especially of a pipe-like object.
`hg takci `gonna. This is one of
the two halves.
`takci-bree n. cockroach.
See: bree insect.
`taktr n. variety of wild fruit, deep
red in colour. Used
metaphorically to describe the
colour of flushed cheeks.
`takt adj. broad, or a more or less
flat thing, or thing with at least
one flat surface. `iss ` `takt
`duu. The river is broad/high
(due to the melting northern
snows).
`tagak n. proposal of marriage
made by a man to a woman.
vt. engage someone to be
married, particularly a female.
`ok `ao-ijr `m `tagak `duu.
My daughters gotten engaged.
tagam1 ace. See: tagam-`taree
pockmarked.
tagam2 n. hitchhiker seed; any kind
of seed with hooks, adhesive,
hairs, or any sort of system for
sticking to clothing or the body
of a human or animal.
tagam-`taree adj. pockmarked, as
of a face. `bk `umoo
tagam-`taree `duu. His face is
full of pockmarks. See: `taree
non-uniform.
tagik n. variety of wood-boring fly.
Extremely small, almost invisible,
but equally unstoppable and
responsible for vast amounts of
damage to houses, as well as to
bamboo and fan palm stores.
According to tradition, any wood
or plant product which is cut or
harvested during moonlight will
be destroyed by tagik within a
single day. For this reason, wood
or plant products such as
bamboo, fan palm leaves or trees
will only be harvested during a
time of moonless nights.
tagik-`tacaa n. wood-boring
insects, in general. See: tagik
wood-boring insect (variety);
`tacaa wood-boring insect
(variety).
taguu n. variety of wild fruit,
somewhat like a mango.
tago n. variety of ceremony.
See: tago-gree tago shaman.
tago-gree n. shaman who is
capable of performing a tago
ceremony. See: tago ceremony
variety; gree high priest.
tagjii adj. narrow. Usage: (P).
See: tagyaa narrow.
tagjek n. shard, as of glass. See: tak-
crack.
tagd n. other side; opposite side or
bank, of a river, road, train rail,
etc.
tagnam vi. crack, of most any
object, including bamboo, wood,
glass, and the earths surface; be
or become cracked (through the
action of something else).
`tagduu ku. (The glass) has
become cracked.
vt. 1 split or crack something, of
bamboo and logs, but not glass.
2 dig overhand, dig a hole or
trench, as with a spade or hoe.
aruu tagnam to dig a hole with a
spade.
tagbaa `tacup
141
3 hew; cleave; especially, to cut
a pole out of a tree for the
purpose of making a house pillar.
o `htak `m `tagduu. Im
hewing a pole (for use as a
pillar).
tagbaa n. sheer slope.
tagyaa Var: tagjii (P). adj. narrow.
`taaa n. male idiot.
`taaa-`taraa adj. foolish, of a
man. See: `taaa male idiot;
-`aa...-`raa no result.
taar n. mist. Usage: (P). See: arsi
dew.
taik n. honeybee (most common
variety).
taik-tao n. bee; bee in general;
bees of all varieties. See: taik
honeybee variety; tao honeybee
variety.
tao nce. See: tao-`tarii chirping
insect variety.
tao-`tarii n. variety of chirping
insect. See: `tarii variety of
insect.
ta adj. obese; massively fat.
`tago n. traditional Galo coat or
vest, with embroidery around the
lower section, to be worn by men
or women alike. See: lalk shirt.
`tacaa n. variety of wood-boring
insect, similar to tagik.
`tacak Var: `tasak (P). n. fibre,
especially cotton. Properly refers
to the fibre obtained from the
fruit of a small, fibrous
fruit-bearing tree, which may be
spun into a strong fibre when
dry, however is colloquially used
to refer to any type of fibre,
whether natural or synthetic.
True `tacak fibre has coagulant
properties, and may be applied
to wounds to stop bleeding.
`tacak `cagnam to spin cotton.
See: `cagnam spin cotton.
tacap Var: tasap (P). nce.
See: tacap-buugap variety of
suckerfish.
tacap-buugap
Var: tasap-buugap (P). n. variety
of sucking fish, similar to
`op, relatively small, with an
adhesive mouth facing the river
floor (used to maintain a suction
to stones) which will stick to the
skin if pressed. See: buugap stick
by sucking.
taci Var: tasi (P). n. tree fern.
Immature, unfurled fronds
which are medium in size are
roasted and eaten as a vegetable.
Traditionally used by shamans as
a tool for charming away evil
spirits. Syn: rk-tai.
`taci Var: `tasi (P). n. crab.
`tacin Var: `tasin (P). n. variety of
cane. Long, about the same size
as jy. Used in weaving
baskets and hats.
`taci-`poolo1 Var: `tasi-`poolo (P).
n. kneecap. See: `taci crab; `poolo
moon.
`taci-`poolo2 n. tamarind-like fruit,
inedible, forearm size, growing
on a creeping plant, with
extremely hard seeds. Outer skin
cracks when ripe, dry colour,
white flesh, found in deep jungle.
See: `taci crab; `poolo moon.
`tacup Var: `tasup (P). nce. variety of
fly. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: `tacup-`reeup
`tacup-`taup `tao
142
variety of fly.
`tacup-`taup
Var: `tasup-`taup (P). n. variety
of biting fly. Syn: `tacup-`reeup.
See: `tacup variety of fly.
`tacup-`reeup n. variety of
poisonous fly, shaped like a
housefly. Syn: `tacup-`taup.
tacur Var: tasur (P). n. spittle; spit;
saliva.
taco n. ash, as from a fire or
cigarette. Syn: `micco.
tac Var: tas (P). n. bacteria;
extremely small or invisible
insect, especially one which is
presumed to be responsible for
otherwise unaccountable-for
destruction, such as tooth decay.
tac-donam Var: tas-donam (P).
n. tooth decay; bacterial infection
in the teeth. See: tac bacteria;
donam eat.
`taji1 n. variety of grass or reed
growing near water which is
gathered when in flower to make
sweeping brooms.
`Taji2 name. name of a character in
Galo folklore. Counterpart to
Taro; hapless adversary to Abo
Tani.
`tajinam vt. believe; believe in the
truth of what someone has said
or is saying. `nun ard maadoo,
`mlaa `cin `taji kumaa! You
guys arent so clever, but yet you
dont believe us!
`taji-`rooo n. algae. See: `taji
variety of grass.
`tajuu n. tadpole; juvenile,
undeveloped frog.
`tajr n. variety of creeping
bamboo, very small and unable
to stand unsupported by another
plant. Seeks host by creeping and
twines over it. Used ceremonially
in traditional religious practices.
Arundinaria manii.
`tajr-`jrlk n. variety of worked,
feathered bamboo, used as an
element of sacrificial altars.
See: `tajr variety of creeping
bamboo.
`taaa n. last child.
tai1 n. variety of insect found in
bamboo, laying eggs, baked in
leaves and eaten when mature
and about thumb-sized.
tai2 nce. See: rk-tai tree fern.
`tai n. element of a loin loom, a set
of sticks holding various types of
string in place which enable
flowers to be embroidered onto
the cloth. Found immediately
above the `niikoo and below
the `loot.
`taup nce. See: `tacup-`taup
variety of biting fly.
taum nce.
See: taum-ukoo-podoo huge
thorn.
taum-ukoo-podoo n. huge
thorn; massive thorn.
`taek n. kind of biting insect,
living in relatively cold places,
whose bite is not visible and does
not affect one at first, but
develops after some days.
`tao1 n. tiger, in a familiar, mildly
personified or ritualized sense.
See: `hoo tiger.
`tao2 n. pus.
`tao donam -tap
143
`tao donam n. skin infection.
See: donam eat.
`tak n. Jobs tear millet. Coix
lachryma.
tatii nce. See: tatii-naanii grain
variety.
tatii-naanii n. sorghum.
`tatum nce. See: `tatum-`beelum
spider.
`tatum-`beelum
Var: `tasum-`beerum (P). n.
spider.
tatk n. frog.
tatk n. variety of ornament, a disc
of around 2 cm in diameter made
from conch shells.
`tattr n. sufficient effort; ones all;
ones best.
tado nce. See: tado-molek variety
of insect.
tadoo Var: orb-takoo (P). n.
mahaseer, a variety of river fish.
Tor putitora.
`tadok n. stone bead ornaments of
great value and often great
antiquity, given or, ideally,
handed down to a woman by
elders at wedding time.
tado-molek n. variety of insect,
about thumb-sized.
tador n. variety of reed,
traditionally used in rituals as
well as in constructing house
surfaces such as ceilings and
walls. Pseudostachyum
polymusphum.
`tador n. earthworm. Syn: `dorkaa.
`tanam vt. 1 listen to something;
hear something. `tal maa! Shut
up (I dont want to hear that)!
`talaa `ju. Lets listen (to it).
2 obey; listen to someone and
agree with them; act according to
the wishes expressed by someone
else.
`tapaa vt. hear. `tapaa kumaa. I
cant hear at all/anymore.
See: -`paa get; attain.
`tagap vt. concentrate on what
one is hearing; understand and
remember what is said. `tagap
`laamaa. I cant concentrate
on what Im hearing.
`tacen vt. understand what one
hears. o `yoo `tacen `taren
maa! I cant understand a
blasted thing!
tanii n. 1 human being. Homo
sapiens.
2 humanity; humankind; the
human race.
name. nickname of Rnii, a.k.a.
Abo Tani. Legendary progenitor
of humankind, and particularly
of the Tani tribespeople. See: Abo
Tanii The Father of
Humankind.
`tano Var: `tao (P, L). n. 1 snail.
2 lime; lime powder; powdered
irritant, traditionally derived by
reducing snail shells to ashes,
dissolving the results in water,
and eventually obtaining a paste
with the irritant qualities of lime.
See: `tahr-`tano ~ `tahr-`tao
snail.
-tap vs:adv. overturned. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
overturned as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. `tuutap
`tokee! Push it such that it falls
over!
tapam tabin-`koorin
144
tapam n. ice; snow.
`tapar n. dandruff.
tapii n. variety of long grass or reed
with white, cotton-like flowers.
`tapii nce. See: `tapii-tamaa grass.
tapii-tao-minnam (1) n. variety
of fish-trapping system, a barrier
constructed of boulders and
grasses at a narrowing point in a
river, toward which fish are
driven and trapped in
maamo-dr baskets. See: tapii
grass variety; tao thorn;
minnam (1) chase.
`tapii-tamaa n. grass, in general.
See: tamaa creeper.
`tapik n. variety of insect which
casts dust, by shooting it out or
leaving on the surface when
burrowing.
`tapin n. shuttle or bobbin of a loin
loom, a stick with thread
wrapped around it which is
tossed between two layers of
cloth. Found immediately above
the `gkoo, and below the
kobdaa.
tapuu1 n. flute.
tapuu2 n. whitey; white one.
See: tapuu-`tapen mould.
tapuu-`tapen n. mould; fuzzy,
multicoloured bacteria often
found on old food.
adj. mouldy. See: tapuu white
one.
tapum n. terrestrial or aquaborne
insect; non-flying insect.
tapum-`taloo n. insect, in general;
insects of all varieties.
`tapek n. leech.
tapen n. bat, in general; flying fox.
Chiroptera.
`tapen nce. See: tapuu-`tapen
mould.
tapen-penruu n. bat cave; bat
den.
`tapoo1 n. variety of river fish,
whitish, small, about
finger-length to half-hand length.
Danio spp.
`Tapoo2 name. name of a Lare Galo
village in central West Siang
district.
`tapop n. variety of tall grass,
bundled and dried and used for
thatching. Rarely used by Galo,
but commonly used by Hills
Miri.
tap nce. moss. Usage: usu. occurs in
expressive compound.
See: tap-tam moss.
tap-tam n:expr. variety of moss
or lichen, used as a herb. Grows
along and close to the ground,
with pine-like foliage.
tap n. pumpkin; squash. Syn: talar.
tapr n. variety of nut.
tabaa n. bedbug. Cimex spp.
tabar ace. See: tayum-tabar
mildew.
tabin n. variety of house-dwelling
termite; similar to but smaller
than taain; living in dry wood
and emerging with wings in
springtime. See: tabin-`koorin
termite (mound-building).
tabin-`koorin n. variety of
mound-building termite.
`tabum tamo-nappaa
145
See: tabin house-dwelling
termite.
`tabum n. smallpox.
tabum n. variety of bamboo. Very
smooth, not more than 2 in
diameter, used for binding tak
on roofs and making eken and
`igin baskets, as well as
bamboo floor mats. Bambusa
khasiana.
tabo n. variety of bamboo, no larger
than three centimetres in
diameter, with close branching
points and tending to bend off
rather than grow perfectly
straight. Strong; traditionally
used by Galo as fishing poles as
well as in traditional religious
ceremonies. Phyllostachy manii.
`tab n. sugarcane. Saccharum
officinarum.
tab n. snake, in general.
tab-dumii n. worm snake; variety
of burrowing, poisonous snake,
in appearance like a giant worm,
believed to have two heads and
no anus. See: tab snake.
tabnam vi. overturn; keel or fall
over, as a tree or a bicycle or of a
person when drunk. taby
grow/lean to the side or
off-kilter, as of bamboo.
vt. overturn something, as from
upside-down to rightside-up, or
vice versa. tapkup turn
upside-down, as when turning
over a leaf.
`tam- clfr. Classifier for flat surfaces
and some objects with flat
surfaces. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `atam `tami
go two flat sides. See: `atam
side.
tamaa nce. creeper. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: `tapii-tamaa grass;
tar-tamaa creeper.
`tamak n. variety of palm. Roots
small and gathered close to base
of trunk. Trunk unfolds in layers
like a banana tree. Leaves like
small Chinese fans, serrated at
end. Wood is used by Galo for
construction. Outer pith of bark
is scraped off and used as an
excellent tinder. Can grow to
30m in the jungle, although those
grown in Galo gardens are rarely
above 6-7m. See: `caamak
`tamak pith.
tamii n. millet. See: `amo-tamii
crops.
tamii-`jesi n. variety of
grasshopper or cricket, small in
size, living only in millet fields.
See: tamii millet.
tamul Var: tamur. n. betelnut; areca
nut. Areca catechu. Source:
Assamese.
tamul-mulkuk n. husk and skin
of betelnut. See: tamul betelnut.
`Tamo name. Tamo, name of a
spirit. Sacrificial altar to Tamo is
formed as a long, alligator-like
effigy with legs dangling from a
length of bamboo.
tamo-nappaa n. exit point or
dilution point of a drift of fish
poison, an element of
`hib-rnam poison-based
fishing technique. The lower
point of a drift of poison, at
which poisoned fish are caught.
`tamor `Taro
146
`tamor n. ringworm; tinea. `b
`tamor `gduu. Hes got
ringworm.
tam n. moss; lichen.
tam1 n. variety of plant used for
poisoning fish.
tam2 n. variety of torrent catfish.
Amblyceps spp.
tam3 n. tin, as a raw material.
`tam n. eclipse; lunar or solar
eclipse. `tam omnam eclipse.
See: omnam swallow.
tam n. variety of flying insect,
edible, cockroach-like, with a
sting, found in deep jungle.
tam-`mci n. juvenile tam
insect.
tam-`mn n. mature tam
insect.
`tamnam vt. hang something, as a
poster or picture.
tayaa nce. variety of fly. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: tahuu-tayaa fruit fly.
`tayup n. variety of caterpillar with
stinging spines.
tayum adj. damp.
tayum-tabar adj. mildewy.
tayum-tabardu Its mildewy.
See: tayum damp.
tay nce. fly. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: tay-tamaa fly.
tay-tamaa n. fly; housefly;
garbage fly.
`tayr n. variety of tree, the
pleasantly and powerfully
scented seed from which is used
for a masala-like spice.
See: `yrken honey made from a
`tayr bee.
-`tar vs:adv. split apart down the
middle. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the object is split
down the middle as a result of the
action indicated by the verb.
`giitar vt. pull or split apart, as
pulling apart a pair of tongs by
grasping the ends and tugging
apart.
tarak adj. out-of-control; haywire;
hyperactive, especially of a man.
`b maaji `b tarak `nago `na.
Hes a real hard one to handle.
`tarii n. variety of edible insect,
living in rock beds, eaten in
winter (Assamese gandi-puk).
`tarik Var: `taik (P). n. variety of
insect, shaped like a slug or leech
with a larger head, potentially
dangerous to ingest.
taruu n. mosquito.
`taruk n. ant, in general.
`taruk-`diicup n. anthill; mound
formed at the entrance to an
underground ant colony.
See: `taruk ant; `diicup earth
ring.
`taruk-`rukpum n. ant nest; nest
of ants (generally, red ants)
found in trees. See: `taruk ant;
`rukpum ant mound.
`tarum n. scorpion.
`taree ace. non-uniform, in colour.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: tagam-`taree pockmarked.
`Taro name. legendary rival of Abo
Tanii and progenitor of the race
of demons in traditional
mythology. Counterpart to
`tar tal-kodee
147
`Taji.
`tar n. variety of edible winged
insect, spawned in rivers. Will
attack fruited, immature rice
plants and suck out the liquid of
non-formed fruit by piercing
through the shell with its snout
and sucking it out. May be fried
and eaten.
tark n. precise amount; precise
extent. tark `c go `jilaa `kaa;
`a ` `dop hago. Give
exactly the right amount; enough
for two to eat.
adj. correct; right; precise; exact.
`hg tark `c `nago. This ones
exactly the right kind. mm, tark
`duu. Yes, thats right.
tar1 n. strip of bamboo, usually
about a half-meter long, used for
weaving baskets or mats.
See: `peec-tar bamboo strips.
tar2 nce. injury. Usage: rare, possibly
archaic; usu. occurs in compound.
See: uun-tar wound.
`tar n. thorn-less variety of cane,
mostly used for house
construction, but may also be
used in weaving sheaths. Found
mainly in mountains; generally
not found in foothills and plains.
`tark Var: lagrk (P). n. support
ring for an archer, made from
tar cane.
tar-tamaa n. creeper; creeping
plant; vine; twining plant.
See: `tar cane; tamaa creeper.
`tarnam vt. file; split or separate
something, as into piles when
organizing or counting out.
`talap1 n. snot.
`talap2 Var: `diilap (P). n. wild
onion, a thin, green variety with
a small, thin bulb; green onion;
spring onion; scallion. Allium spp.
talar n. pumpkin; squash. Syn: tap.
talii n. flea, in general. Siphonaptera.
talii-liihup n. fleas nest; nest of
fleas. talii-liihup `na! Its
become a fleas nest! See: talii
flea; liihup fleas nest.
taluu n. wall plank; solid, hewn
(not planed) wooden plank used
in wall construction, generally
made from wood of the benji
tree.
talee n. variety of plant, used to
make `raraa back-pieces.
talo n. Asiatic snake head, variety
of fish found in ponds and, more
rarely, in rivers, slippery-backed,
blackish, some with white
underbellies, up to
forearm-length. Channa spp.
taloo nce. See: taloo-`baaboo
swing.
`taloo n. male slut; man who sleeps
around freely with as many
women as possible.
taloo-`baaboo n. swing; rope
swing.
tal1 n. variety of cardamom.
tal2 nce. See: `ruuci-tal water
coming from the ears.
tal n. 1 sky.
2 weather. tal al `duu. The
weather is good.
tal-kodee n. climate; weather
conditions of a particular place;
environment of a particular area.
`tasi mtin
148
See: tal sky; kodee soil.
`tasi n. variety of tall grass, used for
thatching.
`taso n. small variety of wildcat,
possibly marbled cat. Felis
marmorata.
Tasoo name. name of a Galo clan
found primarily in the central
part of West Siang district.
tahuu nce. fly variety. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: tahuu-tayaa fruit fly.
tahuu-tayaa n. vinegar fly. Variety
of fly often found in and around
containers of fermenting rice or
bamboo. Drosophilia spp.
tahuu-miibuu n. variety of larva,
pale green in colour, living
underground in nests.
tahum Var: tasum (P). n. shellfish,
in general, though usually a
crawdad or river prawn.
tah n. variety of oblong lime-like
citrus fruit particularly common
in Assam.
`tahr n. snail.
`tahr-`tao Var: `tahr-`tano. n.
snail, particularly a land snail as
opposed to water snail. See: `tahr
snail; `tao pus.
`tahk n. protruding variety of
mole (on the skin).
tiikoo n. handle of an umbrella.
satii-tiikoo umbrella handle.
tiinam1 vi. be well-seasoned; for
foods which should be sweet,
sweet enough; for foods which
should be salty, salty enough.
tiinam2 vt. 1 suck or drink nectar
from a point, as a butterfly or
hummingbird from a flower.
2 bite, of a point-mouthed
insect such as a mosquito or
leech. taruu `om `tiiduu. The
mosquitoes are biting me.
tiihir adj. sweet.
tiK- clfqr. Classifier for bushels (40
by standard) of large-sized
leaves, such as fan palm leaves.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. tikk six bushels
(of leaves). See: atik bushel.
-tik...-rik vs:advsr. flailingly. Gram:
Split manner suffix indicating that
the subject acts in a flailing manner,
as an animal reeling and flailing in
its death agonies hitik hirik
flailing in death agonies, as a
sacrificed cow.
`tiggap vt. 1 dab with a finger or
brush, as when painting. `nom
`tigg kaa. Ive dabbed it on
you (as lime or paint on the
skin).
2 roll, as when rolling up a
carpet or leaf; pinch.
`tiggap vt. paint a painting.
-tin vs:adv. with trust; with
confidence; with faith; with
belief. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject has faith,
trust or confidence in terms of the
action indicated by the verb. The
object of trust/confidence may be a
person whose honesty is in question,
as well as an inanimate entity (such
as a tool) whose capacity to function
well is in question.
mtin vt. have faith in
(someones ability to pull
something off).
tinnam (2) -`tuu
149
tinnam (2) vi. roll or be rolled up,
as a carpet or mat; wrinkle or be
wrinkled, as aged skin.
vt. roll something up, as a carpet
or mat.
tu pcl. 1 Focusing or emphatic
particle. Gram: Marks a noun as one
to whom attention should be drawn.
Source: Assamese. Ab Tanii tu
kaakaa ku! But Abo Tani was
watching!
2 Sentence-final use of the
focusing/emphatic particle
indicating that the information
contained in the sentence is clear,
obvious, or self-evident. `ibbo
`tajr `bduu tu. A shaman
carries creeping bamboo, as you
know.
tu- pfx. Feminine diminutive prefix
to the name root of a female
human individual.
Usage: Generally used in a
familiar, semi-jocular way as
among friends or, less often but
possibly, by a senior towards a
junior. tutr friendly/jocular
nickname of a woman named
Kentr.
-`tuu1 vs:adv. cease; stop; down.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the subject ceases to perform an
action or turns downward, as when
halting motion. `tutuu stop the
motion of something by kicking
it.
`ttuu vt. set something down.
`ttuu `tokee! Set it down!
dotuu vt. cease eating, despite
that some food remains, and
one may not yet be full.
`dtuu vi. land, of a plane or
bird.
`humtuu vi. squat. `b `humtuu
`laa `duuduu Hes
squatting/sitting in a
squatting position.
vs:nzr. terminus; place of
termination. Gram: Nominalizer
deriving a noun indicating the
place (in space) where an action is
stopped, or the point (in time)
when an action is stopped. `ok
`goktuu the place where I
stopping calling you.
-tuu1 vs:adv. all night long. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb occurs
all night.
`otuu vi. fall all night (as rain).
-tuu2 vs:adv. divide on width. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb results
in a stick-like entity being divided
into two or more sections crossways,
e.g. of a bamboo pole, sliced
crosswise into mini-poles or sections.
drtuu `doona. Its broken (of a
lamp which had a patched top).
o birii `m ttuu kaa. Ive
smoked half the cigarette.
vs:nzr. midpoint. Gram:
Nominalizer deriving a concrete or
temporal nominal with the sense
half or piece of an object cut along
crossways or along the width, or
midpoint of the duration of an
event. `am ` `gatuu kai nam
`laakaa toku da. Again get the
big hacked-off bamboo. Tanii
ku `it bartuu `m `ap kum.
Now Tani stopped in the middle
of his chanting... See: -ci divide
(on length).
-`tuu2 vs:asp. has been; have been.
Gram: Continuous aspectual suffix,
marking an event which has been
perfected (finished) in the past, but
whose effects are still felt, or whose
-tuu tuur
150
resultant state is still ongoing, as
when having planted a tree which
remains planted and growing, or
when having put on some clothing
which is still being word. Often (but
not always) translates English
Present Perfect (has/have been). `ejj
`m `rktuu. The clothes have
been washed (and they remain
clean). `lgmen `tuunam `na.
We just planted it (corn which is
still growing) for the heck of it.
`ktuu ku. (The rope) has
become twisted (and remains
so).
-tuu3 vs:adv. steep; steeply. Gram:
Manner suffix used with motion
verbs indicating that the surface or
terrain over which the motion takes
place is steep.
`caatuu vi. steep, of a road; steep
road. bdaa maaji `caatuu
`duu. The roads mighty steep
going up.
duutuu vi. sit upright.
`tuukoo n:rel. lower side; southern
side. `thi `na! Haina `tuukoo
`thi `na! Its up there! Its up
there, just below China!
`tuut adj. majority; relatively
largest portion. May be used to
reference a majority of people as
well as other things. `tuut `yaana
`memmaa `duu. Most people
dont say it that way. See: atuu
portion.
tuudum n:rel. upper side; northern
side. `ok namm tuudum
`peel `yaab `dooduu. My
house is a bit further north.
`tuunam1 vt. 1 push something
with force, as with the aim of
overturning it, or when popping
someone in the chest when
quarrelling. `tuutap `tokee!
Push it over!
2 prop something up against
something else.
3 secure something, so that e.g.
it will not fall or spill (generally,
by pushing or propping it against
something stable). `igin `m
`tuut `kee. Secure the basket (so
it wont fall and spill).
`tuunam2 vt. dive, as into a river.
o `hill `m `tuuduu. Im diving
into the pool.
tuunam vt. 1 survey an area from
a distance, as with a video
camera; scan or stare intently at a
landscape from a distance.
`mook `am `tuukaa to. Scan that
area.
2 shine on something, of a beam
of light, especially of a torch.
Usage: recent sense extension not
found in all `Laree areas. tors `m
`oodoo `b `tuum kaato. Make
the torch shine into the distance.
tuub n. other end of a long object;
opposite end of a long object. `
tuub the other end of a bamboo
pole (which one is carrying, e.g.).
tuuyaa adj. minority; smaller
portion of a group.
tuuyaa-`yaana the relatively
smaller portion.
Tuur name. Tuuri, name of the
sixth entity in the universe,
generated by `hintuu and
progenitor of Rnii, a.k.a. Abo
Tanii (the progenitor of
mankind), as well as of Rkii,
or Takii, the progenitor of
demons.
tuur n. end, as of a stick. `g
tuur `bolo `nok `peel `ogo
Tukkaa -tum
151
`doom `tokee. That end down
there, make it face your end.
Tukkaa name. blackie (nickname).
tukko Var: tupko. n. forehead.
tukko-`lpaa n. head to toe; all
over. See: tukko forehead; `lpaa
shin.
tuktuk n. motorcycle.
`tunam1 vt. garland someone; place
a flower wreath around
someones neck.
`tunam2 vt. knit a garment.
Usage: Properly refers to the
process of knitting a garment
from beginning preparation to
finished product, not simply the
activity of knitting per se. More
commonly used in Pugo.
tunam vt. kick. Usage: Properly
refers to an instance of kicking
with force, as though to cause
damage to something.
-tup vs:adv. block; bump into. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the actor
is blocked by or bumps into
something, as when moving. o
`rapkom gtup kaa. I bumped
my head on the fireplace
shelving.
`rtup vi. blocked from
sprouting, as a plant.
dktup hinam vi. stub ones
toe when. `l `ogo dktup
`hidee `laa. You might stub
your toe on that stone (near
you).
tupko Var: tukko. n. forehead.
Usage: more common in Pugo, but
also used by some `Laree.
tuptar adj. have a bald spot.
tuppk adj. protruding, of the
forehead (as a gorilla or a
caveman).
-tup...-ci vs:advs. entangled. Gram:
Split result suffix indicating that
something becomes disturbed,
impeded or entangled by way of the
action indicated by the verb. `om
aktup akc da. I got hooked on
and entangled by something.
See: -tup blocked.
tubnam vt. 1 head-butt; smash
into, collide with or bump into
something head-on; barge
through head-first. `hott `
`naakum `m `tubyaa kaaku.
The elephant destroyed the
granary by slamming his head
into it.
2 slam a tool down or against
something else. takee `m
`tubmk `tokee. Smash the
ginger into pulp (with a mortar
and pestle).
3 shovel; transfer a solid
(non-liquid) entity into a
space/container by shovelling,
e.g. sand onto a truck, or when
ladling food onto a plate. kodee
`m `tublk `tokee. Shovel the
soil into (the truck bed).
4 comb hair. adum
dumpr-dummr `duuku, tups
`tokee. Your hair is all curly and
tangled, comb it.
5 vote, cast a ballot in an
election.
tubbin adj. bald; without any hair
at all.
`tublok adj. have a receding
hairline; of a hairline, to recede.
-tum vs:adv. closed. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
cktum `motee
152
put into a closed state as a result of
the action indicated by the verb, as a
door or a window.
cktum vt. close a door or
window. rap cittum `duu.
The door is closed.
`htum vt. stop up a container
with leaves.
`tum- clfqr. Classifier for clumps, or
objects that have been rolled up
into a ball or clump. Gram: Root
form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. See: `atum clump.
`tumcik n. variety of small-sized
bear, known for living in wild
koluu plantain groves.
Sometimes called
koluu-`tumcik.
`tumnam vt. flood; rush, of a large,
flooding body of water. `iss `
`tumloo `duu. The waters
flooding down .
`tumnam vt. fold, as paper.
Usage: also applies to the
traditional practice of folding up
corpses for burial purpose. `un
`Galoo `lo himaa `m `tumduu.
We Galo fold our corpses.
tumnam vt. close off; imprison, as
a prisoner in a jail. patk lo
`bm tumkaa. Hes been
imprisoned in that jail.
`tumn nce. leaves of a vegetable
marrow squash. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: `patum-`tumn vegetable
marrow leaves.
`tumpin n. bearskin.
`tump n. dry land; dry area.
`tump-igam n. ranger; expert
dry land/plains hunter.
See: `tump dry land; igam
hunter.
`tump-luk n. tomato.
See: `tump dry land.
tumbo n. widow; widower.
`tumraa n. dense jungle. Usage: (P).
See: yamd dense jungle (L).
turg n. roof-post of a Galo house;
crossbeam.
turnam1 vi. be alive; be surviving.
`hg turb `duu. This ones still
alive (the other ones dead).
turnam2 vt. prop something up or
support it from below, as when a
pillar or stake is positioned
under the baseboards of a
leaning house. o ckc `m
`turduu. Im supporting the wall
from below.
`tuhor ace. kick out the legs to
stretch them. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: `tuhor-`lyor
stretch the legs.
`tuhor-`lyor adj. stretch out the
legs.
-tee vs:adv. burned. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that a burn, sting,
welt, burning sensation or
freeze-burn results from the action
indicated by the verb.
`gutee vt. burn; cause a surface
injury from burning. `mm `
`gutee kaa. The fire burned
me.
dotee vt. burn by way of eating,
as a strong chilli pepper.
`yaluk go dotee hikaa `p. He
seems to have burned himself
by eating a chilli.
`motee vt. make a burn on
something, not necessarily be
`teemaa tennam
153
fire (though possibly).
`teemaa n. button, as on a shirt.
teelo n. variety of belt or waist-let
made of strung-together bell-like
cups dotted with millet seeds,
worn by the men of several
different Tani tribes, including
Galo, Bori, Bokar and Minyong,
particularly during festive
dances.
-tek vs:adv. protruding; partly
visible; partly disclosed. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something is partially, not fully,
disclosed, visible, or protruding from
an area.
rotek vt. stick out the tongue
such that only the tip is visible.
`tekur n:time. 1 six days hence;
six days from the time of
speaking.
2 six years hence; six years from
the time of speaking.
`teci Var: `tensi (P). n. afterbirth,
i.e. the solid remaining to be
passed following babys delivery,
which midwives will help pass
using warm water, then bury in
the ground.
`tejur n:time. six years hence; six
years from the time of speaking.
-ten vs:adv. onto; atop; supplant;
impose. Gram: Directional suffix to a
transitive verb indicating that the
subject is moved atop or onto the
object. May also have a metaphorical
sense of supplanting or imposing.
`menten vt. impose oneself on
someone elses conversation,
as from a distance. `hog
`menten `yookaa! Dont
impose yourself/your
conversation topic over ours
from over there!
hamten vt. step on something.
`kemm `yok, hamten `laa
atok. Dont let it get away,
step on it.
-`ten vs:adv. repair; fix. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
repaired by way of the action
indicated by the verb.
`menten vt. correct someones
speech.
`moten vt. repair; fix. `koobaa `
`moten `duub `rduu ku.
The ladder has come to need
repairing.
`tenee n:time. 1 five days hence;
five days from the time of
speaking.
2 five years hence; five years
from the time of speaking.
`tent n. trajectory; direct path,
plane or trajectory as projected
by an object with
face/directedness. `ok nam
`tent `lo `bk namm `dooduu.
His house is on the same
trajectory as mine (measured
from the face of the house).
adj. be located on a common
trajectory. doo `tent `duuku.
The sun is at its apex/is directly
overhead (spoken at noon, when
the sun is on the same trajectory
as a human head directed
upward).
tennam vt. 1 suspend; hang by
fixing to a surface (rather than by
a hook).
2 set an ujuu spring action
trap to catch small animals. o
ujuu `tent `b `indak `na. Im
going to set a spring action trap.
`tenloo Toopo
154
`tenloo n:time. seventh moon cycle
of the year, roughly mid-June to
mid-July. Traditionally identified
as the time when cicadas change
their tune. Usage: may be used to
refer to the international calendar
month of July.
-to1 vs:adv. for the first time. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb happens
for the first time. `rt `b `rnam `
`mr `empaa. It feels strange
to do something for the first
time. `hm ager `m o `rt `b
`rduu. Im doing this work for
the first time.
-to2 Var: -t. vs:asp. 1 Perfective
aspectual suffix. Gram: indicates a
relatively punctual, fully rounded
event, i.e. one whose beginning and
endpoint are viewed as
all-wrapped-up, past, and not
bearing any further on the present.
`unuk omee `ogo, `un yal
nam gto. In our youth, we wore
red (but we dont anymore).
`hmb `rto namm `na: It
happened like this:.
2 Conjunct perfective suffix.
Gram: sense of the Perfective suffix
occurring only in verbs suffixed by
Direct/Experienced Perfective
-baa or Action nominalization in
-nam. In a declarative sentence,
indicates that a first person subject
(the speaker) performs the action
indicated by the verb. In an
interrogative sentence, indicates that
the subject is second person (the
addressee). Cannot be used with
third person subjects. See: -gee
Disjunct perfective suffix. no
acin dot `baree? Have you eaten
yet? o dot namm `bree
domaa tonam `bree? Have I
eaten or not?
vs:mod. Imperative suffix,
functioning to request or
command a second person (the
addressee) to perform an action.
Gram: The beneficiary of the
requested/commanded event must
be someone other than the speaker.
`gm `laakaa to. Get that one
for a minute. `saa go moj `tokee.
Make him some tea. See: -`laa
Imperative suffix
(speaker-directed).
-too vs:adv. topple something and
cause the contents to spill out.
Gram: Result suffix to an activity
verb, indicating that an action results
in a container being toppled, and its
contents being spilled out (especially,
a toppled glass). `motoo dar ne! I
nearly toppled (the glass)!
tooko1 n. hook, as for hanging
something on the wall.
tooko2 n. variety of edible leaf
which tastes like spinach.
tootii nce. See: `paa-tootii-`roorii
daybreak.
tootin n. warning.
toonam vt. scoop rice, as when
preparing to serve. `kaju, `b
acin `toop da! Come on, shes
served out the rice!
`toonam vi. spray. `iss ` aruu `lok
`toobuu `duu. Water is spraying
through the hole.
vt. spray. o `iss `m `toor. Ill
spray the water.
Toopo name. 1 Toopo, son of
Niito. Third in the Galo lineage.
2 Toopo Gon, a legendary
character of Galo folklore
believed to have been swallowed
up by a stone located somewhere
in mid-West Siang District while
en route to her in-laws house.
-tok -tom
155
3 star, in a poetic or ceremonial
sense.
-tok vs:mod. Imperative suffix
(non-speaker-directed, insistent).
Gram: Insistive form of the
Imperative suffix in -to; forms a
relatively rude or abrupt imperative,
appropriate for use by seniors to
juniors, or when angry. acin dotok!
Eat your food (to a child)!
`tok pos. via (by way of), of (from
or belonging to) or in the general
direction of somewhere or
something upward, upriver, or
northward of the place of
speaking. allo `tok aruu `b
`uulen `laa. The salt was coming
out from up there as a hole (in
the earth).
`tokk pos. from somewhere
upward, northward or upriver of
the place of speaking. `tokk
`iil-`iil, `iil-`iil,
`iil-`iil...From up there we
came down, down, down, down,
down...
`toguu n. 1 mithun sacrifice in
which the ritual code of
`hmaa-tagnam is carried-out,
generally as an observation of a
particularly important occasion.
2 festival; especially, a wedding
party.
tognam1 vi. of a hen, to cluck as
when looking for a mate.
tognam2 vi. move down; descend,
but not necessarily reach a goal.
Usage: Rare and poss. archaic
and/or an Eastern Tani loan. In
Galo, generally occurs with
Result suffix -`
downward/low result.
`tog vi. descend; move down.
aii go `tog boolo, rkk
`m `paar. If we go down just
a bit, well find the field.
See: `iinam descend.
-totii adjs:der. very; utterly; fully.
Gram: Adjectival intensifying suffix
`namlii totii extremely new
house. horii totii `b utterly
straight.
`tonam vt. 1 release something
which is in ones grasp, as
someones arm; drop, as from a
height.
2 leave someone, as a wife or
husband; quit someone.
`bkkom `tomaa, `akom
`tomaa. You cant leave your
first path; you cant leave your
first wife. (Galo proverb).
3 concede a point; submit to or
agree to go along with a decision,
as one reached by a village
council which had been against
ones wishes; drop a lawsuit;
release a claim. o kodee `m
`topak jikaa ku. I released my
claim over the land.
tonam vt. wait for someone or
something. Usage: usu. occurs as
toraa. o hodum `m `toduu.
Im waiting for the barking deer
(in ambush).
toraa vt. wait for someone or
something. `ok toraa nam ii
no. Youre the one Ive been
waiting for.
`toraa vt. wait for someone in
vain; fail in waiting for
someone.
-tom vs:val. show; demonstrate.
Gram: Derivational suffix with
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb results in or amounts to
kaatom `tcr
156
an act of the subject showing the
object the way to do something, or
that the action involves a teaching of
the object
kaatom vte. show someone
something.
potom vt. teach, as in school.
`mentom vt. teach; show
someone by telling them how.
aii go `mentom da, aii
go `cenda. Teach a little, learn
a little.
tor- clfr. Classifier for bottles. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. `torken, `tori, torum...one
bottle, two bottles, three bottles...
See: botor bottle.
tornam vi. 1 be hard; be strong.
`m `om `toryaa doo. S/hes
stronger than me.
2 exert strength or force when
applying oneself to an activity.
See: attor firm; hard; strong.
`tornam vt. drape, as when drying
clothes. Gram: Properly refers to an
instance in which an entire sheetlike
object is spread to its full extent and
draped over a line, i.e. without
overlapping or being bunched-up in
parts.
-`tolaa Var: -`t la. vs:mod. Imperative
suffix (light). Gram: Light/softened
form of the Imperative in -to al
`b int `laa `dei! Go safely (bye
bye)!
`toluu dem.pos. there, to, toward, or
at a location very far away and
upward, upriver or to the north
of the place of speaking.
`tolo dem.pos. there, to, toward, or at
a location upward, upriver or to
the north of the place of
speaking. `tolo `jaa maa, `bolo
`jaa maa. Not so far up there,
not so far down there.
`tolo `k Var: `tol k. dem.pos. from
or via (by way of) somewhere or
something upward, upriver, or
northward of the place of
speaking. `korum `tol `k,
`Daar `tokk, `un `hog `iila.
In the old times...we came down
to here from up there, from up in
Daring. `tol `k `iinaa `nam,
`Borii ` `cinnam. Theyre
simply people who came down
from up there, the Borii as well.
`tolk vt. agree to a proposal. acam
`gonna `tolk `duu. A subset of
them support (the idea).
`tollo dem.pos. there, to, toward, or
at a location far away and
upward, upriver or to the north
of the place of speaking.
-to...-k Var: -t...-k. vs:advs. for the
very first time. Gram: Split manner
suffix indicating that an action
happens for the very first time `hm
`gaan `hm o `tat `tak `b
`taduu. Im listening to this song
for the first time. See: -to for the
first time; -k abortively.
`tar vi. peer, with the palm of the
hand held perpendicular to the
brow, as to see far into the
distance. `tar `laa kaat `kee.
Peer up there.
t- clfr. Classifier for herds, flocks,
or packs of animals, including
cattle, dogs, and chickens. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. ho t herd of cattle.
Syn: tr-.
`tcr Var: `tsin (P). n. clitoris.
`tt tr-
157
`tt adj. majority of a group of
people; the greater portion of a
group of people. `tt-`yaan
`hm `mendu: Most (people) say
it like this:. See: at group.
tnam vt. imbibe, i.e. drink or
smoke something.
tkum adj. drunk. no tkum
`duuku `laree? Are you
drunk or what?
`tken adj. delicious to drink or
smoke. `nok birii `tken `!
Your cigarettes taste great!
ttuu n. half-smoked cigarette;
remaining portion of a
partially-smoked cigarette.
biri ttum jilaake. Give me
(your) half-smoked cigarette.
tpak n. snack to be served with
drinks. Syn: dopak.
trk nce. welcome or meet by
drinking. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: dork-trk
bridal gifts.
`tl adj. thirsty.
`tpok n. vaginal growth; extra
muscle growing from the vagina,
as a kind of tumor.
tbak n. vaginal lesion.
`tm n. female public hair.
tlaa n. vaginal fluid.
`tloo n. female pelvic bone.
-tk vs:adv. jerkingly; uncontrollably.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
the action denoted by the verb
happens in a jerking or
uncontrollably manner. Usually
occurs in semi-reduplicated form
-tk...-rk. porok tutk turk
`duu. The chicken is kicking out
in its final death throes.
tkp ace. disturbed. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: tkp-takap disturbed.
tkp-takap adj:expr. disturbed or
annoyed in the course of carrying
out some task because of an
insufficiency of light or space.
tk n. contract; contract basis, as
for a plot of land given and
worked on loan. Source: Assamese.
`ipak `m rkk `m tk `b jir.
Ill give the land to the
non-hill-tribal on loan.
`tkpum n. bunch; cluster, as of
grapes.
tgnam vt. jerk; tug quickly.
tr n. variety of river fish, up to
about forearm length, with
stubby head, frequently caught
when net-fishing. Labeo pangusia.
`tt nce. See: lakc-`tt
fingertip.
tnam vt. 1 touch. tks `om
ttee kaa. The kettle burned me
(by touching my skin; thats why
I have this scar).
2 pick or pick up something
relatively small. `b `tt `duu.
Hes going to pick it up.
3 put or place something
somewhere. tck hinam to
shield the eyes from the sun
using the palm of the hand, as
when squinting. `ttuu `tokee!
Put/set it down!
tr- clfr. Classifier for herds, flocks,
or packs of animals, including
cattle, dogs, and chickens. More
rarely, may also be used to
classify other types of group, or
-tr `tkoo-`tloo
158
groups in general. Gram: Root form,
used for combining with numeral
roots and some adjective roots.
`tri trum go `molaa `jukaa.
Lets separate (ourselves) up into
two or three groups. Syn: t-.
-tr vs:adv. broken. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that an object is broken
by the subject in terms of the action
indicated by the verb. Typically
applies to objects with some length,
as a stick rather than a glass. tutr
break something, e.g. a stick, by
kicking it.
trkak n. doubled-handled bamboo
mug; mug made from a section
of bamboo cut off near the base,
with two looped bamboo handles
attached via rattan weave; used
for drinking.
`trnam vi. die out; become extinct;
become extinguished, as of a
lineage. `m maarm, `nok alii
`trr ku. Otherwise, your lineage
will become extinguished.
trnam vt. break something
relatively small, long, and hard,
such as a stick.
-`t Var: -`t; -`tt. adj:mono. big. Gram:
Adjective root combining with
classifiers and other noun roots
`aken `na `dort `duu, okk
`aken `na doryaa `duu. One is a
big one and one is a small one.
`hn `ntt `na big tree.
See: `att big (P).
`to n. elephant calf; baby elephant.
-t1 vs:adv. injure; harm; hurt. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb results
in someone being hurt or injured,
generally inadvertently, accidentally,
or without the intention to have done
so. Often used in situations involving
a chopping, hacking or swinging
motion.
`mot vt. strike something or
someone by
chance/unknowingly/without
intention. `bk alak `m
`mot `hituu `ben `mlaa
kaato. His arm looked like it
was injured.
dkt hinam vt. hit someone
on the leg while walking; cross
strides while walking.
lt vt. hit someone
accidentally while swinging
ones arm.
-t2 vs:adv. readily; willingly; easily;
quickly. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject performs
an action readily, willingly, or
without putting up obstacles or
hesitations Usage: Often used in
the negative in -maa, to
describe something which is
resisting. `nent maa. It doesnt
come out easily (of a highly
abstract meaning, e.g.). `cent
`lamaa. It cannot be learnt
easily.
`t- clfqr. Classifier for sections of
bamboo, including knot. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. `ti two sections of
bamboo. See: `at section of
bamboo (including knot).
`t dem. that (thing) which is up
there, upriver, or to the north of
the place of speaking. `t `yk
`laa? Whose is that (thing up
there)? `t, `Borii dooluu `t.
And the Bori village is up there.
`tkoo ace. See: `tkoo-`tloo
non-uniform.
`tkoo-`tloo adj:expr.
tkom `tt
159
non-uniform, of a sequence, as a
line of different-heighted people.
tkom nce. See: tkom-`ptk
popping beetle.
tkom-`ptk Var: tekom-ptk.
n. popping beetle; variety of
beetle which snaps a joint on its
back violently to try to escape
from a presumed predators
grasp.
tnam vt. chop, as a tree.
`trum adj. sequential, as the
events of a narrative.
tk- clfqr. Classifier for lengths or
sections of a long thing, such as
wood chips cut from a pole, or
stretches of road or river. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. `tgi go two (wood)
chips. See: atk stretch; length.
tkom n. variety of ritual amulet,
usually antique, composed of a
single metal disc base with five
cup-like welded-on fixtures
protruding from the base. Used
as focal element of an bak
ritual object, upon which it is
laced with red string. hob pag
namm, tkom barr go, aar
barr go gr, `i. Those for
whom a mithun is
sacrificed...will wear ten tekom
amulets, ten aar ornaments.
tkom-aar n. compound
denoting a particular class of
ritual ornaments. See: tkom
variety of amulet; aar variety
of ornament.
`tk dem. that sort of thing, which
is located up there, upriver, or to
the north. `tk `hn maaji
`kaaken `duu. That kind of tree
up there is very beautiful. `tk
go `rduu. Theres one of that
kind up there (of chicken) there.
tkr ace. curling. Usage: usu. occurs
in expressive compound.
See: tkr-tmr curling.
tkr-tmr Var: tgr-tmr (P).
adj:expr. curling, as a flower or
curly body hair.
tkk onom. crack! Bang! Usage: used
to reference or imitate a large
cracking or smashing sound.
tks n. kettle, for boiling water.
`tguu adj. curved; generally
describes a more-or-less
regularly curving line, as a sine
wave.
`tguu-ty Var: `tguu-tg (P).
adj. zigzagged; properly describes
a line with no discernible
regularity. See: `tguu curved;
ty misdirected.
`tg pcl. simply; just; only. `cami
`tg `m o `jilaa `tamaa `b.
Giving you twenty rupees is not
a big deal to me.
tgnam vt. 1 hack. `orok `b
`tkpak tok. Hack it off with a
dao!
2 mince; cut up into small
pieces with a chopping motion,
with blade leaving the surface of
the object in small strokes. unu
attr adin `m tgr. We will
cut the meat as a group.
`tcuu n. small or dwarfish
elephant, not necessarily a baby.
`tt n. herd of elephants.
`hot-`tt herd of elephants.
`tt nce. See: `tt-`been
blackbird.
`tt-`been `rtr
160
`tt-`been n. blackbird.
`ttt n:qual. nothing but; only;
constant; so much. Gram:
Qualifying noun following another
noun giving the overall sense
nothing but x or constantly and
continually x. `tol `piken `tttk
go dooto! There was only one
house up there! no `tttk `tol
`duuna. You were the only one
staying there.
tnam1 vi. bounce, as of a car. gaarii
`tduu. The car is bouncing.
tnam2 vi. sit in a non-traditional,
informal or haphazardly fashion;
plunk oneself down; sit any old
place (not necessarily on a seat).
tnam tt `kee! Go ahead and
plunk yourself down anywhere!
o sokii `m tkok r. Ill sit
straddling the chair.
tnam3 vt. punch with an open
palm.
`tnam vi. grow larger; increase in
size; enlarge, as of a swelling
river or a growing child. abb!
`tbaa! Wah! Hes gotten so big
(of a child)! `iss ` `tkik `duuku
`lakaa. The river has really
swollen up.
`tn n. elephant cow. See: `hot
elephant.
tp n. maize; corn.
tp-buluu Var: tp-bulu. n.
popcorn; maize exploded by
dry-roasting at high heat.
See: tp maize; buluu explode
into white.
`tbo n. elephant bull.
`tbnam vi. fly, of a disc or
discus-like object, such as a
frisbee or boomerang; move
through the air with the manner
characteristic of a discus.
vt. toss or throw a discus; cause
an object to fly through the air in
the manner of a discus.
-tm vs:adv. upon. Gram: Directional
suffix indicating that something
happens upon something else,
whether in addition to a previous
occurrence, on top of or over another
occurrence.
`ptm vt. refill, e.g. a glass with
drink.
`tmb pro. like that (thing which is
located away from and upward
of the speaker/hearer).
-tr vs:adv. in the end; at the last.
Gram: Temporal suffix indicating
either that something happens at last,
or at a natural endpoint, or else that
something moves all the way to an
endpoint. `b `yoolo bittr eeb
`d? Where might (the river)
peter out? o `hog `mentr `duu.
Ill talk up to this point. `nom
o `mentr hikaa ku. I failed to
convince you.
vs:nzr. endpoint. Gram:
Nominalizing suffix to a verb root
deriving a noun with the meaning
endpoint (in space) of V. `hg
`cna `ok hktr . This is
exactly the point where I stopped
tracking (because the trail
disappeared).
intr vi. 1 go all the way to the
end of a road, path or journey.
2 finally or at last consent to
or make a decision to go.
n. endpoint, of a journey e.g.
`rtr vt. 1 do an activity until
an endpoint, whether natural
or specified.
`tr `tlee
161
2 go ahead and do
something; stop dallying and
finally commit to doing
something.
n. end, of a task e.g. `rtr
kaamaa. Theres no end to
this (activity).
`tr n. elephant tusk.
trnam vt. prop up, brace or
support something from the side,
as when jamming a log against a
door; of a stick, jammed
lengthwise, as against an obstacle
in a river. trmaa boolo, namm
`yr ku. If you dont support it,
the house will topple over.
-tr...-gaa vs:advs. level best; every
possible way. Gram: Split manner
suffix indicating that the subject
brings about the event indicated by
the verb repeatedly or many times,
but ultimately in vain or to no effect.
o `yuptr `yubgaa toku ba. Ive
had enough sleeping. o kaatr
kaagaa bee, `kaacen maa. I
looked several times, but I
couldnt find out what it was.
See: -tr to the end.
`tlee n. wild elephant.
da -`daa
162
D - d
da1 pcl. 1 as for; on the other hand;
however. Gram: Contrastive particle
usually following a noun, marking it
as something contrasting with
another, thematically related referent.
Often functions to recall a referent
which has previously been
mentioned in a conversation, but
which hasnt been mentioned for
some time. May also follow a
nominalized clause, contrasting the
information with some preceding
discourse content (often, what
another speaker has just uttered). o
da `mloo `m mnam `na. I,
on the other hand, am thinking
about (what to do about) the
roof. okk, `hooj `hg
da...And so this hooj thing on
the other hand... kaanam
da...aloo-loos kaaku maane. But
by the looks of things...there isnt
any more need to provide
provisions (for tomorrows
labour, because the work will
have been finished).
2 Assertive particle. Gram: Has
the basic meaning I assert this
information to be the case (whatever
you may think), and potentially
with an implication that the
addressee should know, or should
have known, that it is so. Often
follows Evidential particle ben. `t
`cin `kaaduu da. There are also
some up there, you know. `b
`is hukaa `benda. Im quite sure
shes taken her bath (based on
irrefutable evidence).
da2 pcl. again; once again. Gram:
Recursive particle, marking an event
or state as happening again, just like
a similar or identical earlier
occurrence Usage: Very often
occurs in construction kudda.
`og `bulu bos `duuku da. So
then, again they were
frightened. `ao ` `hogo `goodaa
kuda, Paadam `aala, `papak
daaku da. Once a child grew up
to here, the Padam would come
and just kill him flat out. mig
daaku da, caadaa kudda, mig
daaku da `caakur daaku da.
Chase them away once, back
they come; chase them away
again, and back on up they
return.
-daa1 vs:adv. swiftly; soon. Gram:
Temporal suffix indicating that an
action will occur soon or very swiftly
relative to the time of speaking.
Often occurs in the
semi-reduplicated form -daa...-raa.
kai daar. It (the corn) will grow
up quickly. `b tabb `m `pk
`daaduu. He kills the snake
swiftly.
-daa3 vs:asp. yet. Gram: Achievement
suffix, indicating achievement of a
state resulting from a given action.
Generally occurs in negative
sentences, giving the overall
meaning not yet. o immaa da. I
didnt go yet. `is humaa `dab,
o dor. Before bathing, Ill eat.
j jd maadaa. Hes not old
yet (of a man).
daa- clfr. Classifier for sticks. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. `daat big, of a stick.
See: adaa Classifier for sticks.
-`daa vs:adv. equally. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that one or more
`kuudaa hinam -`dakkom
163
things are equal in the way specified
by the verb.
`kuudaa hinam vi. be equally
balanced.
daakoo nce. stilts. Usage: usu.
occurs in expressive compound.
See: daakoo-daaloo stilts.
daakoo-daaloo n:expr. stilts;
leg-extensions used for walking
at a greater-than-usual height.
Daatuu name. Daatuu, father of
Tuusk-Maask, a legendary
ancestor of the Mising.
`daadii n:qual. exactly; precisely;
none other than. Gram: Qualifying
noun following another noun and
giving the overall sense exactly this
one and no other than is being aimed
for or exactly this and no other that
is the goal. `g `daadii `na
`unnm `ob `gnna. Its
precisely that one (stone) which
caused us to fall over (on our
motorbike). no `gm `daadii
`ree lagi `dooko? Is it exactly
that one (and no other) that
youre aiming for
(hoping/wanting to get)? o
`bm `daadii dmr. I will hit
him especially (not worrying
about anyone else).
daanam1 vi. high-step; swing ones
foot to or hold it at waist-level or
higher, as when stepping over a
fallen tree or other obstacle.
`hpoo `m o `daaboo `duu.
Im swinging my leg over the
log.
daanam2 vt. target something.
`daanam vi. take a tumble; of a
person, stumble and fall; wipe
out, of a motorcycle.
`daakup vi. fall face down.
`Daar name. village in lower West
Siang District, Arunachal
Pradesh. Formerly known as
Daring.
daahak n. single stick.
-`dak vs:asp. Change of State
aspectual suffix. Gram: Predicate
suffix marking a usually stative verb
as a current or new state, generally
in contrast with some earlier
state-of-affairs. Very frequently
occurs together with Completive
aspectual suffix -ku, which also
focuses on the transition between
one event or state and another. a!
`mpaa mb `maadak! Ah! I
cant remember (how to say this
in English, although I once
knew)! `saa o `tl `dak. I
could sure use some tea (upon
returning). `bk `iidak `m, `saa
`molaa `na. When he comes
down, make tea (for him).
-`dakkom Var: -`dak `kom. vs:nf.
even (though); although; despite
(that). Gram: Concessive
subordinating verb suffix usually
indicating that although or despite
the fact that the marked information
is the case, some other (potentially
contrasting) information is also the
case. `yoo ager go `rdak
`kom...rk `rlaa `cin, `opoo `m
lagi `duu. Whatever work we
do...should we cultivate, we need
rice beer. ecem `maadak `kom,
o `domum `duu. Although I
dont like it, I just go ahead and
eat it.
pcl. even; although; despite;
whether; notwithstanding. Gram:
Noun-marking sense of the
subordinating suffix -`dakkom,
usually indicating that even the
marked noun participates in the
event/state indicated by the verb,
`dagnam `dajup
164
although it might not be expected to.
`g `dakkom, `bulu apuk-anak
`b `caamaa r. That
notwithstanding they wont
move in in such a rush. `ap
`dakkom `ann `dakkom puuluu,
`i. Whether male or female,
theyre white, right? `yaddm
`dakkom `molaa r. Ill be able
to do it anytime (theres no real
need to do it now).
`dagnam vi. 1 stand; be in an
upright posture, of a human or
animal with legs. `dagrp `tokaa!
Stand up!
2 be, be at or be there, of
something contained by
something else. Locative
existential verb for non-living
objects which are contained by
another object, such as an
ingredient in a dish, water in a
glass, or an item inside a bag. `g
`b `dagnam go `dagduu. `turna
go. Thats to say that something
is down there. Something alive.
3 be, be at or be there, of
something attached to something
else. Locative existential verb for
non-living objects which are
attached or affixed to another
object, such as a poster on a wall
or the buttons on a shirt. `ok aii
`dagb `duu. My teeth are still
there (in my mouth). `teemaa `
karkok `laa `dagduu. The
buttons are unbuttoned.
`daglin n. variety of abundant and
weed-like aster, erect to 5 feet
high, with small white flowers
and a roughly ribbed leaf. No
use-value. Eupatorium odoratum.
dada pcl. as well; also; in addition;
again; just like (before); just like
(it/that). Gram: Recursive particle
with the basic meaning again (just
like before) capable of a wide
variety of sub-senses. When marking
a noun, indicates either that the
marked referent participates in the
action indicated by the verb in
addition to or as well as someone
else, or else is participating just like
he/she/it did before. When
following a verb, gives the sense that
the event mentioned by the verb is
happening again or just like some
previous event. `bul `cin dada o
`gar r. They also will be just
like me. `noocin `tol `k `iin
dad nam. Youre also from up
there (just like us). tatk `ne
`maduu ku dada. `gogduu ku
dada. Hes again searching for
the frog. He calls him again (just
like before). rap `m nrkok
`laa, aad kuddada. (By) pushing
the door open, (someone) again
came in.
dad-mur adj. somehow; one way
or another; through fits and
starts, or in amateurish but
nonetheless somehow successful
actions. dad-mur `b turb `duu.
One way or another Im
managing to stay alive.
danam vi. 1 feel around using
ones foot; advance the foot
forward, but not necessarily take
a step, and without the force of a
kick. (ard) dakup dalek very
clever and active/speedy (of a
person).
2 use the foot; dispose ones feet
or legs in a certain way.
Usage: generally requires a
following manner suffix.
`dataa adj. stand with the legs
splayed.
`dajup adj. standing with ones
legs locked at the knees.
`dalk -`dii
165
`dalk vt. stick ones foot into a
space (e.g. the fireplace).
dap- clfr. Classifier for volumes,
classes, or books (in the sense of
e.g. textbook volumes/levels).
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. See: adap volume.
dam n. price.
adj. expensive. Source: Hindi.
-`dam vs:adv. straightened. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that a
straight, non-bent shape or
orientation results from the action
indicated by the verb, especially in a
sense of repairing. Often occurs in
the semi-reduplicated form
-`dam...-`ram.
damnam vi. of a grain plant, begin
to fruit; be at the stage when
fruits are just beginning to form
and the plant is swelling, as
though pregnant. `am `g
damd ku. Its time for the
paddy to begin to fruit.
-`dam...-`ram vs:advsr. tinker;
fidget. Gram: Split manner suffix
indicating that the subject tinker or
fidgets with something in bringing
about the action indicated by the
verb, as though to fix in a more or
less haphazard, imperfect, but
possibly ultimately successful
manner. gaarii `m `modam
`moram gr `laa `bduu `na.
Somehow Im keeping my bike
running by tinkering and
fidgeting with it. See: -`dam
straighten.
daram cnj. 1 although; even
though; despite (the fact) that.
Gram: Concessive disjunct
coordinator used to join two
sentences whose information does
not match. Indicates that from
sentence 1, sentence 2 should not be
expected to be the case; however, it
in fact is. o `kuuduu daram,
nmii `hiko `lo `pagduu.
Although Im thin, I win at
fighting. turg kaamaee daram,
arum goda `turlaa rkaa `laa
`mlaa `mdak. Although Ive
got nothing left to lean on,
(seeing you) I think Ill try to
make it through one more night.
2 even. Gram: Coordinator used
after a noun which is not expected to
belong to the predicate, but in fact
does acc ! porok daram
`caaduu oo! Hey Elder Brother!
Even the chickens are even
climbing up (onto the wet
concrete; what are we to expect
next?!)!
darnam vi. alert; heedful;
conscientious, as someone who
gets up very early in the morning
and works very carefully and
thoroughly. darmaa `na
hor-`mootum `paamaa r. A
heedless person wont manage to
reap the hunting spoils.
`darnam vt. 1 pick out or pick up
something by pinching between
two fingers, as grains of rice.
2 segregate; separate something
off to the side which is unwanted
or not working well in a
particular situation, such as rice
which isnt grinding properly.
Select, as good apples from bad.
`ambin `darnam to pick through
rice.
`Dal name. Dal village, name of a
Lare Galo-speaking village in
central West Siang district.
-`dii vs:adv. again. Gram: Temporal
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb is being
`mendii dinnam (1)
166
brought about again, i.e. another
time. Can also have the sense
carefully in some contexts.
`mendii vt. repeat something
previously said (by the same
person). `mendii kaato.
Please repeat (what you just
said).
`mdii vt. reflect; think twice;
think again. `mdii `laa
`mentok. Choose your words
carefully.
`diicup nce. earth ring; ring-shaped
mound in the earth. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: `taruk-`diicup anthill.
`diicum n. butte; hill; raised clump,
as of an island in a rice field.
diinam vt. piledrive; drive e.g. a
stick or pole into the ground, as
when preparing a fence or when
pushing in a seed.
`diir vt. demarcate land by
laying down posts, as to show
ownership. `ok kodee `m
`diirla ar. Ill demarcate my
land (by laying posts along the
boundaries).
`Diimii name. name of a powerful
demon spirit.
`diil n. bacon; yellowish fat which
is found immediately beneath the
skin of a pig.
`Diih Var: `Diis. name. village of
West Siang district, Arunachal
Pradesh. Along with Paag and
Daar, one of the main villages
inhabited by the Rwbaa clan of
Lare Galo and their legendary
homeland. Literally, the name
means head of the kidii river,
which is located near to the
village.
-dik...-ik vs:advsr. hassle; bother;
scurry; scuttle. Gram: Split manner
suffix, indicating of a motion verb
that the subject acts in a hustling or
scurrying manner in the course of
the action indicated. On non-motion
verbs, indicates that the subject acts
in a bothersome or hassling way. ii
`gadd ` indik inik ! People are
scurrying/hustling about.
`mendik `menik vt. bother
and hassle someone.
`dici Var: `dinsi (P). n. care.
adj. precious; care-worthy; worth
caring about. o `gm `dici `b
`mduu. I take it very
seriously.
diyek Var: diyak (P). n. flesh.
See: adin meat.
-din vs:nzr. reason (for doing
something). Gram: Nominalizing
suffix on verb roots deriving a noun
with the basic meaning reason for
doing something `nok `mb
`mendin ` `yoo ` `laa? Whats
your reason for talking like that?
dintk n. hunk of meat cut away
from a butchered animal, which
is designed to be distributed
along different households in the
village (one per household).
dinnam (1)1 vi. of a fowl, be sickly
or lethargic due to disease or
poor health. `ok `rogn `pken
` `dinlaa `duuku; hilii `hogo
`hidee dooku `ben. One of my
hens has grown sickly; it seems
there may be plague about.
dinnam (1)2 vt. decant something
solid; transfer a quantity of small
things such as grain, beans or
uncooked rice from one container
`dinlee `duunam
167
into another. `ambin `m duuhin
lo dint `kee. Pour out the paddy
in a bamboo container.
`dinlee n. fresh meat.
`dinsen n. dried meat.
dimpaa n. chopping block,
probably especially used for
meat.
du- clfqr. Classifier for sounds. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. `duken go one sound.
`duum `naana the third sound
(in a series).
duu- clfqr. Classifier for sections of
bamboo. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. ` `duui go
two sections of bamboo.
See: uduu section of bamboo.
-`duu vs:asp. Imperfective aspectual
suffix. Gram: Predicate suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb is unfinished, incomplete,
or ongoing. Usually translates
English present
continuous/progressive. Usually
indicates an event occurring in
present time, but this is not necessary.
o `hiloo-`mroo dooluu `tolo
`duumum `duu. Lately Ive been
just hanging around up in the
village.
-duu vs:adv. upward; northward.
Gram: Directional suffix indicating
that the action indicated by the verb
is directed upward or northward,
though not necessarily reaching any
goal. cidduu throw a spear
upward/northward. `jaaduu
swim upstream. tuduu kick
something such that it goes
upwards.
duukaa n. black perilla. Perilla spp.
duukam n. variety of large
bamboo container used for
storage (as of rice grains), which
may be stopped up at one end
via a corncob used as a cork.
`duukii n. small container (about
2 in diameter) made from a
section of bamboo.
`duug n. bench; seating area
generally constructed against the
edge of a balcony.
`duujap n. sesame.
`duutup n. bamboo container
especially used for measuring
out rice, which will then be used
for transporting rice to the
cooking pot.
`duunam vi. 1 sit, of a human or
animal; be in a sitting position.
`duut `kee. Have a seat.
2 stay; be staying at or living at
a particular place, in a temporary
sense. `b `hiloo-`mroo `yool
`duuduu `ko? Where is he
staying these days?
3 be, be at or be there, of a
human. Locative existential verb
for humans who are temporarily
occupying a space. `b `duuree?
Is he there? `uaa go `duuna
`ina. (He) found that there was
a baby (inside the basket).
4 be, be at or be there, of a
non-living thing which is in a
sitting position. Locative
existential verb for non-living
things which are physically
squat, rotund, or lacking a
dominant vertical or horizontal
extension, such as a tea kettle, a
pot, or a stone (and also a tree).
`ahi `ln `ahi `alo `duub `na.
This here boulder has always
`duun `dumci
168
been there.
`duun n. female relation (usually
a sister) who is to be or who has
already been married-off.
duupuu n. white perilla. Perilla spp.
Usage: may also be used to refer to
white sesame.
`duupr n. stool (for sitting on) of
either plank-wood or woven
variety.
`duur n. neighbour. nam-`duur
neighbour.
duuhin Var: duusin (P). n. large
bamboo container used for
storing rice in medium-sized
quantities (larger than a few
kilograms).
dukan n. shop; store. Source:
Assamese.
dukan-`bojar n. shops and
markets; shops and so on;
various types of
buying-and-selling place.
See: dukan shop; `bojar
market.
dugnam1 vi. roll, of a ball or other
spherical thing. `l ` ttam `lok
`dugloo `duu. The stone is
rolling down the hill.
vt. 1 roll a ball or other spherical
thing. `l `m `ok `peel `b
dugin `tokee. Roll the ball over
to my side.
2 drive a vehicle, such as a
motorcycle or car. o gaarii `m
`dugduu. Im driving the car.
dugnam2 v:c.arg. whip oneself into
a frenzy; become or be frenzied.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun hiduk frenzy
hiduk dugnam to become
frenzied or furious.
`dut n. loud sound.
adj. loud, of a sound (not of a
human voice).
dunam v:c.arg. make an audible
sound. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun ado sound ado
dunam to make a sound.
`dunam vt. dig a hole by scraping
with a tool, as a stick or shovel.
-`dum vs:adv. helpingly; as help to
someone. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject is acting in
the verb as help to someone else
(usually the object) who is already
participating in the same event.
`rdum vt. help someone, with a
task, e.g. no `om `rdum `lap
`ree? Will you help me?
-dum vs:adv. purposefully; wilfully.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
the subject persists in a task despite
its difficulty, or with purposefulness
or resolve. o `rdum `laa `rmaa.
I didnt do it on purpose (it was
an accident).
dumam n. soft part of the head,
between forehead and pate.
dumii nce. See: tab-dumii worm
snake.
`dum Var: magoo (P). n. tobacco.
`dumk n. black hair.
dumg n. main pillar of a house,
generally located adjacent to the
`baago, on which the husband
of the house has the right to lean.
dumci Var: dumci-rlek. n.
ball-shaped ritual object made
from wrapped, intertwined
bamboo. Used in the construction
of altars.
`dumci Var: `dumsi (P). n.
dumci-rlek `dei
169
headache. o `dumc `. I have a
headache.
dumci-rlek Var: dumci. n. variety
of woven bamboo ball, used in
rituals. See: dumci ritual bamboo
ball.
`dumcuu Var: `dumsuu (P). n. hog
deer.
dumjen n. hair beads; ornamental
beads tied into the hair, generally
as part of a wedding headdress.
dumdum n. drum.
`dumn n. barking deer doe;
female barking deer. See: `hodum
barking deer.
dumpaa n. pillow.
`dumpii n. bangs; hair extending
down the forehead, and cut just
above the eyebrows.
`dumpin n. deerskin, especially
barking deer skin.
dumpuu n. white hair; gray hair,
as of an old person.
adj. white or gray, of hair.
`dumpuk n. headscarf worn by
women.
dumpoo n. head (on the body).
See: adum head hair.
dumpoo-aloo n. skull.
See: dumpoo head; aloo bone.
`dump n. topknot; hair worn up,
knotted at the back.
dumpr adj. curly, of hair.
`dumbo n. barking deer buck;
male barking deer. See: `hodum
barking deer.
dumboo n. headdress worn by a
Galo bride, based on a brass bowl
with various types of ornaments
cascading down from it.
dummaa adj. headless; lacking a
head. See: takom-dummaa
variety of grasshopper.
`dumrk n. 1 pate; top of head.
2 crest; zenith; topmost point in
an arc of motion. doo `dumrk
`t `dagduu. Its exactly
noontime, with the sun directly
overhead. (lit. The sun is up at
the crest of the head.).
dumluk n. babys hair; peach fuzz.
duml n. red hair; brown hair.
adum duml red hair/brown
hair.
durnam vi. 1 put ones head
forward, move headfirst, as
when carrying goods in a
head-strapped basket.
2 act forcefully, pushing ones
own opinions or concerns. `b
durnam `b `menduu. Hes
pushing his own points
exclusively in the conversation
(forcing everyone else to listen).
`dei pcl. got it? okay? isnt it? Gram:
Exhortative particle usually
occurring at the end of a sentence.
On an imperative sentence, has the
function of exhorting the listener to
perform the mentioned command,
by any means. On a declarative
sentence, has the function of
exhorting the listener to agree with
the information mentioned by the
speaker. In the second function,
usually carries a lighter, lower
intonation. Source: Assamese.
`kanoo `rm, `mento, `dei. If you
get hungry, just say so. `nok
`rokck ` al `duu `dei. Your
knifes actually pretty good, isnt
it.
-`dee -den
170
-`dee vs:adv. may; be a chance; have
a chance. Gram: Prospective modal
suffix giving a sense that there is a
real chance or possibility of the
action indicated by the verb
happening, and that no restriction or
prohibition exists. In a negative
sentence in -maa, has a sense of
prohibition due to outside
circumstances, as when a taboo or
restriction exists. Is not used to
describe the inherent ability or
inability of an actor. idoo `odee
`duu. Theres a chance of rain.
`yaluk `dodee maa. tak `dodee
maa. Youre prohibited from
eating chillies and squirrels
(during the taboo period). no
`jiruu `deena. Youre obligated
to give (money to elders). o
maa `mdee `ko `i kaamaa!
Ive got no way to say no! `yla
`hrum acin `modee `na? Who
will be the one to cook tonight?
-`dee vs:mod. shall I; eh?; what?
Gram: Propositional modal suffix,
marking the action indicated by the
verb as a proposed action of the
speakers, which the addressee is
invited to comment on. aci, o nam
`aadee ku. Elder brother, Ill just
go home now, what? acin
`toodee. Ill serve the rice now,
shall I?
deegok n. relatively large crack or
breach in a surface, as in the soil
after an earthquake.
adj. cracked or cracking, esp. of
the soil or earth.
deegok-talok n. relatively large
and long crack in a surface, as
after an earthquake.
deec Var: dees (P). n:time. first
moon cycle of the year, roughly
mid-December to mid-January.
Traditionally identified as the
main period of extreme cold.
Usage: may be used to refer to the
international calendar month of
January.
deenam1 vt. split bamboo; cut or
split bamboo such that it will roll
flat, particularly as when
preparing oopee planks for
plaiting into walls or floors.
deenam2 vt. stew; boil a hard thing
for a long time, such as potato,
dried beans, or bones. deegok
boil something, causing it to
crack (such as e.g. a potato).
deemr n. grave-cleaning.
Usage: usu. occurs with dedicated
verb mrnam.
deemr-mrnam v. after a funeral,
smooth away the footsteps made
in the soil by observers and
participants after filling in a
grave.
deer Var: deey (P). n. plains.
-`dek vs:adv. differently. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject has already performed the
action indicated by the verb once,
and is now doing so again. `rdek
tok. Do it differently (than you
did last time). `hk `hooj `
`amr `m `modek `hiduu. This
kind of chameleon changes its
colour.
deggok n. relatively small crack in
a surface, such as a human heel.
`ldo-deggok foot crack.
-den1 vs:adv. completely. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something
(such as a supply) is exhausted or
used-up completely as a result of the
action indicated by the verb, or that
something which is outstanding is
completely or fully erased. Often
occurs in the semi-reduplicated form
`moden -do(o)
171
-den...-ren.
`moden vt. use up completely.
`murkoo `m `moden kaaku.
The money has been
completely used up.
-den2 vs:adv. convulse; vibrate;
shake. Gram: Manner verb suffix
indicating that something convulses
or shakes violently during or as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. Also occurs in
semi-reduplicated form -den...-ren.
-`den vs:adv. change; adjust; alter;
improve. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something changes, is
altered, or possibly improves as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. `aden `tokee. Put it in a
different (more suitable) place.
gden vt. adjust a piece of
clothing.
`moden vt. adjust; alter. `moden
`tokee. Adjust it; make/do it
again (but better this time).
`den pcl. by comparison; by
contrast; however; on the other
hand. Gram: Implicit comparative
particle indicating that the marked
referent is under comparison with
another, generally contrasting
referent. May have a bias toward a
sense of negative contrast, as he,
however (doesnt play very well)
`b `den, `k `ttt! As for him,
its nothing but that sort of
thing! `m `den `ne o `menduu
`na. That (not what you had
been talking about, but rather
what you said just now) is what
Im saying. `mlaa `den `ne!
Thats what Im saying!
`den n:time. winter season.
Usage: (P). See: dc winter.
dennam (2) vi. crack or be
cracked, as of feet; burst or crack
open, as of a container whose
contents are under pressure, or a
full stomach. `all ` `dedduu.
(My) feet are cracked. akii
`dett `duuku! My stomach is
about to burst!
`denlom vt. scare off an animal by
making loud noises, as a tiger.
Syn: looden.
-den...-ren1 vs:advsr. exhaust; use
up completely. Gram: Split result
suffix indicating that something is
exhausted or fully-used-up as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb See: -den completely.
-den...-ren2 vs:advsr. convulsively.
Gram: Split manner suffix indicating
that something convulses in the
course of participating in the action
indicated by the verb See: -den
shake.
deb nce. See: deb-curum
kingfisher.
deb-curum Var: bet-curum;
deb-turuk (P). n. kingfisher.
-`do Var: -d. vs:nzr. range of. Gram:
Nominalizing suffix to verb roots
deriving a noun with the basic
meaning range of/within which V
can occur. Generally occurs on verbs
of perception rluu-nmik ,
`taap-nmik , `k, mikkaa to,
`ok `kaad `hogo. Whatever
powerful storm you can muster,
fine; blow it at me, right in front
of me (literally, within my range
of seeing).
-do(o) Var: -d. vs:asp. Stative
aspectual suffix. Gram: Predicate
suffix focusing on the enduring,
general or habitual nature of an
event or state, as something which
happens all the time or holds as a
general condition. Very often occurs
doaa Dooi-`Poolo
172
in polar questions, although is not
itself a question marker in the strict
sense. `kaapaa maadoo. I cant
see it. `arrom mee `jaab domaa
`doona. I dont eat much in the
morning (as a general practice).
Rbaa-Baasar `m alii md
`naana. Rba and Basar are
called (types of) clan.
doaa n:poet. village. Usage: Goku.
`doaa-`kaaji n. death anniversary;
anniversary of someones death.
dookoo n. hawk; kite; harrier.
General term encompassing
virtually any variety of raptor,
including at least some varieties
of eagle.
`dookoo nce. See: `dookoo-`okik
heat lightning.
dookoo-`koocik
Var: dookoo-`koosik. n. name for
any of several varieties of
sparrow hawk or other relatively
small hawk, including but
possibly not limited to pied
harrier and goshawk. Circus
melanoleucos, Accipiter gentilis.
See: dookoo hawk.
`dookoo-`okik n. heat
lightning; distant lightning;
lightning without thunder.
doogum n. thunder;
thunderstorm. doogum-gumnam
to thunder.
doogum-door
Var: doogum-doii (P). n. storm.
Generally used to describe a
fully-fledged storm, i.e. one with
thunder, lightning, wind and rain
all at once. doogum-door `rpin
`doob beekaa to! Pray for the
storm to stop (speaking to a
shaman)! Syn: door-doogum.
See: doogum thunder; door
wind.
doogum-rood n. jet; jet plane.
See: doogum thunder; rood
plane.
doogoo nce. area; world. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: cgoo-doogoo whole world.
`doog n. bed; mattress; sleeping
cot; anything which exists for the
purpose of lying on. Syn: doop.
Dooji name. name of a Pugo Galo
village in the central part of West
Siang district, Arunachal
Pradesh.
dooi n. sun.
adj. sunny. doo `duu. Its
sunny. `hiloo doo haggee! I
wish it would have been sunny
today!
dooi-`aako n. west, the direction
of sunset. See: dooi sun; `aako
entrance.
dooi-kessoo-kelloo n. variety
of lizard. See: dooi sun;
kessoo-kelloo variety of lizard.
Syn: idoo-kessoo-kelloo.
dooi-tal n. heavens; the stars,
sun, moon and sky. doo-tal
ruur `m, idoo oji `rcom. If
the heavens will it, I suppose it
may rain for us. See: dooi sun;
tal sky.
Dooi-`Poolo n. name describing
the traditional religion and/or
code of spiritual beliefs and ritual
practices of most Tani people, in
which the sun and moon figure
as prominent forces, and in terms
of which nearly every Tani
legend, myth, folktale or object of
traditional cultural significance
dooi-`louu do-ll
173
has been framed or construed.
See: dooi sun; `poolo moon.
dooi-`louu n. sunlight.
See: dooi sun; `louu light.
`dooum n. shade; shadow
created by a large, figureless
object, such as a wall or tree.
Does not include a recognizable
figure or image. `hn-`dooum
shadow cast by a tree.
doonam vi. 1 lie; lie down, with a
view toward sleeping, of a
human or animal. `dooko
`dooken maa. The bed isnt very
comfortable (to lie on).
2 be, be at or be there, of a
non-human thing. Locative
existential verb for non-human
things, including animals in most
situations. tatk dooku maa.
The frog isnt there anymore. `t
`moodii `t `dooduu. (Its) up
there on that mountain. `is
doomaa `laree? Isnt there any
water?
3 Locative existential verb for
villages or animate entities when
predicating their permanent
existence in a given location
(most often, in the village in
which one lives, and from which
it appears to be construed that a
departure is always ephemeral).
`nok dooluu `yool `laa dood
ko? Wheres your village
(located)?
doop n. bed; mattress; sleeping
cot; anything which exists for the
purpose of lying on. doop `m
puut `kee, o `yumii `duuku.
Spread out the mattress, Im
getting tired. Syn: `doog.
`doomuk n. vapour; particularly,
cloud vapour. See: `amuk gas.
`doom n. cloud.
doomr nce. See: akr-doomr
swallow (bird).
dooyap nce. breeze. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: door-dooyap climate.
`dooy n. 1 story. `nunnm o
`dooy go ji r. Ill tell yall a
story.
2 advice.
vt. advise someone. o `bm
`dooy to. I gave him advice.
`doorak Var: `dooyak (P). n.
lightning, occurring together
with thunder. `doorak `ragnam
to lightning.
door Var: dooyi ~ dooi (P). n.
1 wind.
2 breath.
door-doogum
Var: doii-doogum (P). n. storm.
Syn: doogum-door.
door-dooyap n. climate;
weather. See: door wind;
dooyap breeze.
dooluu n. village.
doolo nce. See: doolo-taaci
variety of bird.
doolo-taaci n. variety of bird,
believed to signal the onset of the
monsoon rains.
`doohuk n. steam; visible gas, as
steam from boiling liquid or the
exhaust or emissions of a vehicle.
do-ll n. groundswell of power or
enthusiasm; feeling of interest or
enthusiasm which arises in the
course of a practice and invests
the practitioner with energy and
`dogn `doraa
174
power. Particularly, of a shaman
gaining power in the course of
chanting, at which point his
behaviour and language will
begin to spontaneously change.
do-lll aar `m, `mempin ha
`mpaa maa. When I get
inspired, I dont remember that I
supposed to stop talking.
`dogn n. variety of large-sized
stone bead worn at the base of an
ornament.
`dogmin n. variety of small stone
bead. See: `tadok ornaments;
beads.
dotak vi. cluck the mouth, as when
clucking lovingly at a baby.
dod n. in measurement, the span
between thumb and forefinger at
maximum opposite extension,
more or less in an L shape. Used
as a residue measurement when
measuring by handspans rather
than as a primary unit of
measurement per se. `gobi
`gola dod. two handspans and
a dod.
donam vt. 1 eat. acin `dolaa ju!
Lets eat!
2 corrode; eat away at, as an
infection of the skin or decay of
the teeth. `ta `doduu ku. Its
getting eaten up by pus.
3 steal public money, as a
corrupt politician; divert public
development funds into ones
own pocket. `itt imaa
`murkoo `m dorek `duu. Rich
people steal the money of the
poor.
dokee n. food; feed; fodder;
material which is to be used as
food, as for an animal. rk
dokee pig food (stuff which is
to be eaten by the pig).
`doko n. kitchen.
doji adj. be full, as after eating a
robust meal.
dopak n. snack to be served
with drinks. Syn: tpak.
dobek v. release a fast (by
eating). See: `aro-dobek
breakfast.
`domen n. snack; junk food.
donam-tnam n. sustenance;
provisions; daily bread; food and
drink. donam-tnam `m dokaa
tkaa. The provisions were
consumed. See: donam eat;
tnam drink.
`dopuk nce. See: `dopuk-`lgoo
throat-pipe.
`dopuk-`lgoo
Var: `dopuk-`lguu (P). n.
throat-pipe; food-pipe or
windpipe. See: `lgoo neck.
-`dor vs:adv. shine result. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb results
in something shining or starting to
shine `b `mm `m `middor to.
He blew on the fire (to increase
its strength).
dor- clfr. Classifier for higher
(four-legged) animals, including
mithuns, cows, goats, dogs, mice,
turtles and lizards but not
including snakes, insects or birds.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. hobb `m `dorken
go pakaa ku. They sacrificed
one mithun. See: ador body of an
animal.
`doraa n. variety of plant. Alpinia
dork `mod
175
sp.
dork nce. welcome or meet by
eating. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: dork-trk
bridal gifts.
dork-trk n. bridal gifts; gifts
made to a brides house after
they have been accepted and
eaten. See: dork welcome by
eating; trk welcome by
drinking.
`dorkaa n. earthworm. Syn: `tador.
`dorkaa-apik n. mud-pile sent to
the surface by a burrowing
earthworm. See: `dorkaa
earthworm; apik
animal-discharged soil.
`dorkaa-laabuu n. foot-long
earthworm. See: `dorkaa
earthworm.
`dornam vt. shine; glow, of a light
(especially, firelight or
torchlight). `mm ` minnam
`dorrp `duu. Having blown on
the fire its starting to shine
brightly.
dornam vte. pay; remit,
particularly in the sense of
paying an agreed penalty for a
transgression one has committed.
no `yad go dorkaa? How much
did you pay?
Dormam name. Dormam, name of
a mountain near Dp village in
Likabali Circle.
dorr-panam
Var: dory-panam (P). v. sacrifice
of ten mithuns, considered the
ultimate gesture for any
ceremonial occasion or ritual
offering, and ultimate display of
wealth and commitment.
See: dorr ten animals; panam
chop.
`dolo n. paddy; unprocessed rice.
`dol apar go a mortars worth of
paddy.
doloo Var: dloo (P). n. fixed
bridge, i.e. of concrete or metal,
as opposed to a traditional
hanging bridge.
dolo-paen n. jungle paan leaf; wild
paan leaf.
dohi nce. See: dohi-`gici blessing
basket.
dohi-`gici Var: dosi-ginsi (P). n.
variety of `ginci basket,
densely-woven and conical,
carried by women to the Moopin
festival, which are believed to
carry home blessings obtained
there. See: `gici smaller,
densely-woven conical basket.
-d2 Var: -d; -d; -dd. vs:nzr. time.
Gram: Nominalizing suffix to verb
roots deriving a noun with the basic
meaning time when V, time of V,
or time for V `nok ind go
`kaaruu `duuku, no inee kukaa.
Your time to go has come, you
get out of here.
`laad ~ `laad n. harvest time;
time for harvesting. `am `laad
`ku! Its harvest time!
`yubd ~ `yubd n. bedtime;
time for sleeping. `ijjaa `yubd
`jaacin maa, `ment rmna. I
dont even have the time to
sleep lately, to tell the truth.
-`d vs:adv. painful result. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that a pain
results from the action indicated by
the verb
`mod vt. hurt. `ok uun `m
`d dgnam
176
`mod kaa. My wound was
hurt (by his bumping up
against me, e.g.).
`d pcl. Wonderment particle. Gram:
indicates that the speaker is
wondering whether the marked
information is true or not. Although
not a question marker as such, when
spoken to another person may carry
an implication that the listener
should, if possible, fill in the missing
information. pua tark `d? I
wonder whether (this word)
pua is really correct? `iji `y
`d `aadee `kunna. Now I
wonder who might be coming.
`yool `d `duuduu `ko? Where
is he staying, I wonder?
`ddoo n. melancholy. `ddoo
`mpaa. Upon thinking of this, I
feel melancholy.
`dnam vi. cascade, plunge, or
beat down, of water, especially of
a waterfall; of water, fall with
great force.
vt. bludgeon; flog; pound; hit
with something relatively heavy.
v:c.arg. bleed, of a nosebleed.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun `d nosebleed
o `d-`dduu. Ive got a
bloody nose.
`dbuu Var: `nbuu (P). n. spear.
-dk vs:adv. irritate; give a burning
sensation. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that an irritation or
burning sensation results from the
action indicated by the verb
dodk vt. eat something which
gives a burning sensation. no
mdk `kaapaa `duu. You
look worried/like somethings
pinching your heart. See: adk
irritation.
`dkin ace. See: `dkin-`bogmin
confused.
`dkin-`bogmin adj. drowning in
difficulties; submerged in
problems. `ok mnam
`dkin-`bomin eeku ba. My
thoughts have been submerged
in problems.
`dk n:qual. each (time); every
(time). Gram: Qualifying noun
following a time noun such as aloo
day and `ayo night, generally
followed by `b, as `dk `b.
Gives the overall sense every (time)
Bojr aloo-`dk `b `Lk-Balii
`induu. Bojr goes to Likabali
every day.
`dgo Var: `lobo (P). n:time. summer;
hot season.
dgoo-logoo n. passing days; days
passing by.
`dgna nce. irritator; irritating or
stinging thing. See: `dgna-`koona
poison.
`dgna-`koona Var: `dgn-`koon.
n. poison.
dgnam vt. 1 irritating, of food;
give a burning sensation, as chilli
pepper.
2 stun, as fish when various
types of plant-based poisons are
applied to the water in which
they live; render a living thing
incapable of functioning
properly.
3 complain about some
dissatisfaction; moan and groan;
criticize someone or something;
whine about something,
particularly something one is
begging for. Usage: Does not
include the sense of complaining
to somebody, as about their
dc `drci
177
behaviour. dgyoo `kee! Stop
your whining!
dc Var: `deen (P). n:time. winter;
cool season.
dc-ptaa Var: `deen-ptaa (P). n.
blackheaded shrike, a bird whose
arrival in the foothills area from
higher elevations signals the
onset of winter. Lanius schach
tricolor. See: dc winter; ptaa
bird.
`d n:time. 1 year (poetic).
2 time (poetic).
dnam1 vi. chant (of a shaman).
dnam2 vt. peel, particularly the
skin of a person or fruit; skin;
flay. dkak peel clean, as a
charred tomato.
`dnam vi. drip. `iss ` `dduu.
The waters dripping.
dpraa n. lunch. Source: Assamese.
dp1 n. ritual objects, in particular
a bamboo stick partially shaved
at the tip, with the shavings bent
out to a flower shape and twisted
around, used to drive evil spirits
away by setting up around the
house.
Dp2 name. name of a village in
lower West Siang District,
Arunachal Pradesh, commonly
known as Dipa following the
Assamese pronunciation.
`dmik-`dmk adj:expr. dizzy, as
from an ailment (not from
vertigo).
-dr vs:adv. exhausted; to the point
of exhaustion. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the subject
participates in the action indicated
by the verb to the point of exhaustion,
to the bitter end, or to a point of
intense hardship. Often occurs in
semi-reduplicated form -dr...-mr,
with the overall sense
utterly/completely exhausted.
endr vt. feel burdened by
hardship or pain. o endr `m
`enduu. I feel burdened by
hardship. `bul `modr minsi
`duu. They are fighting to the
bitter end. See: adr
exhausted.
-`dr vs:adv. sideways. Gram:
Directional suffix indicating that
something is oriented or positioned
sideways, or otherwise in an
unnatural shape or orientation.
`dr vi. sit side-saddle, as in a
bus-cum-pickup truck, or a
woman wearing a dress and
sitting on the back of a
motorbike being driven by
someone else.
`kdr vi. lie or recline on ones
side. Syn: `geddr. See: `adr
distorted in shape.
drii n. off-season; time around
May-July when new rice has not
yet fruited and there is relatively
little agricultural work to be
done.
dr n. famine.
dr-`yar n. famine and
starvation; complete agricultural
and economic catastrophe due to
lack of rainfall and crop failure.
See: dr famine; `yar
starvation.
`drci Var: `drsi. n. small strips of
bamboo used for many types of
detail work like tying up food
packets wrapped in oko leaf.
Usually made from tabum
drnam `dgaa
178
bamboo.
drnam vi. 1 break, of a long
thing.
2 break or break down, of a
machine.
vt. break something large and
long, as a relatively large tree.
-dr...-mr vs:advsr. totally
exhausted. Gram: Split result suffix
indicating that the subject is totally
or utterly exhausted as a result of the
action indicated by the verb.
`mendr-`memmr n. constant
or perpetual blabbering on
and nagging. `nok
`mendr-`memmr `m o
`talaa kuma. I cant stand
your constant blabber and
nagging anymore. See: -dr
exhausted.
-d1 adj:mono. short, of a bamboo
section. Gram: Adjective root
combining with a small number of
classifier roots, including `t-
Classifier for bamboo sections
Ant: -`hoo. `td short, of a
bamboo section.
-d2 vs:adv. all day long;
continuously, for the whole day.
Gram: Temporal suffix indicating
that the action indicated by the verb
occurs continuously, especially over
a period of an entire day.
od vi. fall all day long, as rain.
dood vi. lie down all day long.
aloo dood tom...After lying
there all day...
dtuu n. sleeping and sitting area
for female guests, next to the
ood.
`dnam1 vi. soar; fly, as a bird or
in a plane. `iji ptaa `dtuu
`deek kaaku maa. Now theres
nowhere for the birds to land.
vt. fly an airplane or other
airborne craft; cause something
to fly.
`dnam2 vt. *. See: `anoo-`dnam.
`dn-`poon Var: `nn-`poon.
n. healing materials of all kinds;
medicines; pharmaceuticals;
healing herbs and plants.
`dr vi. burp; belch.
dr Var: deer. n. public hall;
meeting hall.
-dk vs:adv. different. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the result of the
action indicated by the verb is or
should be different from some
previous iteration.
adk vt. sequester; keep
something separately from
other things. `hgm adk
`tokee! Keep this one
separately!
`modk vt. make or do
something differently from
before.
`rdk vt. change ones way of
doing something; do
something differently from
before.
dkii n. rice-pounding machine,
consisting of a mortar and pestle
whose pestle is powered by a
foot-pumped lever. Source:
Assamese.
dgnam vt. sweep the foot; kick a
relatively small object slowly by
sweeping the foot, tap or nudge
something with the foot such that
it rolls along the ground.
`dgaa vt. swipe-kick something
dggk hinam -d...-d
179
away from oneself, in any
direction.
dggk hinam vi. to impale
oneself on something, such as
a protruding stick, while
walking.
dgbum vi. stir up dust while
walking; kick up dust.
`dom adj. slow, of movement.
`nokkm `dom-`dom `b `rt
`ke, c `b `rmaa `bcin. Do
your work slowly, no need to
rush.
`dom-`dl adj. slow and
methodical, of movements; slow
and deliberate. `dom-`dl
`b doo `caal `dak. The sun
is rising slowly and
methodically. See: `dom slow,
of movement.
`dbnam vi. zip; zoom; speed;
cruise, of a vehicle going very
fast, a fish swimming at speed
through the water, or a soaring
bird or plane. ptaa `hokk
huik! `m `dblen eeku baa. The
bird flew out from here at top
speed.
`dm Var: `dl (P). adj. slow.
dmnam vt. beat, with fists or a
weapon; hit (repeatedly). `abr
`ne dmyok! Dont hit your
sister!
`dree Var: bopek (P). n. holes in
which seeds are planted. `dree
pennam (2) to rough up the
ground (usually by hand) to
cover the holes in which rice has
been planted to keep the birds
from finding the seeds.
drk adj. clean.
`drgee n. variety of deciduous
fruiting tree. Grey bark, alternate
bipinnately compound ovate
leaves. Fruit brownish, 1-2
diameter. Spondius pinnata.
dloo n. variety of song sung at
marriage times.
-d...-d vs:advsr. continuously.
Gram: Split temporal suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb occurs continuously over
a period, usually involving several
repeated performances of the same
event (such as rain falling or
repeatedly mulling over a thought).
`od-`od `duu. falling
continuously over a period of
time, as of rain. o `isi hud-hud
`la `huduu. Im bathing and
bathing and bathing. j
aloo-`ayo `b md-md `laku
`yuuna. They say the old man
was thinking day and night.
`na -naa
180
N - n
`na pcl. Declarative particle. Gram:
Marks information as a declaration
or assertion on the part of the
speaker. Usually occurs with first
person subjects, but this is not
necessary if the speaker is confident
about the information contained in
the clause. Very often follows a
copula or ee, marking the
sentence as a clear fact. Very often
used in answers to questions in laa.
`om `takaa `duub `ree mnam
`na. I had thought you were
asking me (thats why I replied to
your question to someone else).
`mlaa dood `naayuu `na. Thus
he lies there, so its said. A: no
`yool `laa `iko? B: Aci `Bogin
`g nam `alo `na `iko. A:
Where have you been? B: Ive
been to Aci Bogins house.
-`na Var: -`n; -`n. vs:nzr. -er; one
who V-s; one who is ADJ. Gram:
Subject nominalizer to a verb or
adjective. Creates a concrete noun
whose meaning is the same as the
subject (= actor, agent, attributee) of
the verb or adjective to which it is
suffixed. When marking a simple
verb, may be best translated with
English -er, as `dmna hitter.
When occurring with a verb plus
arguments, usually best translated
by a relative clause, as Aaloo
`caana those who went up to
Along. Can form a phrase which is
capable of modifying a noun in a
relative clause construction, as
Aaloo `caana ii the people who
went up to Along. In second
position, usually reduces to -n or
-n, as `caan ii the people who
went up. `ikii `dona dog-eater.
`kaaken `nago a beautiful one.
`yla `yas `hlk `na? Who was
it that pissed into it? `yla
`hrum acin `modee `na? Who
will be the one to cook tonight?
o dorr `pat `rnna. I am
going to sacrifice ten (mithuns)!
na pos. of (a quantity). Gram: Selective
postposition marking a quantity
noun - usually `aken one - as
something of or from a set. `aken
`na `opoo `mop `lagee. One of
you has to make rice beer. `aken
`na da `m `iiak `hilaa `duuto.
One of them was sitting and
warming himself intently.
-naa2 Var: -na; -n; -n. vs:val.
1 using; by way of. Gram:
Instrumental predicate suffix
indicating that the subject performs
the predicate with, using, or by
way of some object, means or
method. When occurring at the end
of a word, is realized as -na, -n
or, more often, -n. When occurring
at the beginning of a word, is
realized as -naa. May be repeated
on the same stem, giving a greater
emphasis on the instrument. In this
case, if spanning two words the
complex will be realized as
-n(a/)-naa. If occurring in the
same word, the complex will be
realized as -naan(a/). In either
case, the instrument is marked in .
o `ptup ` tn `duu. Im
drinking with the container. o
`ptup ` tn `naaduu. Im using
the container to drink. o `ptup
` `iss `m tn `duu. Im
drinking water with the
container. o `ptup ` `iss `m
tn `naaduu. Im using the
container to drink water. tn `na
the one who used something to
bona(a) `naahuu
181
drink. tn `naana the thing
(tool) that was used to drink.
Guhati inn haggee `ii, `murkoo
`hgm. We should have used
this money to go to Guwahati
(instead of wasting it here).
bona(a) vt. lure, using a bait of
something; lead something,
using an instrument. hobb
bon nam ohoo `bikaa. The
rope which was used to lead
the mithun snapped.
2 instead of; rather than. Gram:
Manner suffix to a transitive verb
indicating that the subject affects the
object instead of or rather than the
person who should properly have
been affected. When occurring on an
intransitive verb indicates that the
subject acts in the action instead of
doing some other action which he
properly should have done. When
occurring at the end of a word,
*cannot* be doubled, and must be
realized -n(a/). When following
another word, must be doubled, and
is realized -naan(a/). In either
case, it can be ambiguous with the
Instrumental sense. However, when
the above conditions are violated,
only the Instrumental sense is
available. `b `om tun kaa. He
kicked me instead (of who he
was supposed to kick). (or He
kicked me using something, such
as his foot.). `b `om `tumen
naan kaa. He playfully kicked
me instead (of who he was
supposed to kick). (or He kicked
me playfully using something,
such as his foot.). o `gm
`pak naan kaa. I threw that
away instead (of the thing I
intended to throw away). (or I
threw that away using some tool
or instrument.).
`menna vt. 1 blame someone
for something; attribute
something to someone. `om
`mum `b `menn `duunaa
`na. Hes simply blaming me
(without cause).
2 name someone in relation
to or in honour of someone
else. `ao `m `aaaa `m
`menn `tuu. He named his
child after Paternal Uncle.
naakaa n. ceiling.
`naakum n. shack; small auxiliary
house built on fields for resting
while labouring, and sometimes
for spending the night.
naanam vte. throw (overhand);
throw at, as with the intention of
hitting something. `hn `m o
`hdaa ` naato. I threw the ball
at the tree.
naanii nce. See: tatii-naanii grain
variety; naanii-`koot buttocks.
naanii-`koot Var: naanii-kootr.
n. point on the buttocks which
touches the ground when sitting.
`naab pos. for (the n-th time). Gram:
Ordinal postposition marking an
ordinal numeral as a numbered time
for or in the sequence of which an
event is occurring. `him `gaan `m
o `li `naab `taduu. Im
hearing this song for the second
time ~ This is the second time
Ive heard this song.
naar n. variety of fish found in
ponds and rivers, probably a
bottom-feeder, with long
whiskers and sharp fore-fins.
Extremely small, about
finger-length. Mystus spp.
`naahuu Var: `naasuu (P). n.
granary; storehouse built
separately from the main house,
`Naur `naptum
182
used for storing grains etc.
See: huu- Classifier for granaries.
`Naur name. legendary Galo
ancestor, son of Pan, father of
`Urci.
-nak vs:adv. chip result. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb results in the
chipping off of some amount of a
surface, as when
`nakpin n. small bamboo stick
split multiple times at one end up
to one-half or less length,
forming decoratively lilting,
flower-like tassles. Used as a
common decorative item on
traditional altars and other
artifacts. Usage: (P). See: `rm
half-split bamboo (L).
nagnam vt. 1 whittle; cut with a
sidearm motion, in small or large
strokes, especially from
downward to upward, as when
cleaning an upper layer from the
surface of an object or when
whittling to form a tip. `upuk
`m nakkii `tokee! Sharpen the
arrow!
2 gnaw; graze; literally, to bite
with a roundabout, indirect or,
particularly, an upward motion
in which the bottom of the jaw
gnaws upward, as when
scooping at a fleshy fruit, or a
fish eating at algae, or of a
herbivore when gnawing up
grass; eat from the inside of
something with the help of the
teeth; eat around, as when eating
from a bone and selecting only
the meat, avoiding the rest.
nakkii vt. make a point, ideally
by shaving away at a tip.
nakii `doob nakkii `tokee!
Sharpen (the tip) until its
pointed!
nakii adj. sharp or sharpened, of a
point or tip; pointed.
`nakuu Var: `namkuu (P). adj.
sour-smelling, as of a sweaty
shirt; smelling of fermentation.
nako Syn: gurb.n. dorsum; back
of a body.
`nakr n. body odour.
Nanii name. one of the possible
nicknames of Abo Tanii. See: Abo
Tanii The Father of
Humankind.
nanoo nce. See: nanoo-`piiroo
blueheaded redstart.
nanoo-`piiroo n. variety of small,
mainly black-and-white bird,
possibly blueheaded redstart.
Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus.
`napkap n. pointy, of the chin;
sunken, of the mouth.
adj. pointy-chinned;
sunken-mouthed. `b `napkap
`duuda! Hes pointy-chinned,
dont you see!
naptuu1 adj. 1 short-mouthed.
2 cut back, as grazed-on turf;
lopped off, as a tree whose top
has been blown off in a storm.
naptuu2 n. variety of tree with
roundish, lung-shaped leaves,
white, jasmine-like flowers, and
pod-enclosed seeds. No
use-value.
`naptum n. closed mouth.
adj. closed, of a mouth or
mouth-like orifice, such as a
broadly-opening container.
naptor namko
183
naptor n. mouth protruding due to
projecting teeth.
nappaa n. 1 mouth.
2 of a car, bonnet or hood.
`nappur n. blunt end; blunt tip.
adj. blunt; not pointed; not sharp,
of a point.
nappor n. malformed mouth.
adj. malformed, of a persons
mouth.
nabjak adj. have a cleft palate.
`nabjap adj. flat, of a persons
mouth.
`nabjom adj. sloping-mouthed, as
an angle-cut drinking container.
nabr n. mouth of a fish, or a
human mouth of a similar shape.
nabdoo n. protruding mouth,
especially of the upper jaw.
Usage: usu. describes a particular
variety of mouth shape, not a
birth defect or deformity as such.
adj. of a mouth, to protrude
noticeably.
`nabbik n. shrug of the lips.
adj. shrugging, of the lips; shrug
the lips. `bm `meji boolo
`nabbik r. If you tell her shell
shrug her lips (to rudely say no).
nabbuu n. snouted or
long-snouted; protruding lips.
`nabbee n. drool.
`nabber n. fat or fleshy lips.
-nam vs:nzr. 1 -ing; to. Gram: Action
(infinitive) nominalizer to a verb or
adjective root. Derives a noun with
an abstract meaning the idea of V or
the act of V. Used to form citation
forms of verbs (to V) and also
participial-like expressions (having
V,...). Subjects of verbs nominalized
in -nam are usually in Genitive
(possessor) case. rnam `ttt `ku
`lakaa. Hes been doing nothing
but buying (not making things
himself). kaanam `i `kaacen
`duu. Its obvious from first
glance; a se voit. `iinam `iisaa
`bree! I reckon we might as
well just go ahead and head
down. `hmb `rt namm `na:
It happened like this:.
2 -ee; one who was/got V.
Gram: Non-subject nominalizer
deriving a noun with the basic
meaning one who got V, or one to
whom V is/was done. Usually
cognate with the direct object of the
marked verb, but may also be
cognate with the indirect object or
any other core participant. Subject, if
present, is in Genitive (possessor)
case. donam acin rice which was
eaten. ej rgnam washing
(washed clothes). `dol nam
`yaraa something one wants to
eat.
nam- clfr. Classifier for houses.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. nam `nami go
two houses. See: nam house.
`namee n. musty odour; the kind of
smell given off by bronze or by a
person with a certain kind of skin
disease.
nam n. house. `hg `ok namm .
This is my house.
nam-rumtum Var: nam-rumtum.
n. family. See: nam house;
rumtum family.
namko n. back, of the human
body. Usage: (P). See: `gurb
back.
`namkoo `niinii
184
`namkoo n. house of a neighbour
which is downward (downhill or
southward) of ones own.
`namc n. permanent dwelling;
permanent house; non-nomadic
dwelling or settlement.
`namc Var: `nams (P). n. small
house.
`namji n. white sesame.
namtii adj. sweet-smelling;
nice-smelling; smelling of a high
quality.
namduu n. perilla. Perilla spp.
namdum n. neighbours house, far
away or towards the north;
someone elses house within the
village.
`namnam vt. smell something.
nampoo n. breadth of a house.
`nampom n. group of houses;
cluster of houses.
namp n. house breadth; breadth
of a house; broad dimension of a
house.
namp-`rikoo Var: namp-`rikoo. n.
the ground space under a raised
house. Properly refers to the
ground area only, rather than the
space as a whole. See: namp
house breadth.
`namm n. facial hair, including
moustache and beard.
`namyaa n. odour of something
rotten or dead.
namyaa n. decrepit house.
`namyar n. length of a house.
`namraa n. interior of house.
`namsuu adj. foul-smelling; stinky.
`namsuu huuben `jaaduu. Its
just too bloody stinky.
n. stench. `peyak `namsuu `m
huucem `duu. I like to smell the
stench of (fermented) soybeans.
`naruu n:qual. all; everything;
everyone. `ijjaa `naruu ` `tadok
`maduu ku. Nowadays
everyones started searching for
beads. `b `naruu `m `mum
`b `dopak `tpak kaa. He
wasted everything (frivolously)
on eating and drinking.
`Naro name. Naro, nickname of a
legendary rival of Abo Tani.
See: `Taro.
narnam vt. borrow or lend
something, as money; enter into a
borrower/lender relationship
with someone.
nahor n. Ceylon ironwood tree, a
tree of the garcinia family
(Clusiaceae) of the tea order
(Theales). Slow-growing to about
60, with red or white new leaves
which mature to a willowy
green. Not native to Galo area,
but nowadays widely planted
and prized for its ornamental
value as well as for its
superlative value as an extremely
strong and durable house pillar
or post. Mesua ferrea. Source:
Assamese.
`niikoo n. element of a loin loom, a
stick used for holding the
alternating strings in place.
Found immediately above the
`taap and below the `tai.
Niitoo name. Niito, first son of Abo
Tani.
`niinii n. soap stone. Variety of
edible stone with the texture of
`Niinur `nuunam
185
soft bone. Non-sandy and
non-sulphurous but salty; eaten
by pregnant women as a vitamin.
`Niinur name. Niinur, one of the
legendary sons of Abo Tani.
`Niipak name. Niipak, legendary
son of Abo Tani, whose
descendents later became the
non-hill-tribals, or plains people.
`Niim name. Niim, second son of
Abo Tani.
-nii...-naa vs:advsr. intermittently;
bit by bit. Gram: Split temporal
suffix indicating a hesitating manner
to the action indicated by the verb, or
that it is just starting out or occurring
intermittently, in fits and starts.
idoo onii onaa `duu. Its
sprinkling/drizzling (rain). o
aii go marnii marnaa `duu.
Im getting a bit angry. donii
donaa `laa Guhati into. I went
to Guwahati snacking as I went.
-nin vs:adv. able to affect all. Gram:
Result suffix with the basic meaning
able to affect all relevant objects
Usage: Generally found in the
negative -maa, giving the sense
without the potential to affect
the objects, implying that the
objects are too numerous or great
in scale to be able to deal with.
`knin maa uncountable. donin
maa unable to eat it all (because
theres so much food). `mennin
maa unable to say everything
there is to say (because time
doesnt permit). See: anin
manageable quantity.
ninnam (2) vt. succeed someone in
birth order; follow someone in
order of birth. Aci `Miibom `ne
`ninna o. Im the successor to
Elder Brother Miibom in our
birth order. nimmi hinam to be
directly in sequence with
one-another in birth order.
`nimii n. lullaby. `nimii `miinam
to sing a lullaby.
-`nu1 vs:adv. take a break; take a rest.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
the subject is taking a break from
bringing about the action indicated
by the verb, in the sense of stopping
in the middle with the intention to
continue. `an `tokee! Take a
breather! aii go `ennu `tokee!
Take a little break from writing!
-`nu2 vs:adv. cooked; ready; done.
Gram: Result suffix to a verb of
heating or cooking, indicating that an
action results in something being
fully cooked.
`baanu vt. bake something until
cooked. See: `nunam be fully
cooked.
-nu Var: -n. vs:adv. aflame; afire.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the action indicated by the verb
results in a fire. pan grm `jilaa
`kee. Light (the cigarette) and
then give it to me.
nu pcl. what about x? how about x?
and x? Gram: Suggestive particle
found following nouns or, more
usually, pronouns, used in a context
where a listener has been
discussing/referring to or acting on
various objects, and when the
speaker wishes to draw the listeners
attention to another object which
s/he may not be aware of, or may
have or seems to have forgotten or
not noticed. `m nu? What about
him (has he left yet also)? hi nu?
How about this (will it work)?
`nuugaa n. balcony. Usage: (P).
See: `koodaa balcony (L).
`nuunam vi. bob up and down at
`nui `donek
186
the knees; bend the knees; jump
without feet leaving ground.
`ok `hdaa `m `b `nuutr
jikaa ku! She broke my stick (by
standing on it and bobbing up
and down)!
`nui pro. you (dl.); you two. Gram:
Second person dual pronoun
nunam1 vi. moo; make the noise of
a cow or mithun.
nunam2 vt. 1 knead something
relatively large, as bread dough.
2 wrestle, in general.
numin hinam vt. wrestling, as
a sport or contest.
`nunam vi. of food, to be
cooked/ready to eat. acin
`nuduu `ree? Is the food being
cooked? nudaa maa. (The
foods) not ready yet.
`nuek vt. overcook something.
`nunu Var: `nun; `nunn. pro. you
(pl.); you all; you guys; you lot.
Gram: Second person plural pronoun
ne pcl. Admonitive declarative
particle. Gram: marking information
as something which the addressee
has a mistaken idea about, does not
know properly as he or she should,
or otherwise reflects some wrong or
untoward condition in the world.
`iji `ne `tlaa `ne. (No), have
some (rice beer) after a little
while (instead of now, as youre
intimating). `mb moone! No,
not like that! acin donam ku
ne! It was food, dont you see
(whats wrong with you)?
`mrum ne `hukko. Dont you
see, yesterday is when I bathed.
`ne pos. 1 Non-Agentive case
marker. Gram: Marks object nouns
which refer to unique, identifiable,
usually human individuals.
Obligatory on proper names which
occur as object. Common on other
nouns referring to identifiable
humans. May occasionally occur on
non-human object nouns which are
highly topical/important, generally
with an intensifying sense, as
exactly this one. May also follow
common object nouns which are
marked by Accusative `m; here
also, with an intensifying sense.
`puruu `ne `yoo jis kaaku maa.
There was nothing else to give to
Whitecrested Laughing Thrush.
`bupp `m `mm `ne jit kaa.
Give all of them to him/her!
2 in; on. Gram: Temporal marker
of a time noun referring to an irrealis
(future or hypothetical) time which is
construed as a punctual point (rather
than a duration). Sometimes realized
n. o `lken `ne `caar. Ill
come up at some point (once).
`alloo `ne `molaa `jukee! Lets
just do it tomorrow!
`neekoo n. yard; ground space
around a home, not including the
space under it.
-`nek vs:adv. bad or unpleasant to
do. Gram: Manner suffix usually
indicating that the subject of the verb
has some bad quality in terms of the
action or condition indicated by the
verb, or that the action is unpleasant
to experience in terms of the subject.
May also have a sense of to the
detriment of the object in some
cases.
`kaanek adj. ugly.
`tanek adj. cacophonous;
terrible-sounding. `tanek
`duu! That sounds terrible!
`donek adj. disgusting;
terrible-tasting, of food.
`donek `kaapaa! (The food)
`mennek -noo
187
looks disgusting (not likely to
be tasty)!
`mennek vt. tease someone;
taunt someone, whether
jokingly or in spite.
`rnek adj. uncomfortable; not
nice to live (in or as). imaa
boolo `rnek `duu. Its no fun
to be poor. Delli `hg `rnek
`jaaduu! This Delhi is a
craphole! Ant: -`ken. See: `anek
hate.
`nenko1 n. lineage; ancestry.
`nenko2 n. exit.
`nennam (1) vi. 1 exit (a room or
other enclosed space).
2 emerge; come out, as a
product in a shop or a movie in a
cinema.
3 leave ones house/home or
home village and enter the wider
world; especially, go to an area
where there is a market and
many people congregating. `un
attr `Lk-Balii `nenr. We
will all go to Lkaa-Balii (spoken
from Sil).
nennam (1) vi. of a lineage, to
descend. `mb Tanii `g alii
`nenkaa. In that way Abo Tanis
lineage came about.
vt. 1 progenerate; further a
lineage. `om-`or go `nenp lagi
`duu. He needs to have
children.
2 brew or filter rice beer; pour
hot water through fermented rice
mixture to obtain rice beer.
Usage: Used to describe the
filtration of rice beer only; not
generally used to describe the
filtering or brewing of other
beverages, such as coffee or tea.
`kloo, `opoo go `nenlaa `juke!
Come on, lets filter some rice
beer!
nennam (2) vt. 1 rub or press
with the hand (not a tool); roll
between the fingers; rub the skin,
as when bathing; knead, as
tobacco in the palm with ones
thumb.
2 twist off leaves; pluck
relatively large leaves by twisting
them off.
nemmk vt. crush something
into pieces by pressing (as
between the palms).
nepp n. abdomen; uterus; area
above reproductive organs, both
interior and exterior.
nell nce. See: banek-nell bridal
clothing.
no Var: noo. pro. you (sg.). Gram:
Second person singular pronoun,
nominative case no `ruu `bcoo
`tokaa! No one other than you
must bear it up!
`nom pro. you. Gram: Second
person singular pronoun,
Accusative case o `nom ayaa
`duu. I love you.
`nok Var: `nok. pro. your. Gram:
2nd person singular pronoun,
Genitive case `hg `nokk `ree?
Is this yours?
`nop pro. to you. Gram: Second
person singular pronoun, Dative
case `him o `nop jir ku. Ill
give this to you.
-noo vs:adv. as preparation. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject participates in the event
indicated by the verb as preparation,
or in preparation for something else.
nogee `n
188
`no yoo `lgaa `b `mroo
`mennoo maanam ? Why
didnt you tell me yesterday (that
you would need this today)?
nogee adj. yellow, in colour.
nonam vt. knead something
relatively small, as tobacco in the
palm of ones hand; crush or
snap something between the
fingers.
nolii n. gun barrel. Source:
Assamese.
`nnam vt. nudge; push using the
hands (not a tool) lightly, such
that it will not fall over.
`ny vt. push something out of
the way.
Nbo name. Niibo, one of the
legendary sons of Abo Tanii,
from whose line the Mising are
believed to have descended.
-nk vs:adv. nearby (result). Gram:
Directional suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb is
directed near or nearby.
aank vi. come close; come near.
aii go aank `tokee. Come
a little closer.
`ngjok n. variety of brass plate,
similar to a `boree.
ngnam vt. punch with fist (not
open hand); push using a burst of
rapid force with hands or a tool;
stab. `nok `naapaa o nkpor r!
Im going to bash your mouth
out of shape! nbuu `nkpek
`tuuku! He was stabbed right
through with (impaled on) a
spear!
-nr vs:adv. loosen. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb results in the object being
loosened
prnr vt. loosen something by
turning, as the lid of a jar or
other container.
`n-1 clfr. Classifier for things with a
more or less cylindrical or
stem-like shape, such as any
plant or tree. As a classifier for
trees, denotes the entire tree,
including leaves and branches.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. `hn `nt `nago a
big tree. See: `an stem.
`n-2 clfr. Classifier for fish. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. oii `ni go two fish.
See: `an fish (counting form).
`nii n:kin. last brothers wife.
Usage: used by a male to refer to
or address the wife of his
youngest brother.
`nr n. 1 first washing of a
newborn baby.
2 baptism, as used among some
Christian Galo.
-n vs:adv. satisfied. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the object
becomes satisfied or satiated as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb
`mon vt. satiate; satisfy a
craving or hunger, though not
to the point of being full. acin
kopen `om `mon geebaa.
The rice packet has satisfied
me (I dont feel like eating any
more).
`n pro. yourself. Gram: Second
person reflexive pronoun, used in
singular, dual and plural functions
`m `duudoo `b `mot `kee,
nnam `nbuk
189
`nk `peel `b. After taking
the small one, have them sit
down, to your side. `nm `mens
`tokee! Tell (that) to yourself!
no `nm pas r. You will cut
yourself.
nnam vt. season; spice up; make
tasty; improve the flavour of a
dish. iikuu `hg maaj `b
`nduu. This fermented
bamboo really spices up (the
food).
`nnam vt. chant an `anoo
variety of chant.
See: `anoo-`dnam.
`nn n. medicine; effector;
effective agent.
`nn-`poon Var: `nn-poon;
`dn-`poon. n. medicine; drug.
See: `nn medicine.
nbuu Var: nbuu (P). n. spear.
Syn: `dbuu.
`nkoo n:kin. third brothers wife.
Usage: used by a male to refer to
or address the wife of his third
brother.
`ng n. lineage; line, in genealogy.
`nunn `yoo `ng `lo aad `na?
What line (in lineage terms) do
you fall under?
n:qual. 1 variety; type. `hn
`ng `gona a variety of tree.
2 every kind; various kinds.
`ng `m `rto. They did every
sort of thing (to make trouble for
us). donam-tnam `ng `
`dooduu. There is every kind of
food and drink.
adj. various, of types or kinds.
`mooko abin kunam `ng `na
ii `m `kaapaa `duuku. Having
cleared that area, we now find all
kinds of people (coming
through).
`ng-`ng n. different types; all
kinds; all sorts. `ap-`ahee
`ng-`ng `na `dooduu. Fruits
of every variety are there.
`nci Var: `nsi (P). n. vicinity;
nearby area. `nci `lo `hibuu
kaamaa nam `lgaa `b...Because
there was no river in the area...
adj. nearby; near to; close to.
Bol Aaloo `hokk `nci `duu.
Boleng is close to Aaloo.
`nci-koonii Var: `nc-koonii;
`nsi-pr `na (P). adj. right up
close; right nearby;
immediately in front;
immediately nearby.
`njr n. young female calf who has
not yet herself calved.
ntuu n. thread.
`nt n:kin. 1 first brothers wife.
Usage: used by a male to refer to
or address the wife of his eldest
brother.
2 respected brothers wife.
Usage: used by a male to refer to
or address the wife of any
brother by blood or kin, in a
respectful sense.
`nd n:kin. fourth brothers wife.
Usage: used by a male to refer to
or address the wife of his fourth
brother.
nnam vt. be jealous, be covetous,
as of someones success or
power. `ok itt `m `b `nduu.
Shes jealous of/toward me.
`npoo adj. barren; unable to
conceive, of a human or animal.
`nbuk n. adolescent female calf;
-nm Nhn
190
female calf whos just reaching
mating/birthing age.
-nm vs:adv. satiated feeling. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that via the
action indicated by the verb, an actor
has become satiated and no longer
wishes or feels able to do something
that had been planned or intended.
donm vi. feel satiated as a
result of eating something.
adin `m donam o donm
kaa. Having eaten the meat, I
was satiated.
vt. satiate someone, of food.
adin au namm donm kaa.
The meat, being fatty, satiated
me (rendering me unable to
eat further).
huunm vi. by smelling (e.g. the
odour of meat), feel satiated
(such that no longer wishes to
actually eat the food).
nmam n. placenta.
`nmin nce. designation.
`nmin-`gomcr
Var: `nmin-`gomsr (P). n. noun.
Gram: Type of word (part-of-speech)
basically denoting a concrete entity
or abstract concept, construed as an
entity. In Galo, subtypes of noun
include proper names of humans and
places, time nouns, relator nouns,
numerals, classifiers, qualifying
nouns, kinship terms, and common
nouns. See: `nmin designation;
`gomcr word.
`nm n. grass. `hobin ` `nm
`dot `duu. The goat is going to
eat grass.
`nm-`alum n. clump of grass.
See: `nm grass; `alum clump.
nyaa n. rotten or otherwise
damaged leaf.
-nr vs:adv. stun. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is stunned
as a result of the action indicated by
the verb.
`monr vt. stun; render
semi-conscious or
unconscious.
`nroo Var: `nyoo (P). n:kin. second
brothers wife. Usage: used by a
male to refer to or address the
wife of his second brother.
`nr1 adj. late.
`nr2 Var: lr. n. 1 lower portion
of a plant stem, relatively closer
to the root.
2 base of any pole-shaped
object, especially a tree.
See: `miirii higher part of a stem;
tip.
nrnam vt. 1 rub, scrape or wipe
a surface with a tool, as with a
cloth.
2 rub or bump up against
something; collide against
something or someone from the
side, as when sitting adjacent or
when in parallel motion. `ok
gaarii `m `bk nrg kaa. His
car bumped against/scraped
mine.
3 flatten a field with a bamboo
pole or other staff (drawn by
cows) after ploughing.
nrkak vt. wipe or wash a
surface clean.
nhk nce. low growing plant.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: nhk-`nm ground cover.
nhk-`nm n. ground cover, as
grass or clover.
Nhn name. Nehen, name of the
-n...-b cn-cb
191
highest mountain in Likabali
circle.
-n...-b vs:advsr. move. Gram: Split
result suffix indicating that
something moves in space as a result
of the action indicated by the verb.
`rn-`rb vi. move; budge.
`rn-`rb yok! Dont move
(while I target you)!
cn-cb vt. knock, on a door
e.g. rap `m cn cb kaa.
(Someone) knocked on the
door.
-pa `paak
192
P - p
-pa Var: -p; -p. vs:asp. Attainment
suffix. Gram: Relatively rare suffix
indicating achievement or attainment
of an anticipated event, state or
condition. Most often found inside
nominalizations. A: `nom `jituu,
`i? B: mm, `om jipa. A: Has he
given some to you? B: Yes, he
has. `puruu `ne jis kaaku maa.
pr `m jip ku. There wasnt
anything left to give the puruu.
The pr was the one given it.
ho-luugoo goop `ree,
`hobin-luugoo goop `ree? Is
your cattle enclosure made, is
your goat enclosure made?
jicci-jiccii `b `rp kunam `na.
It set the river dizzy with mud.
`akum `b no nkt `kaa, m
namm `na. You should poke
her forcefully, (Abo Tani) had
said.
pa- v. etcetera; and so on.
Meaningless verb root which is
used only together with other
verbs to form the sense and so
on or and that kind of thing.
`mlaa `ment-`patt...While they
were going on talking...
`bal-`pal `laa gaarii lo rdo.
We sit on the bus feeling all
vomity and pukey.
yapuu-papuu whitey-blightey.
paa- clfr. Classifier for baton-like
things, i.e. basically extended
objects with some volume
and/or rigidity. Prototypically
classifies bananas, as well as
pillows, cigarette packs, and
some types of ant. Gram: Root form,
used for combining with numeral
roots and some adjective roots.
`kopak `paat `na `paai go two
big/long bananas. dumpaa
`paai go two pillows. See: apaa
baton.
paa expr. moo. Usage: Call of a
bovine, such as cattle or mithun.
hobb kuda paa `m `jukkr
`laa hoo `m `nkk kaaku! But
now a mithun, saying moo!
ambushed the cow and gored it
to death!
paa n:time. dawn.
adj. dawn; be dawn; dawning.
paa `dakku `ree? Is it dawning
yet?
-`paa vs:adv. get to; manage to;
attain. Gram: Attainment modal
suffix indicating that an actor gets to
or manages to perform the action
indicated by the verb, or that a state
in which the verb-denoted action is
otherwise attained. `impaa
`dooree? Can you manage to
walk (along the path, since its
very dark)?
`kaapaa vt. see; manage to see.
`kaapaa maado. Its difficult
to see.
`tapaa vt. hear; manage to hear.
`tapaa `dooree? Can you
hear?
`paak1 n. raven; crow of the variety
found living independently in
mountain areas, as opposed to in
plain areas or in or near human
settlements/cities.
`paak2 n. variety of traditional
ceremonial belt.
`paakii paapee
193
`paakii n. cup-sized bamboo scoop
used for measuring.
`paak-`iip n. variety of
low-growing plant. See: `paak
crow; `iip dried fermented
bamboo chips.
`paakuu n. variety of rectangular
plate made from bamboo.
`Paako `Ta name. name of a
rodent (`kkoo) protagonist in
Galo folklore.
paagap n. variety of aquatic insect,
about one inch in length, being
the larval stage of a dragonfly.
`paagii Var: `paagee (P). n. variety
of black and red ant with an
extremely poisonous bite, living
in colonies in fallen wood.
Paag name. name of a village in
West Siang district, Arunachal
Pradesh.
paacaa Var: paasaa (P). nce.
See: `yy-paacaa shadow.
paac Var: paas (P). nce.
See: paac-rodo rodent variety.
paac-rodo Var: paas-rodo (P).
n. variety of mouse, living in
houses.
paataa n. marsh. Usage: (P).
paatuu n. large back-piece.
Usage: (P). See: cpaa large
back-piece (L).
paa-`tootii-`roorii n:time. dawn;
daybreak. See: paa dawn; `roorii
late afternoon.
`paat nce. See: `rugdam-`paat
ant variety.
Paadam name. name of an Eastern
Tani tribe mainly found in the
Lower Dibang Valley and East
Siang districts of Arunachal
Pradesh, as well as scattered
among and often mixing with
Mising communities in Upper
Assam.
`paanam1 vt. stack voluminous
things, such as stones or
firewood. o `l `m `paaduu.
Im stacking the stones. rgmam
`m `paabin `la ap kula...After
fully clearing the field (of residue
from burning) and keeping (the
residue) to one side...
vi. of terrestrial insects such as
ants, to swarm or form a group.
taruk `paagoo `duu. The ants
are swarming around in a
disorganized fashion.
`paanam2 vt. get; undergo. `y `d
dumpoo `m `gakcoo `rnna,
`g `a go ar `paar.
Whoever was first to grasp the
head, that one will get one year
of taboo.
paanam vi. hover, of a hawk,
vulture, or helicopter; swarm, of
bees.
paagoo hinam vt. circle over
an area, as a vulture.
`paapii n. vagina. Usage: somewhat
diminutive-sounding, not usually
considered offensive.
`paapuk n. banana flower.
paapee n. variety of basket, based
on diagonal-weave, forming a
star-of-David (six-point) pattern.
Loose and somewhat flattened
like a backpack, used for carrying
dried meat and other
roughly-stacking items. Similar
to a `poa, although the latter
has more of a rounded mouth.
`paabak pakoo-`lakpek
194
`paabak adj. adj. clear and
un-muddied, as of water.
2 adj. sober; unimpeded in
expression. `mrum tkum to,
`hr `paabak `duuku. Last night
I was drunk, this morning Ive
sobered up.
`paabak-`tarak adj:expr. clean and
sober. See: `paabak sober.
paabo n:poet. father. Usage: Goku.
paarin nce. See: acin-paarin false
Solomons seal.
paalaa n. juice. See: aalaa juice.
-`paa...-`laa vs:advs. manage to
(somehow). Gram: Split manner
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb affects
whatevers available, or that in
bringing about the action, the actor
does not manage anything great, but
anyhow somehow manages. donam
`laanam `mum `m `dopaa
`laalaa `laa, `mb `rduu. One
way or another, we manage to
put food on the table. See: -`paa
attain; -`laa able.
pauu vt. bang out metal to flatten it
back to an original shape, as a
blacksmith.
paen n. pan leaf; leaf eaten together
with betelnut. Source: Assamese.
-pak vs:adv. love to; like to. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject loves to participate in the
event indicated by the verb.
Usage: usu. occurs in split form.
See: -`l...-pak love to.
-`pak vs:adv. 1 rid; out; off; away.
Gram: Result suffix to a usually
transitive verb, indicating that in
bringing about the event indicated
by the verb, the subject intends to rid
himself of the object, or to reject it,
waste it, do away with it, or leave it
behind. `opoo `m `kuppak
`tokee! Throw away the rice
beer (by overturning the glass)!
`mimpak vt. drive away an
animal, e.g. hoo `m `mimpak
tok! Drive (the cow) away!
`laapak vt. get rid of something;
take something (unwanted)
away. `laapak `tokee! Take it
away!
`mippak vt. blow out a fire,
getting rid of it. `m `mm
`m `mippak kaa. He blew
out the fire (with breath).
`papak vt. kill something
unwanted in order to get rid of
it.
2 defeat; surpass. Sense of the
subject defeating the object in a
battle or competition.
`mopak vt. defeat someone, as
in a battle.
`tpak vt. out-drink someone;
surpass something in drinking
liquor. `nom `b `tpak
`yaaduu! Hes out-drinking
you!
`pakuu adj. bent, as a flower stem
with a heavy head or a radio
antenna which has been
damaged.
`pakup adj. wilted; bent at the tip,
as something temporarily
straining under pressure/weight
or due to some intolerable force,
such plants under a very hot sun.
pakoo ace. See: pakoo-`lakpek
arms folded; pakoo-`lpek legs
crossed.
pakoo-`lakpek adj. arms folded,
pakoo-`lpek `pagn
195
as at rest or in impatience.
pakoo-`lpek adj. cross-legged
sitting style, with shins
overlapping and feet tucked
under; Indian style sitting. `b
pakoo-`lpek `la `duuduu. Hes
sitting Indian style.
Syn: `lko-`lpek.
pakk ace. See: pakk-lalk arms
huddled.
pakk-lalk Var: pak-lagek (P). adj.
having the arms huddled or
folded close to the body, as when
cold. See: lalk shirt.
pakr adj. wavy; curling, as of hair;
crooked; bent. adum pakr
`duu. (His) hair is wavy.
`pakkaa nce. small. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: `oraa-`pakkaa variety of
fish.
-`pak-`coojoo vs:adv. defeat
something or someone or rid
oneself of something summarily,
without giving an opponent any
chance. o `nom `mopak `coojoo
r! Ill beat you flat out (you
wont even have a chance)!
Paktu name. name of a Galo
ancestor.
`paktm n. alimony; penalty
generally levied upon a male
following a divorce or
dissolution of partnership.
pagap vt. clench, as a tree with
ones legs. o `hn `m pagap
`duu. Im clenching the tree (by
wrapping my limbs around it).
`paguu adj. bent, as into a u-shape
or other twisted-around shape,
possibly into a loop.
`pag vt. drape a leg across
someone elses.
pagr adj. crooked; wavy.
pagnam1 vt. care about someone;
like or love someone or
something; look after or take care
of someone. o rumtum `m
pagr. Ill look after my family.
pagnam2 vt. suspend; hang from a
rope, as a permanent fixture in a
house.
`pagnam vt. 1 flick the arm or
wrist, as when trying to relieve a
writing cramp.
2 sow seeds by throwing,
usually by flicking or tossing
sidearm. alii `m `pagt `kee.
Sow the seeds (by flicking them
into the seedholes).
3 scatter something by flicking
with all fingers of the hand as
when ridding oneself of excess
water.
4 cast off, renounce or give
something up forever, without
any chance of retrieving it. imm
`m `pak-`pagmum `lamaa.
You cant just throw away your
wife willy-nilly.
5 manage to do a task; dispose
of or dispense with a task;
achieve success in doing
something. Ai Mumsi bool
`pagr. If you get Elder Sister
Mumsi shell manage it.
`pagjee vt. flick off unwanted
water.
`pakpak vt. flick something
away, in general.
`pagn1 n. banana leaf; leaf of a
banana tree.
`pagn `panam
196
`pagn2 n. female slave.
`pagbo n. male slave.
`pagyoo n. variety of elephant
apple or allied species, somewhat
oval in shape. See: `campak
elephant apple.
`pagluu n. grove of banana trees.
pack Var: pask (P). n. chip;
splinter.
pack-park Var: pask-payk (P).
n:expr. scraps and bits of bark
leftover after chopping wood.
See: pack splinter.
pajak nce. See: gji-pajak eye
crap.
`pajuk n. war dance; belligerent
frenzy; running around,
threatening and yelling
provocatively, as when whipping
up ones spirits in preparation for
an attack, or of a cow when
bellowing in anger and
frustration.
`pajoo n. supporting beam,
wedged diagonally against the
pillars of a Galo house. Doubles
as a fence for keeping animals
out of the space beneath the
house.
`pajom adj. sloping; cut to a steeply
sloping angle, as of the angle-cut
mouth of a bamboo drinking
container. `pajom `doob pat `kee.
Cut it to a sloping angle.
`patum n. vegetable marrow;
variety of long, fleshy squash.
`patum-`tumn n. leaves of a
vegetable marrow squash.
See: `patum vegetable marrow.
patk nce. jail. See: pahii-patk jail.
patlu n. trousers. Source: English.
`padum n. confluence; joining of
two rivers.
adj. merged or converged, of
rivers. Generally occurs with `isi
water. `iss ` `padum `hiduu.
The rivers are converging (at this
point).
paden adj. trembling; shaking;
shivering, as in fear or
excitement. ii `ak `na paden
`duu. People lacking confidence
tremble and shake.
`Pad name. name of a Lare
Galo-speaking village in central
West Siang district.
panam vt. 1 chop; hack; cut a
relatively large thing by striking
away from the self using a
medium-sized instrument such
as a dao or machete, often in a
single blow and usually
overhand. `m `papak `tokee.
Cut that off.
2 strike, as of a snakes bite or a
goats attack; smash, as in
volleyball. `t `hobin `t pat `duu.
That goat (up there) is about to
strike/attack.
3 kill something, especially by
striking with a dao/machete.
dorr panam 10-mithun
sacrifice.
parek vt. cut something to
sharpen it, as a bamboo or
wooden stake.
`parek vt. cut something by
striking, with the blade
glancing off and only touching
slightly.
`panam vt. braid something, such
as a rope or hair. adum panam
`Pan -pii
197
to braid hair.
`Pan name. Pan, son of Toopo.
Fourth descendant from Abo
Tani in the Galo lineage.
`papoo vt. drape or lay ones leg
across somebody or something.
pamc Var: pams (P). n. leaf
parcel, generally made from a
variety of oko leaf, in which
fish or, less often, some other
type of foodstuff is wrapped and
baked directly on coals.
vt. cook by wrapping in oko
leaf and baking in coals.
pamnam1 vt. dry a wet thing by
setting near a fire.
pamnam2 vt. pack, as when
sandwiching something between
layers, as to cook. See: pamc.
`pamnam vt. set something which
is relatively large or long against
something else; set something
down or position something
against or along something else.
`pag `la `yubduu. Hes
sleeping with his leg draped over
someone.
`pamten vt. lay something
across something so that it
cannot get up, as a
paperweight.
-par vs:adv. spread; scatter. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something is spread out or scattered
widely around an area as a result of
the action indicated by the verb
taapar vt. unfold and spread out
(e.g. something which has
been rolled-up).
`mopar vt. make something
spread/scatter, as by pushing
along a surface.
par- clfr. Classifier for a grindings
worth of paddy; one set of
paddy, construed as ground in a
single mortar basin. Gram: Root
form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. See: cpar mortar.
par- clfqr. Quantity classifier for
teams, groups or subsets of
individuals. Gram: Root form, used
for combining with numeral roots
and some adjective roots.
park nce. splinter. See: ack-park
splinter.
`parnam vt. make or prepare a fire;
stoke a fire. o `mm `m
`parkaa ku. Ive made the fire
already.
parnam vt. divide up, divvy out
labour or assign tasks or
responsibilities in a group work
situation. `kajuu, parmii `hilaa
`ju. Come on, lets split up into
teams (to perform separate but
related tasks).
`parmoo nce. *. See: `agum-parmoo
menstruation.
pason n. sash; riband; cingle. Source:
Assamese.
pahii Var: pasii (P). nce.
See: pahii-ptk jail.
pahii-patk Var: pasii-patk (P). n.
jail.
Pahigat Var: Pasigat; Paasgat. name.
headquarters of East Siang
District, Arunachal Pradesh.
pii nce. See: pii-nabbuu rodent
variety.
-pii numr. four. Gram: root form, used
for combining with classifier roots to
form enumerative classifier
piikoo `pin-
198
expressions daapii four sticks of
(something). See: appii four.
piikoo n. stalk of tapii grass.
pii-nabbuu Var: pii-nabdoo (P). n.
variety of rat. See: nabbuu
protruding lips.
`piinam1 vi. boil up; boil over; spill
over as a result of boiling.
`piicaa vi. boil up, as of milk. `iss
` `piicaa `duu. The milk is
boiling up.
`piipok vi. boil over; boil up and
over the side of a pot.
`piinam2 vt. thin out branches,
especially from bamboo. `hn
akc `gadd `m `piipuu `tokee.
Thin out the tree branches.
piinam vt. prick, as with a needle.
`beej `piik `kot `kee. Go get an
injection.
`piin n:num. eight.
`piiroo nce. See: nanoo-`piiroo
blueheaded redstart.
piilik nce. minnow of the mori fish.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: opii-piilik mori minnow.
-piK vs:adv. just; just now; newly.
Gram: Suffix indicating that the
subject has newly, has just managed,
or just came to, participate in the
event/state indicated by the verb.
Generally preceded by -`ta about
to. Final consonant fully assimilates
to any following consonant. `cent
`pidduu. (I) just found
out/came to know (about it).
`b `dot `pidduu. Hes just
eating now (I had thought he had
already started). `om kaagee
ba `mt namm, `iji `kaat
`pidduu `naarem? Are you just
seeing me for the first time? I
thought you had already seen
me.
-pik vs:adv. overflow; burst through.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
something bursts through a barrier
or overflows a boundary as a result
of the action indicated by the verb
ppik vt. over-pour, causing the
water to spill over the edge of
the cup.
pikii nce. *. See: horii-pikii totally
straight.
`Piku-`Pint name. name of a
particular spirit of the Moopin
festival.
`picik n. spotted munia. Lonchura
punctulata.
-`pin1 vs:adv. snap. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something snaps as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb, as a rope.
-`pin2 vs:adv. finish; complete. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that an event
is finished, in the sense of fully
completed with no remaining parts
to perform Usage: Generally not
used to refer to non-continuous
(temporally interrupted) actions.
acin `m `dopin gr `kula...After
she had finished eating rice...
`opin `motok! Let (the rain) stop
(before you go out)! `mempin
`tokaa! Stop talking!
vs:nzr. point of completion. Gram:
Nominalizer deriving a temporal
nominal indicating a point in time
when an action is completed. `agl
`poolo `loopin `lob o ager `rto.
I worked until the end of
January.
`rpin vt. finish a task; complete
a task.
`pin- clfr. Classifier root for homes
`pinii `pimmee
199
or homesteads (complete living
situations, including house and
land). Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `taayoo `g
`pinr `golaa `pii go `gumaa.
Twelve houses on the hill did
not burn. See: `ipin home.
`pinii n. brain.
`pint nce. major area of a house,
where the husband and wife and
all the major members of the
family are concentrated, when
there is more than one such area
and/or more than one family
occupying the house. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: `pint-imik primary
fireplace.
`pint-`imik n. primary fireplace
in a house which has more than
one fireplace. See: imik fireplace.
`pinnam2 vt. 1 harvest cane. o
ohoo `m `pinduu. Im
harvesting cane (for making
rope).
2 strip cane, as for making rope.
`pinnam (1)1 vi. scheme; plot; plan
someones demise; organize a
party for the purpose of
preparing an evil deed, as when
preparing to raid another village;
make collective preparations for
acts of war.
`pintuu vi. plot all night long.
`pind vi. plot all day long.
`bulu Menlar `ne `pal `p
`mlaa aloo `pind `ayo
`pintuu kubbee yu. They are
said to have plotted to kill
Menlar day and night.
`pinraa vi. fail or be thwarted, of
a plot.
pinnam (2)1 vi. burst. `hurup `
pikkaa. His bladder burst.
vt. 1 pound something, as a nail
with a hammer. o kilii `pidduu.
Im pounding at a nail.
2 bore into something, as a
boring insect into a wooden
house pillar. tagik pinnam
`htak go a plank which was
bored into by a boring insect.
`pillk vt. pound something into
something else, as a nail into
wood.
`pinnam (2)2 vt. thread a shuttle,
in weaving. Usage: usu. occurs
with associated noun `tapin
shuttle. `tapin `m `piam tob
`ree? Have you finished
threading the shuttle? See: `tapin
shuttle.
`pinnam (2) vt. undress; disrobe;
take off ones clothing. `nok lalk
`m `pitt `kee! Take off your
shirt!
`pikkak-`pillak vt. take off all
ones clothes; disrobe until
fully naked.
`piggor vt. disrobe quickly.
pipi nce. See: pipi-`roo chick.
pipi-`roo n. chick; baby chicken.
See: `roo chick.
`pimmee n. minor area of a house,
where a second (generally, a
male childs) family or spillover
from the main family will be
concentrated around the
`pimmee-`imik secondary
fireplace. Generally found to the
`noohi-`peko side of the
`pint-`imik primary fireplace,
`pimmee-`imik puunam
200
and/or to the south side of the
house.
`pimmee-`imik n. secondary
fireplace in a house which has
more than one fireplace. Often,
the secondary fireplace will be
located to the rear of the house,
even as far as the womens
balcony, and was traditionally
used by women during their
menstruation periods, when
taboo restrictions prevented
them from entering the house.
See: `imik fireplace.
`pilam n. myna; particularly Indian
myna, but also denoting any
number of myna subspp. and
related spp. Acridotheres tristis.
pilii Var: plii (P). nce. chicken flea.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: pilii-`pk chicken louse.
pilii-`pk Var: plii-`pk (P). n.
variety of tiny louse found
especially on chickens.
`pisi n. needle. Usage: (P).
puaa n. half kilogram. Source:
Assamese.
puu onom. whew! Usage: used to
reference or imitate a blowing
sound, as wind or breath.
-puu vs:adv. clear; bare; white. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb results
in the object being made white, clear,
or bare. `un luk, lucr `m,
rkk `m `rpuu duu. In April
and May we clear up (the weeds)
in the field.
`puu vt. shave, as ones face
with a razor.
nrpuu vt. rub something off,
until the original surface is
fully visible.
rkpuu vt. wash clothes until
fully clean and white.
happuu vt. cut (ones hair)
completely off, until bald.
Puugoo name. name of a dialect of
the Galo language, formerly
written Pugo. Mostly spoken
in and around Aaloo,
headquarters of West Siang
District, Arunachal Pradesh.
Variety of Galo most commonly
used in popular songs. Name is
drawn from a river confluence
nearby to Along. Exhibits
considerable internal diversity.
puutuu n. summit; tip of a heap or
conical object with mass/bulk,
such as a mountain; conical
protrusion from the earth, such
as a dirt-heap. See: `ltk base of
a heap.
puunam1 vi. bloom; sprout, as a
new plant. apuu `puuduu. The
flowers are blooming.
puurp vi. begin to bloom or
sprout, of a flower or plant.
puunam3 vt. tie. jutaa `m puut
`kee! Tie your shoes!
`puulk vt. fasten to; tie onto or
into. uaa `m `lmen
`puulk `tokee. Tie the thread
onto the babys ankle.
puutum vt. tie something shut.
aruu `m puutum `tokee.
Close the hole by tying up
(the sack).
puunam4 v:c.arg. be white in
colour. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun/adjective yapuu
white yapuu-puuek `duu.
extremely/overly white (as an
`puunam pui
201
Irish person).
`puunam vt. uproot. Usage: (P).
`hn `m `puut `kee. Uproot the
tree.
`puumii n. flash flood; inundation.
puuluu adj. white. Syn: yapuu.
`Puuh-`Dookee name. name of a
Galo village in West Siang
District, Arunachal Pradesh.
-`puk vs:adv. pop. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something pops as a
result of the activity indicated by the
verb
`pukkoo n. shaft of a
headed/metal-tipped arrow.
puktum n. lid of a water kettle.
`pukt n. bravery; courage.
adj. brave; courageous.
-puk...-ree vs:advs. carelessly;
sloppily; with no attention to
detail. Gram: Split manner suffix
indicating that the subject brings
about the action indicated by the
verb in a sloppy or careless manner,
or with little or no attention to detail
`menpuk `menree vt. say
briefly; not go into detail.
mpuk mree vt. think
carelessly or hastily.
See: apuk-aree hasty.
`pugjr Var: naggar (P). n. shaft of a
headless arrow, i.e. whose tip
consists only of sharpened
bamboo.
`pugnam vt. sell.
pugnam vt. pop, as when popping
open or closed a sealed container,
or when suddenly moving
something or oneself into a
visible or concealed state or into
or out of a space (pop in or pop
out). `pukkoo jinam, rogjr
`gonna tay-tamaa `m
dokaaku! Having opened (the
container) up for them, a young
hen ate it (the fly) right then and
there! atuu `gonna boolup
puktum `hiduu. Some of them
hid under a hat.
`lpum-pugnam to pull/strip
the skin from the front part of a
foot, as of a chicken.
pukii Var: pumkii (P). n. pointy
nose, as of the Caucasoid variety.
adj. pointy, of a nose.
`pukoo n. nose piercing; hole in
the nose, through which an
ornament may be inserted.
`pug n. bridge of the nose;
cartilaginous spine of the nose.
`pucup n. house sparrow.
`pucup-pr n. house sparrow.
See: `pucup sparrow; pr
variety of bird.
`puc Var: `pus (P). n. 1 variety
of meal packet usually made
from an oko leaf, tied by a bit
of rope. Used to carry snacks or
meals which will be eaten while
picnicking or travelling. tpak
`puc snack-pack to go with
drinking.
2 wrapped package, in general,
as of clothing, food or others.
vt. wrap something up (generally,
foodstuff) in a packet usually
made from oko leaf.
See: pamc parcel-bake.
pui Var: puo (unspecified
sub-dialect); pii (P). n. stirring
stick; stick, usually fire-hardened,
used for stirring food and
`pudur `pumpek
202
manipulating things around the
fireplace. pu `m `jilaa `kee.
Please pass me the stirring stick.
`pudur Var: `podor (P). n. great
barbet. Mostly green bird, about
nightingale-size. Emits a
persistent, repetitive, almost
froglike call, particularly in
afternoons and dusk, in choruses
or solo. Megalaima virens.
punam vt. backbite; talk about
someone behind his/her back.
ac-abbo `cin maaji `punna
`kaaduu. Many men also talk
about people behind their backs.
`punam vt. tug, tug at, as
something which is stuck and
unwilling to come forth.
punuam2 vt. spread; spread out, as
spreading a blanket on the
ground. `ej puunam lay out
clothes or sheets, as a bedspread.
`pup n. owl.
`pubnam vi. laze about; lounge
around; sit around uselessly.
`pum- clfqr. Quantity classifier for
heaps. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `apum
`pumi go two heaps.
See: `apum heap.
`pumkam n. booger; hardened
nasal mucus.
`pumci1 Var: `pumsi (P). n. left
nostril.
`pumci2 Var: `pumsi (P). n.
noseache.
pumjak adj. split, of the nose,
whether by birth or accident.
`pumjap Var: `pumtar (P). n. flat
nose; Mongoloid nose.
adj. flat, of a nose.
pumtuu n. short nose.
adj. short-nosed. Usage: (P).
pumtup n. tip of the nose.
pumduu n. upturned nose; nose
whose nostrils are clearly visible.
`pumnam vt. heap; make a heap;
pile up; group together.
`lpum-`pumnam to make a
pile of stones. See: `apum heap.
pumnam vi. 1 gather together, as
a group. tao attr pumpom `la
`dagduu. The bees are
swarming.
`pukr vi. group or gather
together. `pukr `laju. Lets
gather together.
2 overwhelmed by events;
susceptible to the increase of
qualities or experiences,
especially of a negative kind.
`kaanek `ko `taayoo `lo, uun go
`glaa kudda; `noocin pumnam
goku `na! On top of your
ugliness, youre all wounded;
youre also a glutton for
misfortune!
`pumpaa n. 1 beehive.
2 balloon-like or bag-like object,
hollow, rounded or spherical
object.
pumpaa nce. See: krt-pumpaa
rodent (variety).
`pumpaa-rood n. helicopter.
See: `pumpaa balloon; rood
airplane.
`pumpek n. odd number; number
not divisible by two; uneven set.
`pumpek go `nent `kaa. Let an
odd number come.
`pumpen pee-
203
adj. odd, of a number.
`pumpen n. odd one out.
v. separate off from a group; be
odd one out. See: `pumsi
even-numbered group.
`pumbk Var: `pumbk (P). n. right
nostril. See: `pumci left nostril.
`pumm n. nose hair.
pumlaa nce. nose fluid. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: `pumsi-pumlaa nose water.
`pumsi1 n. even numbered group
of objects.
`pumsi2 nce. water coming from the
nose. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. See: `pumsi-`pumlaa
nose water.
`pumsi-pumlaa n. water
emerging from the nose.
See: `pumsi nose water; pumlaa
nose fluid.
-`pur vs:adv. blunt. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is blunted
as a result of the activity indicated by
the verb, as a blade.
`ppur vt. blunt something by
smashing it against a surface,
e.g. `drc `m `ppur r.
(Hell) blunt the dwrci by
smashing them (against the
floor). See: `nappur blunt
end.
`puruu n. whitecrested laughing
thrush. Bird about myna-sized,
light black, white chest/crest,
medium, unremarkable tail.
Lives in bands, makes a
scratching sound in group
situations, reacts to presence of
humans by chattering. Figures
importantly in certain Galo
legends. Garrulax leucolophus.
purnam vt. cover, enclose or wrap
something by drawing a sack or
sack-like thing over it from
above, as when covering a head
with a monkey hat.
`purbum vt. wrap; enclose n.
puhuu expr. boom! Expressive
denoting the sound of an
explosion going off. Gram: must be
followed by `mlaa or a reduced
form `m `yoogo `bree puhuu
`mlaa bugee `na? What was
that that just exploded boom!?
-pee1 vs:adv. cut. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that an actor is cut as a
result of the activity indicated by the
verb `b tupee hikaa. He cut
himself while kicking. `hepee
pull out (e.g. a knife from the
hand) such that a cut results.
-pee2 vs:adv. habitually use. Gram:
Manner verb suffix indicating that
the subject habitually brings about
the action indicated by the verb
using something, such as a given tool.
Does not indicate that action of the
predicate itself is habitual - rather, it
is the tool use or means that is
habitual. o `lbk ` tupee `duu.
I usually kick with my right
foot.
vs:nzr. habit. Gram: Nominalizing
suffix forming a noun indicating that
the action indicated by the verb is a
habit of the subject.
`menpee n. habitual way of
talking.
`rpee n. habit. `hg `unuk
`rpee `. This is our habit.
pee- clfqr. Quantity classifier for
bunches, as of bananas. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
`peec `naapek
204
roots. `kopak peepii four
bunches of bananas. See: apee
bunch.
`peec Var: `pees (P). n. bamboo
mat used for sun-drying things
(such as chilli peppers).
`peec-tar n. strip of bamboo,
usually about 2 feet long, to be
used for weaving baskets or
mats. See: `peec bamboo mat;
tar bamboo strips.
peetr n. bunch or cluster of things
gathered in smaller bunches;
bushel, especially of banana
bunches.
peenam vt. cut something
relatively small with a knife.
peeci vt. cut into two. adin `m
peec hit `kee. Divide the meat
between the two of you (by
slicing it in two).
peerik vt. snap something by
cutting it, as a rope.
`peelen vt. cut something out of
a whole.
`peenam vt. 1 part, as hair down
the middle of a head.
2 clear a path; make way, as
through thick jungle.
3 cross hatch; plait or weave in
diagonal cross hatch, particularly
of a oopee flattened bamboo
wall. ckc-`peenam to construct
a wall using cross-hatched
flattened bamboo.
`peeci vt. part something in two,
as hair. `Galoo `ijr `tt
`yaana adum `m `peec `duu.
Most Galo girls part their
hair.
peeren n. long bean; string bean;
French bean.
`peel n:rel. side, of an object.
`bk `peel `b `dakt `kee.
Stand over next to him.
n. area, region, side or location,
potentially in relation to another
referent, as this side of the
mountain. Gram: Generally
indicative of an area in relation to an
entity rather than a portion of the
entity itself; i.e., this `peel of the
wall would indicate the floor space
to one side of a wall dividing two
rooms, e.g., rather than either surface
of the wall itself.
-pek vs:adv. along the way; on the
way; while on route. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject brings about the action
indicated by the verb (while) on the
way to somewhere else. Aci `Bogin
`g nam `alo oii `m jipek to. I
dropped off a fish at Aci Bogins
house on the way.
impek vt. stop off at someones
house; visit someone along the
way.
-`pek vs:adv. through a hole or gap;
across a threshold. Gram:
Directional suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb directs
an object through an existing hole or
gap or acrosss an existing threshold.
Does not indicate breakage or
destruction of any barrier in the
process.
`impek vt. cross a threshold,
such as a gate.
`cippek vt. throw a spear
through a hole.
`naapek vt. through something
through/across a threshold,
such as an open window
(without breaking it).
`pekoo pennam (1)
205
`pekoo n. 1 valley.
2 intermediate position; some
point or location between two
separated objects (as two
mountains, or a starting point
and a goal) without necessarily
being directly in the middle.
`nun aum `g `pekoo `lo o
`yubr. Ill sleep somewhere
between the three of you.
n:rel. between; midst. o bdaa
`pekoo `lo `rduu. Im
somewhere on the way (not at
the beginning, not at the goal).
peccaa n. fool; idiot; buffoon;
moron.
adj. foolish; idiotic. peccaa caaben
`jaaduu. Hes too bloody
foolish. See: `yao fool.
peccaa-caadr n. moron; utter
fool; complete nincompoop;
buffoon. See: peccaa fool.
`pecp Var: `pensp (P). n. crux;
valley, as between two
mountains, or the joining area
between two fingers, horns, or
legs.
pettak n. variety of flat, waterborne
leech.
-pen vs:adv. miss. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that in bringing about the
action indicated by the verb, an
object is missed from being affected,
although it occurred in a sequence of
entities which were supposed to be
affected.
eppen vt. omit, e.g. someones
name when writing down a
list of names.
mpen vt. omit; forget to
include. oho! `nok amin `m
mpen kaaku `lakaa! Oho! I
forgot (to include) your name
(on the list)!
vs:nzr. missed item. Gram:
Nominalizing suffix deriving a
noun with the sense object
missed from being affected by the
verb.
orpen n. something left out of
distribution. orpen kaamaa
`b orkaa ku. We didnt leave
out anyone, everyone got
some (fish). (lit. We
distributed (the fish) such that
there was no-one missed from
the distribution who was
properly due to be
distributed-to).
-`pen vs:adv. separate from a whole;
come off, of a part from a whole.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
one or more things are separated
from a larger whole as a result of the
action indicated by the verb ai `m
`tupen kaa. (He) kicked off
someones teeth. `eppen hit `kee.
Write it on a different (line).
`cpen vt. partition, as with a
wall.
`laapen hinam vi. divide
something amongst oneselves.
`laapen hit `kee. Take it and
divide it amongst yourselves.
`pendaa nce. See: ukpaa-`pendaa
orchid.
`pennam (1) vt. break off, as
pieces from a whole; divide
something relatively soft and flat,
as a rice powder cake.
`pekok vt. break something
open.
`pejek n. torn-off piece or
section.
pennam (1) vi. balance; walk
`pennam (2) -`poo
206
while balancing, as when
traversing a rope bridge, edge, or
pole, or of a tightrope walker.
`pennam (2)1 vt. tear something,
as paper.
`pecci vt. tear something into
many pieces.
`pettuu vt. tear something into
two pieces.
`pemmk-`pemmak vt. rip or
tear something into a million
pieces, as an unwanted letter.
`pennam (2)2 vt. spray water, as
when watering plants.
`pekkap vt. spray, resulting in
something becoming wet.
`peccik-pegk vt. of a spray of
water, to hit something (usu.
inadvertently).
pennam (2) vt. swipe; wipe;
sweep with some force, as when
brushing an insect or unwanted
debris off a surface.
`pegaa vt. sweep something
away, so that it is no longer in
the area.
pekkak vt. sweep or wipe an
area fully clean, leaving no
unwanted residue remaining.
`peppak vt. wipe or sweep away
something unwanted, such
that it is no longer disturbing.
peppuu vt. sweep or wipe an
area clean, as though to pretty
something up or prepare an
area.
`pennam (2) vt. partition; lay a
rough fence or boundary.
`peggoo vt. fence around
something; surround
something with fencing.
`peggoo `tokaa. Fence around
it.
`peyak n. soybean, usually eaten
fermented and sticky, much like
Japanese natto. See: `agyaa
fermented soybean.
`perro n. jungle leech, particularly
vicious, with a painful bite.
-po vs:adv. pass a mark. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that a mark or
threshhold is reached or passed by
the actor of the event indicated by
the verb. cippo maa not manage
to hit the target you were aiming
at with your spear, in the sense
that your timing was off.
impo vt. be on time for some
appointed purpose; make (a
train); make (a bus). impo maa
miss (an appointment).
-`po vs:adv. 1 cure; heal. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something is cured or healed as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb.
2 good. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb has a good result.
Usage: Rare, possibly archaic.
`mopo vt. cure; heal, as of a
disease.
`poa n. variety of basket, used for
storing rice beer.
`poee n. spent rice beer; the residue
of fermented rice remaining in a
rice beer filter after it has been
twice-filtered, and is no longer of
value.
-`poo vs:adv. dare to do something;
be courageous enough to do
something. Gram: Verb suffix
-`poo `pootum
207
indicating that the subject has the
courage, daring or prowess to bring
about the action indicated by the
verb `rpoo ma dont dare to do
(something). `mpoo do? Do
you think you have the courage
(to beat him)? ii attr lo o
`jappoo maa. I dont have the
courage to speak in front of large
groups of people.
-`poo vs:adv. cover up. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
covered up as a result of the activity
indicated by the verb attr `m
`iipoo dooku `laa, `yubg kaa.
He covered them all up and took
them to bed.
poo- clfr. Classifier for trunks,
construed as rotund things,
usually with some length, such
as fingers, batteries, fat stomachs,
and trees (with a focus on the
trunk). Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `hpoo `poot
`na thick log. `hn `pooi go
two trees (with focus on trunk).
-poo vs:adv. across the breadth of a
field. Gram: Directional suffix
referencing the breadth of a field. On
intransitive state verbs, indicates that
the subject is at the breadth or centre
point of a field. On transitive activity
verbs, indicates that the object is
transferred across the breadth of a
field. aloo loopoo `duu. The sun
is directly overhead/is at its
zenith.
cippoo vt. throw a spear across
the breadth of a space.
`pookaa n. black rice beer, made
from a fermented preparation of
cooked rice and charred rice
husks.
`pookik n. rice beer sediment;
sediment which collects at the
bottom of a container of rice beer
after it has been left to settle.
pookuu n. spoiled rice beer; rice
beer that has over-fermented and
has become bad in taste.
pookoo n. skeleton or any part of a
skeleton; bone completely
cleaned of flesh, tissue and
marrow. See: aloo-pookoo bone;
skeleton.
`poog n. framework constructed
for the suspension of a rice beer
filter, whether of a relatively
small variety of use inside the
house (in which case it is
generally constructed adjacent to
the `kagr storeroom) or a
massive bamboo platform
constructed outside the house for
holding an equally massive
`poopur filter.
`pooci adj. cyclonic; like a dervish
or a tornado.
`poodaa n. prime rice beer; rice
beer from the first filtration,
which should be both the
strongest and tastiest.
`pood n. waterfall; properly
includes the area/system only,
not the water itself. Syn: `hid.
`poonam vt. 1 cover.
2 prepare loom for weaving, by
wrapping the strings lengthwise
around the apparatus.
`pookok vt. uncover; undo a
covering. `pookok kaato,
`umom kaakaa `hoo. Undo
your covering, let me see your
face.
`pootum vt. cover something
up; close something up by
poonam -pok
208
covering. `akoo, `ejj `
`pootum hil doot `kee! Fourth
daughter-in-law, get under the
covers!
poonam vt. chop a trunk; chop
down a trunk-shaped plant, as
banana or bamboo; hack away
when chopping, without great
precision.
pootuu vt. chop something in
two, as a log.
pootuu-pooyuu vt. chop into
pieces. `kkaa gr `laa poomaa
`b pootuu-pooyuu `la `motuu
ku `lakaa. He just chopped it
up haphazardly without
properly measuring.
`poonuu n. line dance; dance
traditionally performed by
women in festivals and when
welcoming important guests.
`poon1 n. fermented rice, through
which hot water is filtered to
make rice beer; rice which is
well-fermented and ready for
filtering.
`poon2 nce. See: `dn-`poon
medicine.
`poopur n. rice beer filter; woven,
basketlike object in which `oko
leaves are layered. Used as a
filter for obtaining rice beer from
passing heated water through
fermented rice.
`poopr n. variety of rhythmic
dance performed at the Moopin
festival, in which mostly vertical
jumping is performed by both
sexes and all ages.
`poobo n. hanging shelf.
`poobor n. large-sized rice beer
filter, used especially for
festivals.
`Poomaa name. name of the second
entity in the universe, generated
by `Opoo and progenitor of
Maaji.
`poomr nce. See: yapr-`poomr
butterfly.
`pooro n. black rice beer.
Syn: `pookaa.
`poor n. rice beer from the second
filtration, which is not as high in
alcohol and not as good-tasting
as the first. Syn: or.
`poolo n. moon; month. `t `pool
`t this month (lit. that moon
up there). `aa `pool `a last
month. `aadee `na `pool `a next
month.
`poolo-`ao Var: `pool-`ao. n. half
moon; moon at mid-month;
crescent moon. See: `poolo
moon; `ao child.
`poolo-`louu n. moonlight.
See: `poolo moon; `louu light.
`poolo-`lorup n. dark moon; time
of no moon. See: `poolo moon;
`lorup dark moon.
-poo...-yoo vs:advsr. randomly.
Gram: Split directional suffix
indicating that an action is randomly
directed, or that a state or property is
without distinct form.
tupoo tuyoo vt. kick in random
directions.
papoo payoo vt. chop
haphazardly, with the blade
landing at inconsistent points
on the target.
-pok vs:adv. 1 over the side. Gram:
Directional suffix indicating that via
the action indicated by the verb, the
`piipok poduu
209
subject physically moves over the
side of another entity, as a wall.
2 beyond; over a limit. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb exceeds
some proper limit in extent, manner,
or degree.
`piipok vt. boil over, as a pot of
milk.
pokoo n. peacock.
`pokok n. blackbrowed tree pie.
Dendrocitta frontalis.
pogaa n. length of rope, as for
making a lasso or noose.
Syn: `hoaa.
pogoo n. noose; lasso; loop made at
one end of a length of rope, to be
used for capturing and/or
restraining something, or for
hanging someone to death.
pognam vi. 1 leap or hop, as a
frog, grasshopper, or a human
playing leapfrog. tatk arum
`ogo `poglen `oolaa ku. In the
evening, the frog had jumped out
(of the bottle) and away. `cdum
`pokcaa `laa, `ckoo `pogloo `laa,
`unu poktr kaamaa `b
`poopr poggoo `laju. From the
upper village to the lower
village, lets go around dancing
`poopr without end.
2 bounce, as a bouncing bicycle
tire.
3 beat, of a heart.
pokkik vi. race, of a heart; beat
rapidly or furiously. `bm
kaar `m, o `aapuk ` pokkik
`duu. When I see her, my
heart races.
pokkup-poglek adj. thrown
into disarray or scattered all
about after a fall.
pokcik pogik vi. scatter or
spray everywhere, of a usually
globular solid, or a liquid. `is
pc `oloo namm, `iss `
`om pokcik-pogik `laa
`mokaa. The water pot having
fallen down, the water
scattered and sprayed all over
me.
pogbum vi. lie chest-down.
Usage: (P). See: babum lie using
chest (L).
pogo-kaagoo n. variety of
ceremonial pillar.
`poik n. six-angled weaving
pattern employed in the
formation of bamboo basketry, as
for the construction of ritual
objects.
potaa n. paper; letter. Source:
Assamese. siti-potaa letter.
potii n. tip, as of a blade or pen;
especially, a tip which is
naturally present, and has not
been formed for a purpose, as by
whittling.
`potum ace. rolled up. Usage: usu.
occurs in expressive compound.
See: `potum-`polek rolled up.
`potum-`polek adj:expr. rolled up,
like a bundle.
potom vt. teach, as in school.
See: ponam read.
`pot n. license; especially, opium
license (archaic). Source: Assamese.
kaanii-pot opium license.
podii n. adolescent male chicken.
poduu nce. See: poduu-pomoo
bird variety.
poduu-pomoo -por
210
poduu-pomoo n. variety of
migratory bird.
podoo nce.
See: taum-ukoo-podoo huge
thorn.
`ponam1 vi. 1 be good.
Usage: Rare, archaic form
generally found only in idioms
and fixed expressions. al to
`pomaa to. It may be good, it
may not be good.
2 be cured, of a disease; be
better. `acc ` `poduu `kunna
`ree? Is your illness any better?
ponam1 vt. read.
potom vt. teach, as in school.
`ponam2 vt. 1 roll something up,
as when rolling a meal into a
packet for use as a lunch set.
`potum-`polum vi. roughly
folded up.
`pohum-`humnam vt. roll
something up into a packet for
carrying.
2 plait or weave relatively small
bamboo or cane strips in
vertical-horizontal (as opposed to
diagonal) cross-hatch, as when
making mats or baskets.
`igin-`ponam to plait `igin
baskets.
ponam2 vt. sting something, as a
bee or a stinging nettle.
potee vt. sting, causing a burn,
sting or welt.
-pop vs:adv. covered. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
covered as a result of the activity
indicated by the verb, as by clothing.
yal `na `ejj `m, `hog `koopop
r `i. Here, well cover
ourselves with the red clothing,
eh.
popr nce. See: popr-momr
dusk.
popr-momr n:time. dusk.
Usage: usu. further compounded.
See: kan-popr-momr dusk.
-pom vs:adv. collectively; together;
as a cluster or group. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating of a plural
subject that action is taken as a group.
Of a plural object, indicates that
action is taken upon a group. `bulu
aum `yupt `b aapom toku.
After that the three of them
came together to sleep. impom
`geekaa! Go ahead (spoken to a
group)! paapom `tokee! Keep it
together/as a group!
pomum nce. See: rsum-pomum
smile.
pomoo nce. See: poduu-pomoo
bird variety.
Pomjar name. name of a spirit.
Sacrificial altar to Pomjar
includes an abstract effigy, made
chiefly of bamboo tassles and
fanning out at the head.
pomji-kaaji n. variety of spirit.
pomnam vt. soak, as rice before
cooking or clothes before
washing. `ejj `m pomt `kee.
Soak the clothes. o `ambin `m
`pomduu. Im soaking the rice.
pombek-`beppak n. variety of
ritual.
poyoo nce. See: pg-poyoo
goose.
-por vs:adv. disordered; shapeless.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
something is rendered shapeless or
into disorder as a result of the
umpor p-
211
activity indicated by the verb.
umpor vt. squeeze something
such that it malforms
according to its own
properties, as a baked potato.
takpor vi. of something solid,
break of itself such that the
original shape is lost (as aged,
humid wood).
`mopor vt. deform something;
change somethings shape
without having a particular
plan of how it should turn out.
`pori n. studies. o `porr `m
`riam kaaku. Im finished with
my studies (Im not going to
school anymore).
vt. 1 study. `pori-`rinam to
study.
2 read. Source: Assamese.
poroo Var: poyoo (P). n. flights of
an arrow.
porok n. chicken.
porok-lugo n. cockscrow; time of
the cocks crowing; very early
morning. porok luggo ku. Its
cock-crow (time). See: porok
chicken; lugo speaking time.
`pordr adj. angular; having
numerous faces and angles, as a
diamond or prism.
`pordr-`porci adj:expr. bent out of
shape; in the state of having an
indefinable shape.
pornam vt. flick or shift something
using a tool. `iin `m `porbab
`porlen tokaa. Flick the yam out
(of the fire) quickly.
porkup-porlek vt. shift
something from side to side,
over and under, using a tool,
as when roasting something
on all sides in a fire.
polee nce. See: inci-polee.
`polee n. variety of severe,
no-longer common disease
usually affecting the foot in
which internal boils form and
take a very long time to heal.
pol nce. thing of great redness in
colour. Gram: usu. occurs as
compound element See: `kci-pol
irritated, of the eyes;
yamd-pol lesser coucal.
n:poet. cock; red rooster, in a
ceremonial sense. pol gennam
hundred rooster sacrifice.
pol n. animal leg (generally, a
mithun leg) designated to be
received by a lampo mediator.
`poso n. variety of stinging creeper.
Urtica sp.
`pohaa n. money; cash. Source:
Assamese.
`pohum n. variety of meal packet
in which the target object is
placed into a central cavity and
wrapped around.
vt. wrap into a `pohum packet.
p- clfr. Classifier for globular,
ball-like or egg-like things, such
as eggs, individual hills or
mountains, automobiles or fat
stomachs, as well as globular
containers such as glasses and
cups. Also classifies birds,
probably as a function of
metonymy. Gram: Root form, used
for combining with numeral roots
and some adjective roots. akii ptt
`duuku. My stomach is getting
fat.
-p pc
212
-p vs:adv. suffice; satisfy. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the
subject is satisfied in terms of the
action indicated by the verb, as when
having eaten. `ijir `kaaken nam
`yad go `kaalaa `cin kaap maa.
However much one looks at
beautiful girls, its never enough.
mp adj. be satisfied; feel
satisfied. mp maa. Im not
satisfied.
-`p vs:adv. reach; arrive; achieve.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that a
goal or ideal state is reached,
arrived-at or achieved as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
`rp `tokaa! Complete it!
`epp `tok! Complete writing it!
`rp-`memp do (some work)
thoroughly.
pnam1 vi. suffice; be sufficient; be
enough. `g `cin pku maa.
That also was not enough.
vt. satisfy; suffice for; be sufficient
for someone. `bupp ii `m
pd `b `mot `kaa! Make it
(enough) such that it satisfies
everybody!
pnam2 vt. steam-cook something
in bamboo, especially fish.
`pnam vt. reach, as a destination
one is moving to, an object one is
trying to grasp, or an extent to
which one is extending oneself or
part of the body; arrive at a
destination.
`pci vi. reach; arrive at a
destination. `pc maa. I cant
reach (what Im trying to reach
with the tongs).
ppaa n. variety of cardamom
plant.
`ppok v. reach the edge of
something.
`ppok-dooi n. setting sun.
See: `ppok reach the side;
dooi sun.
-pk vs:adv. hollow out; carve out;
erode. Gram: Result suffix indicating
that something is hollowed-out or
carved-out as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
`kopk vi. hollowed-out;
carved-out, of soil. cokpk `m
`kopk `doona `mlaa kodee
yagloo `duu. Since the
underside is hollowed-out, the
soil is cascading down.
pkuk n. eggshell.
`pk nce. bird killer. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: pilii-`pk chicken louse.
pg nce. variety of goose.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: pg-poyoo goose.
pg-poyoo n. goose, of uncertain
variety. Migrate in February over
the Galo area, generally flying at
night. Call sounds like that of
Canada goose. Var: pg-poyoo.
pgnam vt. cut, split or strip things
of relatively large size, as when
splitting bamboo logs to make
strips for fencing, starting by
making a cut with a blade and
following with hands, when
pulling out a bamboo shoot by
hand from the ground, or when
stripping bark-layers off a
banana tree; usually performed
in rapid, jerking motions.
pktak vt. split something such
that it cracks, in the above
way.
pc Var: ps (P). n. pot; container
pc-ab `prsin
213
for cooking.
pc-ab Var: ps-ab (P). n. lip of
a vase-like pot.
ptin n. species of small-sized owl,
including forest eagle-owl (Bubo
nipalensis) and collared scops owl
(Otus bakkamoena).
`pt adj. dry; desiccated.
ptr n. chicken carrier;
loosely-woven bamboo
suitcase-like container used for
transporting chickens, as to
market or from one village to
another.
pdin n. egg white; white portion of
an egg.
`pnam1 vi. bark, as a dog.
`pnam2 vt. 1 pour liquid, as
when decanting from a pitcher
into a glass. o `iss `m `pkaa. I
poured the water.
2 craft; create; design or fashion
something, as a handicraft; create
something special.
`plen vt. produce through
creation, as a god.
`plk vt. pour into a container,
as water.
`pnam3 vt. sharpen a blade by
rubbing against a sharpening
stone.
`prek vt. sharpen (a blade).
`pnam-paanam n. livelihood; to
make a living. See: `pnam
fashion; paanam get.
`pp n. egg.
`pp-`t n. omelette. See: `pp
egg; `t rice flour (cake).
`pmuu n. variety of tailless bird,
possibly whitecheecked hill
partridge or rufousthroated hill
partridge. Ground-dwelling, but
with distinctively frenetic flight
to 15-20 feet when frightened.
Arborophilia atrogularis or
Arborophilia rufogularis?
`pmr Var: `pmur (P). n. egg yolk.
pm n. variety of raptor, possibly
an eagle.
praa n:time. tenth moon cycle of the
year, roughly mid-September to
mid-October. Usage: may be used
to refer to the international
calendar month of October.
pree nce. See: `op-pree
mountain carp (variety).
prk n. variety of jungle fowl,
probably kaleej pheasant.
Lophura leucomelana?
prk-taakuu n. game bird, in
general. See: prk kaleej
pheasant; taakuu dove.
prn-`toguu n. aspect of a mithun
sacrifice. See: `toguu ritual
variety.
`prsin n. red jungle fowl. Formerly
commonly hunted, now
relatively rare due to
overhunting. Female is black
with distinctive, hatchet-like tail
feathers, male black and red with
coloured tail feathers. Generally
found in small bands browsing
the floor of semi-dense jungle,
but also occasionally seen
crossing wet fields to browse in
adjacent bamboo groves. Very
fast runners, they may also fly at
speed for a certain distance when
trying to escape a predator.
Gallus gallus.
`pll pnam
214
`pll n:poet. stone. Usage: Goku.
`phik n. rufousnecked hornbill, a
single-horned variety of hornbill.
Aceros nipalensis.
`phik-pgaa n. hornbill of any or
all varieties. See: `phik
rufousnecked hornbill; pgaa
hornbills in general.
`phr adj. ultimate; best.
-`p1 vs:adv. dried. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is
dried-out as a result of the activity
indicated by the verb
`tipp hinam vt. dry
something, such as ones
hands, by dabbing with
something (such as a towel);
wipe until dry.
-`p2 vs:asp. be supposed to; be
obliged to. Gram: Obligative suffix
indicating that the subject is
supposed to, or is under obligation
to, bring about the action indicated
by the verb. Occurs in limited
contexts; generally, in
nominalizations in -nam and when
followed by the modal verb of
Obligation lagi want/need. `hg
ager `hg `unuk `rp namm.
This here work was meant to be
done by us (but instead it was
awarded to some plains people).
`dop lagi `duu. We have to eat.
`lpaa `p `lagee. One should be
in the middle (not too much this
way, not too much that).
`p pcl. may; might. Gram:
Uncertainty particle indicating that
the speaker is not certain whether the
marked information is the case, but
supposes that it could be, or else is
bringing it up as a possibility for
purpose of discussion. Generally
understood as a guess based on
deduction from facts rather than
perceived evidence. `m, `mb
`rduu `p. Yeah, it may be like
that. `kaaduu `p. Theres a
good chance theyll have some.
p- clfr. Classifier for rice fields
(construed as bounded areas of
land). Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots.
pnam1 vt. hammer something;
beat or hit with a large sticklike
or log-like object, such as a log or
a sledgehammer (not fists). tabb
`m `pk `tokee! Beat the snake
to death!
`pup vt. smash something
roundish and hollow by
hammering such that it
shatters, as a glass.
`pkop adj. dented from having
been hit with a stick.
`pjap-`pyap vt. flatten
something by smashing it with
something large.
pt vt. injure someone by
smashing with something
large.
ptuu-pyuu vt. smash up;
smash into many pieces.
`pmk-`pmak vt.
pulverize; smash into a million
pieces.
`prek vt. when beating
something with a stick, glance
off hitting slightly.
pyak vt. smash a standing
thing by hitting it with
something large, such as a
sledgehammer.
pnam2 v:c.arg. fart. Gram: Generally
occurs with associated noun `pp
`pkap `pglen
215
fart pp pduu. (Hes) farting.
`pkap vt. fart onto something
directly, such as underpants.
pmk vt. fart too close too
someone, such that the odour
reaches them directly.
-`pk1 vs:adv. perfectly; clearly;
unambiguously; properly. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb is
brought about in a clear, proper, or
unambiguous way.
`kaapk vt. 1 see clearly;
clearly understand. problem
go `mlaa `kaapk `duu. They
see clearly that its a problem.
2 identify clearly.
`mpk vt. decide; make up
ones mind; think clearly on a
subject. `mpk `tokee,
`yoogo `laa. Make up your
mind, whats wrong with you.
`mpk `doola agom `m japt
`kee. Think clearly and then
speak.
`rpk-`rrk vt. do something
properly and quickly,
finishing up without dally or
delay.
-`pk2 vs:adv. damage. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something
which was previously intact is
damaged as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. `pr `g aar
`m `mempk `laku. The
`pr birds hind legs broke
(as it stood up).
`pupk vt. damage something by
pulling at it.
`mopk vt. break something
which had been whole and
functioning.
pkaa-yuule n:poet.
ceremony/ritual practice
(involving sacrifice) to please
spirits. Usage: Goku.
pkam n. variety of migratory bird,
possibly a type of heron or crane,
flying southward in
November/December and
returning in March/April. Found
in huge flocks of hundreds of
birds. Black, with a white chest
and a sharp, pointed beak for
fishing. Seemingly rare, as some
individuals shot down in the
Galo area have been found to be
fitted with leg bands.
pkii nce. See: cuurii-pkii variety
of bird.
pkoo n. cob, of an ear of
corn/maize. See: tp maize.
`pk n. egg laying basket; basket
made for a hen to sit and lay eggs
in.
pgaa n. Great pied hornbill, a
variety of double-horned
hornbill. Buceros bicornis.
See: `phik Rufousnecked
(single-horned) hornbill.
pgoo n. wheel; circle.
adj. round; circular. pgoo `duu.
(Its) round.
`pgnam vt. 1 pull something off,
away, or apart; break off e.g. one
banana from the bunch; pull
apart.
2 crack knuckles or other joints.
`pkpuu vt. pull something
completely off. `hn ann `m
`pkpuu `tokee. Pull off all
the leaves.
`pglen vt. pull something out
pksi `pnam
216
or off of a containing or
adhering body. porok arbaa
`m `pglen gr `laa baat `kee.
Pull off the chicken thighs and
roast them.
pksi vt. crack ones own
knuckles or joints.
pgnam vt. sweep roughly,
especially using a hampk fan
palm broom.
`pum n. variety of bird.
`pcr n. corn/maize kernel,
whether fresh or dry.
`pjaa vi. of a chicken, make a
clucking sound as when laying
an egg, pok-pok-pok-pokaaaa!
`pjap n. duck.
pji1 n. yellow-coloured
maize/corn.
pji2 nce. See: pji-pm riverine
diversion.
pji-pm n. temporary riverine
diversion, used as an element of
a rlen fish trapping system.
Poisoned, stunned fish are
channelled by the diversion into
a `hibok damming system, into
which they can enter but cannot
escape.
pjk n. 1 variety of bird.
2 coward.
pap n. 1 door to a
chicken-carrier (ptr).
2 ritual medallion woven from
bamboo strips consisting of a
circular frame filled in by a
triangular weave incorporating
three overlapping star of David
shapes, with tassles hanging
from the base. Associated to the
Sun. Hung from sacrificial altars.
ptaa Var: pttaa (P). n. bird
(generic).
ptaa-`kobuu
Var: pttaa-`kobuu (P). n.
microfauna; small wild animals.
See: ptaa bird; `kobuu rodent.
ptaa-`baak n. variety of
eggplant. Solanum sp. See: ptaa
bird; `baak variety of
eggplant.
ptak n. mug; container with a
built-in handle.
`ptup n. container; tin; can.
`ptup-pr n. container in
general, of any size or type.
See: `ptup can.
`pto n. variety of mustard plant,
from which oil is made.
pt n. cup. `pookaa pt section
of bamboo cut as a beer-drinking
glass.
`ptk nce. See: tkom-`ptk
popping beetle.
`pdii n. popping maize; popping
corn; variety of maize which
pops very well, and generally
used for this purpose.
`pna pcl. should; must. Gram:
Hortative particle to an imperative
sentence in -to, indicating that the
speaker believes that the marked
event is something that the listener is
under obligation to perform, and
shouldnt have any cause to refuse.
`hgm dot `pna. Youre to eat
this. `yupt `maab, mt `pna.
Dont just go to sleep, you
should think (about this thing of
importance).
`pnam n. comparison. Gram:
pnam plii
217
non-inflecting nominalized verb
used as a standard of comparison
than or in comparison to rotii
`m pnam acin `doken
`yaaduu. Rice is tastier than
bread.
pnam vt. divert water, as when
preparing a dam or diversion
trap for purpose of catching fish.
`hibok-pnam to fish using a
`hibok dam.
ptum vt. dam up; block the
flow of water. `bogdum `m
ptum paaku `ree? Have you
built up the dam head yet?
py vt. divert the course of a
river to the side or away from
something.
`plk vt. divert the flow of a
body of water into something;
divert the course of a river into
a particular channel. `iss `m
koroo `bok `plk kaaku. The
water has been diverted via
the ditch.
pbee n. parrot; parakeet. Properly
designates the redbreasted
parakeet and Himalayan
slatyheaded parakeet, but may be
used to refer to parrots or
parakeets of any variety.
Psittacula himalayana/Posttacula
alexandri.
`pbk adj. clear, of an idea or an
explanation.
`pmar n. brown or
maroon-coloured maize/corn.
`pmu n. cornsilk.
`pmk n. chaff; dust-like particles
resulting from winnowing rice.
See: amp rice husk.
pmr n. dust.
pm nce. See: pji-pm riverine
diversion.
proo Var: paroo (P). n. pigeon.
pr1 n. variety of
nightingale-sized bird with
several unnamed,
differently-coloured
sub-varieties.
pr2 nce. See: `ptup-pr
container.
`pr n. chicken roost traditionally
located on or below the balcony
of a house, near to the `gumr
pigpen and `eeko latrine.
prci-pri n. relatively small
moth, of any variety.
Prtin name. name of a clan found
in both Adi and Mising
communities.
prnam1 vi. rotate, of a circle or
circular object.
vt. 1 rotate a circle or circular
object, such as a car steering
wheel.
2 drive a car. Usage: Not used to
describe the driving of a
motorcycle.
prnam2 vt. pack; make a packet.
kopr-prnam to make a
kopr rice packet.
`prn n. variety of nut-bearing
tree.
Prmee name. name of a clan found
in both Adi and Mising
communities.
Prlk name. name of a mountain in
East Siang District.
plii n. seed maize; seed corn;
maize/corn kept aside for next
years planting.
-baa baa-
218
B - b
-baa vs:asp. Direct perfective
aspectual suffix. Gram: indicates
that an iteration of an anticipated
event is brought about, completed
and done with. Entails an
understanding that the subject has
direct experiential authority over the
information, and must have
witnessed it or otherwise directly
experienced it, unless a further
particle indicating information
source is provided. Generally follows
suffixes -to, -gee and -ee. o
acin dot baa. Ive already taken
my meal. `gm `ment baa
`lakaa! What are you talking
about, I already talked about all
that! `b acin doggee baa `yuk!
Hes already eaten, they say!
`hodum ` `tok `jukcaa eebaa!
The barking deer ran up via that
way!
`baa- clfr. Classifier for vocal
durations or performances, such
as songs, speeches, meetings, etc.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. `baai go two
songs. See: `abaa vocal
duration.
baa pcl. 1 or something; or some
such thing; suppose. Gram:
Suppositional particle to a noun
phrase or subordinated verb,
marking the information as one of a
variety of possibilities. Usage: some
if not all uses appear to be
borrowed from or otherwise
influenced by Assamese, and
may not be used in all `Laree
areas. Source: Assamese?. no baa
inboolo, al `yaacin `rcom.
Supposing you go, it may also
work out. `aalaa `maab baa `rr.
It may be that he wont be able
to come. `yubmab baa `rcin
`duup. At the same time,
theres a chance he may not be
sleeping.
2 or (whatever else it may be).
Coordinating sense marking a
noun as one of a serious of
possible objects in a set, none of
which are necessarily selected for
reference in the action indicated
by the verb. ac-abbo prk `gobai
taakuu `gobai `ablee `laa baa
rku. The men may bring back
pheasants or doves, according to
what they may have shot.
3 or something like that; or
someone like that. Dismissive
sense used to follow an
interrogative/indefinite
pronoun, giving the overall sense
or someone/thing, whose
identity I dont really care
enough about to try to discover.
`y `bai `aaduu. Someones
coming. `yk `bai garii go
`cootuu namm `ii. He stole
so-and-sos car.
-baa vs:adv. 1 fast; quickly. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb has a
fast or quick duration. Occurs
immediately after verb roots. o
`rbab `rr. Ill do it quickly.
2 fast; quickly. Gram: Adjective
root-combining sense; occurs after a
repeated adjective root. ard dabaa
`jaaduu. Hes getting clever
quickly (of a growing child).
baa- clfr. Classifier for types or
`baaken `baayom
219
varieties. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. baapii four
types (of domestic animals are
kept in our pen). See: abaa type.
`baaken n. unison.
baak n. variety of eggplant with
quite small, extremely bitter
berry-like fruits which are green
when young and yellow when
ripe. Usually boiled, the fruits are
eaten as a side dish with rice or
alone as a snack when drinking
rice beer. Solanum indicum.
See: `baayom eggplant.
`baago n. sitting area for the father
of a house and/or other
privileged men, to one side of a
fireplace. Expert hunters are
particularly entitled to sit here,
where hunting equipment and
the skulls of various animals are
also traditionally hung.
See: ood womens sitting
area.
`baacak n. small ladder; small set
of stairs. Rare, possibly archaic.
`koobaa-`baacak small ladder.
baajik nce. See: gji-baajik eye
crap.
`baat n. large ladder; large set of
stairs. Rare, possibly archaic.
`koobaa-`baat large ladder.
`baat nce. See: lakc-`baat
knuckle.
baanam1 vi. move, of a head. `bk
dumpoo baan baab `duu. His
head is moving around.
vt. move ones head; bob ones
head up and down.
`baapak vi. shake ones head
back and forth, to say no.
agom `m `megap kumaa `b,
`baapak `coojoo `dagee.
Without taking the time to
listen at all, he rejected (the
proposal) right out.
baanam2 vt. bake by surrounding
with coals; char; burn, but not
completely incinerate. `b `om
baatee kaa. She burned me (by
putting a match to my skin).
baaek vt. over-bake; overcook
something being baked.
baanam3 v:c.arg. meet; hold a
meeting. Gram: Generally occurs
with associated noun kbaa
meeting kbaa-baanam to hold
a meeting.
`baanam v:c.arg. set up a house
ladder. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun `koobaa ladder
`koobaa-`baanam to set up a
house ladder.
`baacaa vt. set up a ladder to
reach an upward space, as a
house roof.
`baaloo vt. set up a ladder to
reach a downward space, as a
pit.
`baan n. element of a `hibok
fishing dam, a slanting and
diagonally-positioned pole used
to fix the position of `yamn
filtering branches and/or leaves.
`baabuk n. variety of ant,
sweet-smelling, plentiful in April
and eaten with rice.
`baaboo nce. See: taloo-`baaboo
swing.
`baamin n. gaur. Bos gaurus.
`baayom n. eggplant. Most general
term for any variety of eggplant
baayr baj-bay
220
which produces fruit of ample
size (generally of purple or
green-purple colour), whether
oblong or ovoid, most typically.
Solanum melongena.
baayr adj. on target; near or close
to the target; approximate. baayr
maa! Hes not even close (to
being able to pronounce it
correctly)!
`baal1 n. red rice.
`baal2 nce. See: `ukc-`baal
firefly.
baal n. variety of headdress,
especially as worn by young
males from the grooms side in a
loud, semi-threatening
welcoming dance at a Galo
wedding.
Baahar Var: Baasar. name. 1 name
of a Galo clan.
2 name of a major Galo town of
lower West Siang District,
Arunachal Pradesh. De facto
capital of the Lare Galo dialect
area.
bai n. element of a `hibok fishing
dam, one of several horizontal
beams running along the breadth
of the dam; used for fastening
materials such as kodap
banana leaf packs, and for
providing overall support to the
structure.
`bar vt. make red-hot, as coal-fired
iron. `orok `m `bar gr `laa
pauu `tokee. Fire the dao and
flatten it out.
bagnam vi. 1 migrate; move, in
the sense of moving house;
completely shift ones base from
one place to another; leave ones
usual/normal place or natural
place of origin.
2 of the skin, to come off or be
made raw, as from the action of
lime in the mouth (but not of
fire); of skin, to peel.
magbak-bagdee `laa! Your penis
might become raw (from too
much intercourse)!
baggoo vi. wander; migrate
from place to place, as a
refugee or itinerant labourer.
`baglen vi. move out, as of an
old house or village location.
`baglk vt. move in, as to a new
house or village location.
bagren n. pancreas.
`baii n. cane; walking stick.
bain n. ripe mb melon, with
yellow-orange flesh.
baji n. oclock. Source: Hindi. `yad
baji lo grp kubbee `hiloo?
What time did you get up
today?
`batak n. flooring made from strips
of bamboo.
banam vt. vomit.
`baom vi. gag, as when having
eaten something unpalatable
and feeling oneself on the
verge of vomiting.
`bagom-`bayom vi. vomit
uncontrollably, as someone too
drunk to maintain control over
his body.
baj-bay vi. vomit all over
the place; puke wildly.
baj-bay `laa `motuu ku
`lakaa. He puked all over the
place, my goodness.
`bapak `biik
221
`bapak vt. eject via vomiting, as
excess alcohol accumulated in
the stomach.
`bal vi. feel like vomiting; feel
queasy; feel nauseous.
Var: `bal-bayoo.
banek nce. See: banek-nell
bridal clothing.
banek-nell n. variety of
red-coloured clothing
traditionally worn by a bride.
babum Var: pogbum (P). vi. lie
chest-down; lie down using ones
chest, whether on the floor or
(more commonly) atop someone
else.
vt. carry someone, especially a
small child, atop ones chest
while lying down; allow or cause
someone to recline atop ones
chest while one is also lying on
ones back. See: bamnam lie
face-down.
-bam vs:val. together. Gram:
Collaborative suffix indicating
co-participation in an action. When
occurring without Reflexive suffix
-hi, indicates that the subject
participates in an event together
with the object. When occurring
with Reflexive suffix -hi, indicates
that a plural subject participates in
the event together. `bm o
inbam to. I went with him.
`bulu rbam `hiduu. (They) live
together. dobam `hiken maar.
It wont be good to eat these
things together.
bamnam vi. lie face-down; lie
down, with ones chest to the
ground. See: babum lie using the
chest.
bar- clfqr. Classifier for bar
(loosely-woven) baskets of any
qualifying substance, such as
firewood or fan palm leaves.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. See: bar large
loosely woven conical basket.
`bar- clfr. Classifier for discs,
including rupees (whether coin
or paper), plates, and brass discs.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. `ngjok `barlii
new brass plate. See: `abar disc.
barg n. frame spine for an bar
basket.
`Bargra Var: `Bagr. name. name of
a cluster of Galo villages to the
west of Aaloo, as well as of a clan
of Galo originating from there.
`barci n. small conical basket of
loosely-woven bamboo. See: bar
largely loosely-woven conical
basket.
barnam vt. intone; utter; say, speak
or chant in a formal, ritual style,
particularly of a priest
performing a ceremony.
`balii n. sand. See: sili sand (Asm).
-`bi vs:adv. pair-wise; as a pair. Gram:
Dual verb suffix, indicating that the
action indicated by the verb is
accomplished by two actors. Must be
followed by Reflexive suffix -hi.
`bu rap `m `ckkok `paalaa,
kaabok `bihi to. The two of
them opened the window and
looked down as a pair. `nu
imbam `bihi `tokee. The two of
you go together (as a pair).
biikam n. fallowing field, left for a
period of 6-10 years.
`biik n. variety of river spirit.
biij `binnam (2)
222
biij n. fallowing field, left for a
period of around 1-3 years.
biinam vi. trickle; flow relatively
slowly, as water flowing through
a small brook.
biiro n. field fallowing for a period
of 3-5 years.
-`bik vs:adv. somehow manage;
manage one way or another;
muddle through. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that an actor
manages to bring about the action
indicated by the verb somehow, one
way or another, although possibly
not with any finesse or expertise.
Usually semi-reduplicated as
-`bik...-`lik. `a ` `bik kaa.
The year passed without
consequence (good or bad).
-`bik...-`lik vs:advsr. somehow;
managing, but without finesse.
Gram: Split manner suffix indicating
that subject manages to bring about
the action indicated by the verb
somehow, but without finesse.
`kaabik-`kaalik vt. somehow
manage to watch despite not
being able to see clearly, as a
TV with bad reception.
`rbik-`dolik vt. muddle
through ones life; somehow
manage to put a life together,
one way or another.
`mobik-`molik vt. somehow
manage to do something;
muddle through something.
`mobik `molik `laa o
`momum `duu. One way or
another (without finesse) I
manage to do it. See: -`bik
somehow.
`bicuu n. kid; baby goat.
-bin vs:adv. bare; naked. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
rendered clean, bare, or naked as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. `m `gbin r. Ill weed
out all the weeds. ann `obin
kaa. The leaves (of the tree) fell
completely off (leaving it bare).
-`bin vs:adv. miserly. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject is
acting miserly in terms of the action
indicated by the verb, or in a selfish
and ungenerous manner.
`dobin vi. be miserly in eating;
not share food. See: `hibin
miser.
`binkr n. goat odour; stench of
goat.
`binnam (1) vt. snap something,
as a rope. o ohoo `m `binduu.
Im snapping the rope.
vi. 1 snap, of a rope by itself.
ohoo `binkaa. The rope
snapped.
2 kick the bucket; buy the farm;
die, in a euphemistic sense. `b
`ijjaa `bikaa ku. He just died.
`bintuu vt. snap a rope in two,
more or less at midpoint.
`ntuu `m `bintuu `tokee.
Snap the thread in two.
`binrik vt. snap, of a rope (at any
point).
`binnam (2) vi. 1 pass, of time.
2 muddle through, of a person
and an event or task; do
something by hook or by crook.
`bidd `b o `momum `duu.
Somehow I manage to get
through it. `bidd `bidd `b,
`bidd `bidd `b, `rlaa `na.
Slowly and gradually, muddle
through your life.
binnam (2) `buucuu
223
binnam (2) vi. 1 flow, of a river,
with relatively constant force.
`hibuu ` `bbab `bidduu. The
river flows quickly.
2 have loose bowels.
akii-binnam (2) vi. have loose
motion. aloo bidd, `ayo
bittuu. Im having diarrhoea
day and night.
`bidduu vi. flow upward or
upstream, as a section of a
river with a
backward-returning leg or a
north-flowing river. `iss `
bippoo `laa, biyyar `laa,
biggoo `laa `rnam `bidduu
`na `gar `bcin `kaaduu `b
`rduu. The waters flowing
across, along the length,
around, and sometimes it
looks as though its flowing
upward.
biyy vi. flow to the side, as a
diverted river.
`billoo vi. flow downward
and/or southward.
`binpin n. goatskin.
`binlii n. breeding goat; goat used
to establish a breeding line.
-bin...-kak vs:advs. clean; clear.
Gram: Split result suffix indicating
that something is completely or fully
cleaned away or cleared off by way
of the action indicated by the verb.
ann rubin rukak `duuku. The
leaves of the tree are completely
shaved off (of themselves).
See: -bin bare.
`birii nce. See: `ugjii-`birii horned
owl (variety).
`bis-`bos Var: bs-`bos (P). expr.
whisper; whispering sound; the
sound made when whispering.
`nu `yoogo `laa `bis-`bos
`mlaa `moduu `ko? What are
you two whispering about?
`bissok Var: `biisok (P). n. stripe;
single line across a surface.
adj. racing-striped; with a
contrasting coloured line across
the surface. `bk `umoo
`bissok `dagla `kaa. His face is
scarred, of all things.
`bissok-`bibbok
Var: `biis-`biibok (P). adj:expr.
many-striped, as a tiger.
See: `bissok stripe.
`buin n:poet. rat. Usage: Goku.
`buin `m baabin `lamaa; imaa
`mekam `lamaa. Mouse (hair)
cant be totally burned (off); poor
people cant be forced (to
produce what they dont have,
e.g. a donation).
buu- clfr. Classifier for pipes or
tubes, in the sense of hollow
entities with extension, such as
poles (especially bamboo) and
rivers. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `buuken one
piece of bamboo. See: abuu
pipe.
-buu vs:adv. into a space. Gram:
Directional suffix indicating that an
action is directed from the outside of
a space into a spaces interior, as
through a window or hole. `og aruu
`ogo ohoo `bm piibuu geek.
String that rope down there
through the hole.
kaabuu vi. look into a space
from outside, as through a
window or other hole.
`buucuu n. baby mouse.
buunam `bukkoo
224
buunam1 vt. 1 suck; slurp.
2 shock something, as electrical
current.
buugap vt. stick to something
by means of sucking, as a
suckerfish.
buujin vt. suck something dry;
suck out absolutely
everything. See: tacap-buugap
suckerfish variety.
buunam2 vt. scold someone.
Usage: (P). See: roonam scold (L).
`buupii n. variety of
reddish-brown jungle rat.
`buupin n. rat skin; mouse skin.
`buum Var: `buum. adj. dressed
up; decked out; copiously
ornamented, of a woman or a
man. `buum hit `kee! Get
dressed-up!
`buum-`raar
Var: `buum-`aaren (P). adj. fully
dressed-up; fully decked-out.
See: `buum dressed-up.
`buuyr n. riverbank. Usage: (P).
See: ryr bank; shore.
`buulii n. plague of rats, triggered
by the flowering of bamboo
around once every ten years or
so. `buulii `jugduu. A plague of
rats is in effect.
`buul n. animal leg (usually, a
mithun leg) designated for giving
to a priest.
`buo n. baby mouse.
-`buk vs:adv. 1 into a substance.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the object is transferred into a
substance and/or a space containing
a substance, such as water
(especially) or perhaps rice, and is
submerged through the action
indicated by the verb. `l `
`jbuk kaa. The stone sank.
2 burst. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is caused
to burst or sprout forward as a result
of the action indicated by the verb.
`buk vt. plunge and soak, as
ones feet in a pool of water.
`naabuk vt. throw something
into a substance, especially
water or perhaps rice.
`buk- clfr. Classifier for pods or
bulbous, bulging sections, as
jackfruit pods, sections of an
orange, or halves of a vagina.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. untraa `bukpii go
`jilaa `kee. Please give me four
sections of orange. `bugum
three pods. See: `abuk pod.
buktak n. hardcover sheath for a
dao/machete, usually with
hardened bamboo planks along
the sides, often covered by dried
barking deer skin. See: hobuk
soft-cover sheath.
`bugnam vi. 1 burst; pop;
explode, as a gun, bomb, or
crackling firewood.
2 sprout, of a new plant from
the ground or hair from the
body. `am bugd `beo. I think
they have hairs on them. `a
`acr-`abuk-`bugna `l `m
`laakaa to. Get that stone which
is bulging with pockmarks.
3 emerge and shine, of a star at
nightfall.
`bukkoo vi. burst open, creating
a hole.
bukpik bumpoo
225
bukpik vi. puncture; burst, of
something under pressure,
such as a car tire.
bukci (-bugii) vi. burst apart;
blow apart. tatk `m `hamjap
namm, akii bikci-bugii
`laku. Having stepped on the
frog, its stomach blew
completely open.
bugrak expr. bang! Expressive
denoting the sound of a gun
going off. Gram: must be followed
by `mlaa or a reduced form `m
bugrak `mlaa `li go buggee
baa. The gun went off twice
bang!
bugluk n. variety of small edible
mushroom commonly found in
summer; flat-capped and
growing in clusters.
`bui Var: `mui (P). pro. they (dl.);
they two. Gram: Third person dual
pronoun `nu `iyaa `tokee,
o `yumii `duuku. You two go
instead, Im getting tired.
`buduu nce. See: uduu.`buduu
horned owl (variety).
`bunam vt. uproot something, as a
tree or ones facial hairs.
See: `punam tug.
`buppaa n:qual. all (of them). aum
bup`paa tark `duu. All three of
them are correct. See: `bupp
everyone.
`bupp Var: a`b (P). pro.
everyone; everybody. `bupp `
`menna. Everyone said it.
n:qual. all; every. Gram: Qualifying
noun either preceding or following
another noun. When preceding,
usually references a particular group,
as all of (them) (in a positive
sentence) or none of (them) (in a
negative sentence). When following,
usually references a generality, as all
(in this category) (in a positive
sentence) or not all (in a category
*or* group) (in a negative sentence).
`uaa `bupp ` `kabduu. All
babies (in the world) cry. `uaa
`bupp ` kabmaa. Not all (the)
babies (in the group/in the
world) cry. `bupp `uaa `
`kabduu. All of the babies (in
the group) cry (there are no
non-criers in the group). `bupp
`uaa ` kabmaa. None of the
babies (in the group) cry. *or*
No babies cry (in the world).
-bum1 vs:adv. cause dust to disperse;
cause an area to become dusty.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that in
bringing about the action indicated
by the verb the subject creates or
causes the dispersion of dust.
dgbum stir up dust while
walking. `rbum dobum `deek!
Dont make the dust scatter!
-bum2 vs:adv. invade someones
space. Gram: Result suffix indicating
that someones personal or proper
space is invaded carelessly as a result
of the action indicated by the verb.
inbum vi. walk in front of
someone without care.
`rbum vt. in doing something,
invade anothers space.
bumnam vi. lie face-down or
chest-down; lie on ones front,
like a cow.
bumbok vi. lie facing
downward/toward the south.
`bumlk vi. lie down on
something, such as a bed.
bumpoo vi. lie breadth-wise; lie
across the breadth of a space.
bumyar -bee
226
bumyar vi. lie lengthwise; lie
across the length of a space.
bumb-`lumlik adj. alkaline or
flat flavour, i.e. a mixture of
sugar and salt, as oral
rehydration formula; a bland,
sickly, lifeless flavour which is
generally unpalatable and
difficult to swallow without
gagging.
burii n. variety of fruit-bearing tree
found in jungles. The fruit, which
is highly prized and may also
have a mythological value, is
roughly apricot-sized, green
when young and yellow when
ripe, with a sweet-and-sour
flavor which becomes very sweet
when fully ripe. The bark of the
tree may also be eaten.
`bulu Var: `bul; `munu (P). pro. they
(pl.); they all. Gram: Third person
plural pronoun Usage: generally
used to refer to human plural
referents, however may
occasionally be used to refer to
definite non-human/inanimate
referents if their plurality is
important. `bul `cemmaa. They
wont know.
dem. etcetera; and so on; and
those sorts of things. Gram:
Non-referential sense of the third
person plural pronoun which follows
a plural noun phrase. Indicates that
in addition to the referents
mentioned by the noun phrase, some
other similar referents are also
involved. When following nouns
mentioning humans, has a sense like
and his/her bunch or and those
guys. When following nouns
mentioning non-humans, has a sense
more like and so on or and those
sorts of things. `ok ab `bulu
`censae `na. My father and his
bunch would have known.
`ipak acin-oo `bulu `doken
maa. Non-hill-tribal food and all
that sort of thing is not tasty.
buluu nce. explode into white;
explode, such that something
white in colour results.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: tp-buluu popcorn.
bulum n. variety of wild fruit,
sour, yellow when ripe,
strawberry-sized and with a
large seed.
`bul int. hey fellas!
Usage: Shouted interjection used
when trying to round up some
people and get them to come
along.
-bee1 vs:adv. half-heartedly;
half-seriously; neglectfully;
carelessly. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that through the action
indicated by the verb, the subject acts
in a half-hearted or careless manner.
Also occurs in semi-reduplicated
form -bee...-lee. Jiikee `gadd `
`nuubee hiraa `laa. The Jiikee
spirits just half-heartedly
stomped on (the stick).
-bee2 vs:asp. ever; ever been. Gram:
Experiential perfect aspectual suffix,
marking an event which is viewed as
a single iteration at some unspecified
time in the past, fully completed,
which in no way continues up to the
present time of speaking. Generally
focuses on the experiential nature of
an event, construed as an experience
which has happened at least once in
someones experience. gku bee.
`mb `rgr...I had brought it.
However...(its no longer with me
or I lost it). `no Aaloo `tolo
`caakaa `beeree? Have you ever
been up to Along? Ab Tani `b
`beeji `mobek
227
`imek `tolo rku `beep. I
suppose that Abo Tani lived up
in Tibet.
`beeji n. needle, as for sewing or
injections. Source: Assamese.
beetum n. bachelor monkey; loner
(male) monkey, considered to be
an agent of Japom. Taboo to
kill.
beet n. crowd of monkeys.
beed n. macaque.
beenam vt. 1 chant; invoke or
ward off ghosts or spirits.
Usage: Generally occurs together
with associated noun `ui
spirit. doogum-door `rpin
`doob beekaa to! Pray for the
storm to stop (speaking to a
shaman)!
2 curse someone or something
by appealing to ghosts and
spirits.
beenam v:c.arg. drool. Gram:
Generally occurs with associated
noun `nabbee drool `nabbee
`beeduu. Drools coming out.
`beegom vi. drool improperly or
making a mess, without regard
to domestic conditions, as a
baby who is not yet conscious
of his actions.
`been nce. See: `tt-`been
blackbird.
`beebo n. variety of wild
cardamom plant.
`beelak n. variety of wild
cardamom plant.
beeluu n. crowd of monkeys.
`beelum nce. See: `tatum-`beelum
spider.
`beehor n. langur. May strictly
denote golden langur, although
extendable to any other variety of
langur. Trachypithecus geei.
-bee...-lee vs:advsr. half-heartedly;
half-seriously; neglectfully;
carelessly. Gram: Split manner
suffix indicating that the subject acts
in a halfhearted or neglectful manner
in bringing about the action
indicated by the verb
kaabee kaalee vt. neglect in
looking; not look carefully.
`rbaa-`rlee vt. do something
half-heartedly, half-seriously
or without concern. `rbee
`rlee `yookaa! Dont do it
half-seriously like that!
See: -bee half-heartedly.
`beo nce. monkey baby.
Usage: archaic; usu. occurs in
compound. See: `beo-`kool
variety of monkey.
`beo-`kool n. variety of monkey,
very small, with a distinctive red
posterior. Possibly a variety of
gibbon. See: `beo baby monkey;
`kool red buttocks.
-bek vs:adv. release or start
something. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is released
or started up as a result of the action
indicated by the verb, as an engine or
something which has been under
tension, as a trap.
tubek vt. kick-start; release by
kicking or start up (a motor)
by kicking.
dabek vt. release (a trap) by
stepping.
dobek n. breakfast.
`mobek vt. make something
bekkap bennam (2)
228
suddenly release, as a trap.
bekkap n. hair band or hair-tie.
bekko Var: bello (P). n. bulbul, or
Indian nightingale. May include
more than one species of bulbul,
including but possibly not
limited to the redwhiskered
bulbul.
beji n. variety of tree, used in
construction of taluu wall
planks.
`bejo n. variety of very large tree
with very strong wood, used for
sawn planks in house
construction. Closely related to
gaal, but with a much less red
wood, and some differences in
the pattern of the bark.
bet-curum n. kingfisher.
Var: deb-curum.
bettum n. variety of bird, probably
a variety of nightingale,
myna-sized, red-fleck on
posterior with white-tipped tail.
Believed to have the power to
make people dull-minded and
speech-impeded.
`ben pcl. seems. Gram: Evidential
particle indicating that the speaker is
not certain of the truth of the
statement, but supposes it to be the
case on the basis of evidence
Usage: Often followed by da or
km. `is `huduu `ben. It
seems shes taking a shower. `b
`duumaa `benda. It seems he
isnt home/there. `b inee baa
`bekm He seems to have
gone.
-ben vs:adv. 1 lot; a lot; frequently;
often. Gram: Intensifying suffix with
the basic meaning a lot. On activity
verbs, can have the sense frequently
or often, or may mean that an object
is affected a lot. Can also have the
sense too much. On state/property
verbs, usually has a plain
intensifying effect, i.e. very much
(so). gben `lamaa! I cant hold
(the urine in) any longer! idoo
oben kaaku. Its rained a lot.
torben `duu. Its very strong.
o `hiloo-`mroo tben `jaa
kaaku. Ive been smoking too
much recently. Tamik `bk
imm `m ig `benduu. Tamik
always brings his wife.
2 a lot; too (much). Gram:
Root-combining adjectival suffix,
following a repeated adjectival root.
`b ard daben `jaaduu. Hes too
clever. tiihir hirben maa. Its
not too sweet.
`bent Var: `pent (P). nce.
See: `bent-`hobuk house lizard.
`bent-`hobuk
Var: `pent-hobup (P). n. gecko;
house lizard.
`bennam vi. of a part, to come off
or fall off of its whole; of a whole,
to have a part come off or fall off.
`orok ` `bekaa. A part of the
dao fell off. aii `bekaa. (My)
tooth fell out.
vt. separate off; remove; remove a
part from a whole. aii `m `bent
`kee! Pull out your tooth!
bennam (2) vi. spring, as a trap; be
released, of any object kept under
tension. `yubla `doona `lken `
berrp kaa. So then, the group
that was lying asleep at once
sprang up.
vt. 1 flick or flick at something,
as with ones finger or with an
instrument such as a pencil or
twig; twang something, as a taut
bekkup-bellek -boolo
229
rubber band; strum something,
as a guitar; flick or catapult an
object such that it flies. `l `m
o `hdaa ` begaa kaa. I flicked
at the stone with a stick.
2 trill, of the tongue, as when
pronouncing a vibrating r;
speak, in a rapid staccato
manner. Aci Bocak `maajib
`bebbab `bedduu. Elder Brother
Bocak really speaks quickly (in a
staccato manner).
bekkup-bellek vi. twist and
turn; roll back and forth, up
and down, as a restless baby.
`bebboo (`belloo) vi. flick or
catapult an object such that it
goes over another object.
bembo n. takin, a large ungulate
found in cold, mountainous
areas. Budorcas taxicolor.
beree n. subtype of yellow bee,
possibly a yellowjacket, although
generally quite small.
`belloo n. variety of nightingale,
with a traditional taboo
restriction on eating.
-bo vs:adv. enviously; covetously.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
the subject acts enviously or with
untoward fascination.
kaabo Var: kaab. vt. look at
someone with envy or unusual
interest, as when they have
acquired a stunning new
possession.
`boo n. assistant to a
priest/shaman, particularly in
chanting.
-`boo vs:adv. 1 over; across; past.
Gram: Directional suffix indicating
that the subject moves or is directed
over or past an object. akc `m
`comboo `la kaamaa boolo,
`kaapaa maar. If you dont
peek over the branch, you wont
see it.
2 overly. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject is
over-acting, or overdoing it, in terms
of the action indicated by the verb.
abb! o acin `m `doboo hito!
Wa! I ate more than I should
have!
adjs:rcom. too; too much. Gram:
Manner suffix to a repeated adjective
root, indicating that the quality
denoted by the adjective is the case
too much or to an unacceptably great
degree tiihir hirboo `hiduu. Its
too sweet (not tasty anymore).
bootuu n. ritual element of
sacrificial altars.
bood n. umbrella hat; a kind of
massive woven hat, concave and
shaped like a rotund gravestone,
used as an umbrella.
`boonam vt. cross or cross over an
obstacle, such as a mountain or
hill. Usage: Not generally used to
describe the crossing of rivers.
`boobii nce. See: hosi-`boobii
porcupine needle.
boob n. odour; stench. oii
boob `hupaa `duu. I can smell
fish (on my fingers).
adj. odiferous; giving off smell;
smelly. o boob `duu. Im
stinking/giving off smell.
`boolup n. hat, especially a
traditional Galo hat of bamboo or
cane.
-boolo Var: -bool. vs:nf. if; when.
Gram: Conjunctive coordinator with
conditional, hypothetical or
-bok `boj
230
co-temporal meaning. idoo
obboolo al haee. It would be
good if it would rain.
pcl. if; in the case of. Gram: Sense of
the conditional coordinator marking
nouns and copulas. o `Galoo
gobboolo, o `Galoo agom `m
al `b `mensaa. If I (were) Galo,
Id speak Galo well. `b boolo,
o immaa r. If its him, I wont
go.
-bok vs:adv. downward; southward.
Gram: Directional suffix indicating
that the action indicated by the verb
is directed downward in elevation or
southward.
cibbok vt. throw a spear
downward or southward.
kaabok vt. look downward;
look southward.
`bokaa nce. black mithun.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
hob-`bokaa black mithun.
`boko n. old bull.
`boko-boram n. old and decrepit
bull. See: `boko old bull; boram
sick bull.
`bok pos. via (by way of), of (from
or belonging to) or in the general
direction of something
downward, downriver, or
southward of the place of
speaking. o `bok `iir. Ill go
down via that route down there.
*or* Ill go down via that vehicle
which is down there.
`bokko n. base of a fishing dam,
made at the point at which a
diverted arm of a river (as when
snaking around a riverine island)
rejoins the main body. Prevents
fish from returning to the main
body the river, trapping them
within the diverted river arm.
See: `hibok fishing dam.
`bokk pos. from somewhere
downward, southward, or
downriver of the place of
speaking. `bokk `caalen `laju.
Lets go up from down there.
`bokpen n. riverine island; island
formed by the temporary
diversion of a river into two or
more branches.
`boksoo adj. long, of a dam.
`bogdum n. head of a fishing dam,
made at the point of diversion
around a riverine island; fish can
enter, but cannot escape.
See: `hibok fishing dam.
`bogb n. river diversion point;
point at which the main body of
a river branches off into a smaller
arm, as when curving around a
riverine island, later to rejoin the
main body. Point at which a
`hibok fishing dam is made.
See: `hibok fishing dam.
`bogmin ace. See: `dkin-`bogmin
confused.
`bogyar adj. long, of a dam.
`bocor Var: `bosor (P). adj. of cloth,
thin and unlikely to keep the
wearer warm.
boc`co Var: bos`so. int. yikes!
Usage: Interjection used to express
fear, surprise or alarm at some
potential hazard or danger.
See: boho fear.
`bojar n. market. Source: Assamese.
`boj n. variety of bamboo, used in
construction of walls.
Chimonobambusa griffithiana.
botor `bolo `k
231
botor n. bottle. Source: English.
botor tori go jilaa ke. Please
give me two bottles.
`bot n. bull mithun. See: `hon
mithun cow.
bodii n. adolescent male calf.
bonam1 vt. 1 invite; call; solicit
assistance, as in rgee
reciprocal labour. rgee-bonam
to solicit reciprocal labour.
2 lead something by force, as a
mithun or a prisoner.
boaa vt. invite someone over to
ones house.
bokam (-`boj) vt. strong-arm
someone into doing
something; invite forcefully.
`bouu-`bocuu n. last invitee.
vt. invite someone as the last
invitee.
bolk (-boak) vt. invite
reciprocally; give reciprocal
invitations. `bu
bolk-boak `hiduu naa `yuk.
They say theyre giving
reciprocal invitations.
bonam2 vt. roll a wheel or tire-like
thing.
bogoo vi. roll around an area.
Bopee name. Bopee, son of Niibo.
Third in generation from Abo
Tani in one of the Mising lines.
`bopo n. variety of `jebo tunic.
bor- clfr. Classifier for spread-out,
sheet-like objects, including
leaves and pillows. Gram: Root
form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. an `bori two leaves.
`bort broad, of a flattish thing.
See: abor sheet.
-`bor vs:adv. enlarge. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
enlarged as a result of the activity
indicated by the verb.
`mibbor vt. blow on something
to expand it, as a balloon.
`membor vt. exaggerate.
`libbor vt. open a sheathed thing
and expand it, such as an
umbrella.
`hagbor vt. blow out ones
stomach (purposefully).
boram nce. sick bull. Usage: usu.
found in compound.
See: `boku-boram old and
decrepit male animal.
`Borii name. 1 name of an Eastern
Tani group found at the northern
extremity of the Tani area, either
directly or indirectly bordering
the Menba and Khamba, as well
as the Bokar, to the north, and
also Minyong and Galo to the
south, southwest, and southeast.
2 name of a clan found in some
Mising communities.
`boree n. variety of brass platter,
treated as an heirloom and ritual
object.
`bolo dem.pos. there, to, toward, or
at a location downward,
downriver or to the south of the
place of speaking. `tol `caalaa
`kuju. Lets go up there.
`bolo `k dem.pos. from or via (by
way of) somewhere downward,
downriver, or southward of the
place of speaking. o `bolok `iir.
Ill go down via that route down
there. or Ill go down via that
bol naabk
232
vehicle which is down there.
bol nce. red mithun. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound. hob-bol
red mithun.
`bollo dem.pos. there, to, toward, or
at a location far away and
downward, downriver or to the
south of the place of speaking.
boso-`kanoo Var: bos-`kanoo. adj.
nervous. See: boho fear; `kanoo
hunger.
`bosso Var: `bocco. int. yikes!
boho Var: bohi; boso; bos. n.
fearsome thing; something to be
afraid of. boho go `empaa tobaa.
I felt something fearsome (was
in that room, thats why I came
back).
vt. fear; be afraid of. `b `ikii `m
bos `duu. Shes afraid of the
dog. bos hoben `jaaduu. Shes
too bloody fearful.
`b Var: `m (P, L). pro. he; she.
Gram: Third person singular
pronoun. Usually refers to humans
and/or animals, but may also be
used to refer to non-living things
`bm Var: `bm. pro. him; her.
Gram: Third person singular
pronoun, Accusative case
`bk Var: `bk; `bk; `mk;
`mk; `mk. pro. his; her. Gram:
Third person singular pronoun,
Genitive case
`bp Var: `bp; `mp; `mp.
pro. to him; to her. Gram: Third
person singular pronoun, Dative
case
dem. that (person). Gram:
Demonstrative use of the third
person pronoun, usually used
together with the noun ii person.
Gives an emphatic sense, as that
there guy. ii `b da `maajib
`doruu `duu. That there guy
really eats like a glutton. `b ii
`bm o `cemmaa. That there
guy isnt known to me.
-b vs:adv. full; to the brim. Gram:
Result suffix usually occurring on
verbs of transfer, indicating that an
object is filled or made full as a result
of the action indicated by the verb.
`pb vt. fill; pour to the brim of
a container.
`bt n:poet. elder brother.
Usage: Goku.
bnam vi. 1 be full, of a
container. `hg `ptup `hg
`bduu. This container is full.
2 swell up, as a bug bite; ripple,
as from the pressure of a body
moving behind a continuous
surface, as a blanket, or when
disturbing or displacing bushes
in the jungle due to its
movements. nnam bkaa ku.
The punch (i.e. the spot where I
was punched) swelled out.
bn-bb Var: bn-bb. vi. swell
out, of a concealing entity, as
when an animal moves under a
blanket or disturbs bushes in the
jungle with its movements.
bbaa adj. fast; quick; speedy.
`bbab `rt `yoo! Do it quickly
why cant you!
-bk vs:adv. penetrate; breach. Gram:
Result suffix usually found on verbs
of transfer, indicating that the
transferred entity penetrates or
breaches something.
naabk vt. throw something
such as a machete into
something, causing it to
stand/get stuck fast (as into a
bk `b
233
surface, an animal, or the
ground).
bk n. variety of cobra, black in
colour with a pointed tail.
bk-br n. cobra, in general; the
cobra family. See: bk black
cobra; br brown cobra.
`bgnam vt. score a surface; make
or draw a line across a surface,
e.g. with a pencil or with a knife.
`hokk `hog `lob horii go `bkt
`kaa. Draw a line from here up
to here.
`bci Var: `bsi (P). n. small snake, of
any variety.
bj-reer n. shallow point of a
stream; particularly, an area into
which materials have been added
for the purpose of rendering the
stream shallow, so that fish may
be more easily collected as an
element of a `hibok river
diversion fishing dam.
`bt n. king cobra. Ophiophagus
hannah.
bdoo n. variety of fully green
snake.
bd-`bod onom. murmur;
murmuring sound; the sound of
a person murmuring.
`bnam1 vi. hang; swing, as from a
tree branch.
`bnam2 vt. rend or cut something
across a relatively large surface
area into two parts with a sharp
tool, such as a knife; cut with
claws or teeth, as the
bucktoothed attack of a barking
deer.
bnam vt. piggyback; carry a live
person on the back, as a child.
bpk n. variety of snake, about a
foot long, found in mountainous
areas and very poisonous. Can
extend body.
bbo n. wild goat, possibly a
variety of serow, although with
shorter hair and corkscrewed or
ribbed rather than stiletto horns.
`bru n. river spirit; spirit or demon
associated with rivers, believed
to have great destructive powers.
`bro n. river spirit or animal of
lore.
br n. variety of cobra, brownish
with a short tail.
brm n. python.
bl n. variety of red snake.
bh n. variety of dry leaf-coloured
snake.
`b2 Var: -`b (suffix to some
preceding words ending in long
vowels). pos. 1 Adverbial of
manner. Gram: Adverb-forming and
adverbial clause-subordinating
postposition with the basic meaning
-ly or in (some manner or way).
Follows adjectives, some types of
two-syllable verb, and sentences
which are negative (in -maa). Forms
a manner adverb or adverbial clause
which is capable of modifying a verb.
`kaaken `b `mot `yoo. Make it
look nice, why cant you. `al `b
`inlaa `na! Go safely! al `maab
`motuu ku `lakaa. Youve
screwed it up somehow. `acco
`bkee! (Do it) quietly!
2 Adverbial of purpose. Gram:
Adverbial clause-subordinating
postpostition with the basic meaning
(in order) to, for (purpose of) or
so (that something would happen).
Follows verbs, and forms a
`b `b
234
subordinate clause describing an
event which is not immediately
happening, but which is being
discussed as a purpose for which
something else is done, as in [I went
[to see him]]. o `bm `kaat `b
into. I went to see him. `ogo `i
`yubd `b `bulu attr `parlk
hikaa. Having no place to go,
(thinking) to sleep right there,
they all divided themselves into
their various functions.
3 Adverbial of extent. Gram:
Adverbial clause-subordinating
postposition with the basic meaning
to (the point that) or such (that
something happens). `b glaa
`nend `b `rduu. Hes
laughing to the point that tears
are coming out. `k, `drd `b
`mokaa to. This thing of mine,
okay, try to break it if you can
(lit. try to make it such that it
breaks).
4 Adverbial of simultaneity.
Gram: Adverbial
clause-subordinating postposition
with the basic meaning at (the time
when) or as (something was
happening). Aci Miil `ne `bolok
`induu `eeb kaabee. I saw Elder
Brother Miil as he was walking
somewhere down there.
pos. Adverbial of irreality. Gram:
Adverbial clause-subordinating
postposition with the basic meaning
to (do some hypothetical activity)
or as though (something were the
case). Usually occurs together with
the the verb `rwnam to do.
`namsuu `! `huukaab `rmaa.
What a stink! Intolerable.
tahum `kuduub `rd `ree? Can
you fish for crawdads (up
there)? (lit. Does it do to fish/as
though fishing for crawdads up
there?).
pcl. Subjunctive postposition.
Gram: Sentence-final postposition
forming a non-real, imaginative or
speculative sentence often with the
sense it would be a good thing (for
this to be the case), would (that this
were the case) or such (that this
were the case). m mc
`kumaa `b! Dont yall go
mindin now! `u `paduu
`b. Lets be the ones to cut it.
acin `m `y maa md `b!
Who could say no to rice?
`b3 pos. 1 to. Gram: Dative
postposition, marking indirect
objects such as the recipient of a
give verb or another verb suffixed in
Benefactive -ji. Aci `b `mej
kaa. (I) told elder brother.
2 into. Gram: Translative sense of
the Dative postposition. Marks a
noun into which something
becomes, usually in a sentence built
around the verb `rnam to do.
`okk, o gam `b `rt kuda.
Then, I became village
headman.
3 as (something). Gram:
Semblative sense of the Dative
postposition. Marks a noun as a
standard as, in terms of or in
imitation of which the verb is true of
another entity. Tamik `b o
mto. I thought he was Tamik.
4 up to (such and such a
quantity). Gram: Extensive sense of
the Dative postposition, found on
nouns indicating degrees or extents
(levels, quantities, amounts, places,
times, etc.), giving the sense to/at
the level/degree of (x). If the extent
noun is first marked by individuator
go, the resulting sense up to/until
the level/degree of (x is reached), as
`rgum `b `rp `laa do it to the
level/extent of three fields. naahuu
`m `huui `gob `moto. It
made up to around two
b- -`b
235
granaries worth. `yad `bla?
How much (money) was it (lit.,
it was up to how much)?
5 -ce; times. Gram: Multiplicative
sense of the Dative postposition,
occurring on ordinal numerals,
giving the basic sense NUM-ce,
NUM times or NUM iterations.
When occurring on the ordinal
numeral one `lken or especially
a repeated form `lken-`lken, has
the sense sometimes or from time
to time; every now and again. `hm
`gaan `hm o `li `b `taduu. I
listen to ths song twice
(rewinding it after finishing the
first time). `poolom o
`lken-`li `b `caar. Ill visit
you once or twice per month.
`lken-`lken `b o `hodum
`abduu. From time to time I
shoot barking deer.
6 in (the); at; within. Gram:
Dative of context, occurring on
nouns indicating a a context within
which the action indicated by a verb
takes place, such as arum evening
and aloo day, with either
generic/habitual reference, as I play
cards at night, or I used to go there
in the morning, or specific reference
in past or future time, as Ill be back
in the evening. May also include
common nouns denoting systems
within which something is done, as
in English (we say it this way), or
else locations, such as in (the road).
o arum `b aar ku. Ill come
back by night. kan `b `Diih
pd `na `mlaa, `un `yublk
`laku. Since we reached Diih
village by dark, we stayed there.
`k `Galoo `b `hm `yoo mr
`kud? How do you say this in
our own Galo (language)? `ok
inlam `b `l go `dooduu.
Theres a stone in my path.
7 for; to. Gram: Dative of purpose,
marking an abstract noun related to
the purpose or reason for which
an action takes place, especially
`lgaa. bdaa `cennam `lgaa
`b, `bul ij go `takaa to. In
order to find the way, they asked
an old man.
8 with (some quality). Gram:
Dative of quality `hibuu ` hitum
`b `bidduu. The rivers flowing
with mud. `b `ag mnam `b
khi baahi `duu. He just went
on casually cooking away over
there.
b- clfr. Classifier for edges. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. See: abb edge.
`b1 dem. that (thing) which is
located downward, downriver,
or to the south of the place of
speaking. `mk dooluu `b
`yuk They say his village is that
one down there.
-b vs:adv. 1 continuously;
continually; still; keep on;
remain. Gram: Temporal suffix
describing an event which began at
an earlier time, and which persists,
keeps going, or continues in its
duration. nam lo `duub `duu.
Theyre still in the house. `iji
`gob `rb `duu. Theyre still
doing that up to now.
2 resume; begin again an event
which had been interrupted for
some duration of time. okk
`bu mab `duu. And so the
two of them resume the search
(having let up for some time).
-`b vs:adv. always; constantly;
regularly; perennially. Gram:
Temporal suffix indicating that the
event indicated by the verb always,
regularly or constantly happens, as
`bcum `bk
236
though of somebodys habit. `b
`inb `duu. He always goes.
`rgaa `bduu. Its perennially
interesting (on any given
occasion). `nok hocr `abnam go
`memb `duu. Youre always
talking about your stag-shooting
incident.
`bcum n. two-handed handful,
as after scooping with two hands
into a pile of rice.
bto n. first child.
bduu-`opoo n. 1 the front of a
woman, including her breasts
and belly area.
2 womans possessions, as
beads, ornaments, etc.
3 bearing; condition; day-to-day
situation (of a woman or a man).
`nok bduu-`opoo ` `yoom
`bla? How are you managing
lately?
bnam vt. 1 hold or carry
something; own something; have
something in ones possession at
a particular time, particularly in
ones pockets, on ones person, or
otherwise among ones things.
`nun oii `m `aahen gr `laa
`tokk `bloo kaaku, `i. You
dried the fish before you brought
them down, right? `lk `og
bmaa to. We didnt have
(these things) in the old times.
2 bear a child; have a baby.
`om dooluu gollo bto. I was
born in a village. `kohuk `m
im `laanam, `tapek `m `ao
bto. Having taken a dried-up
leaf as a wife, the leech was born
as their child.
btr n. last birth; final child.
vi. stop bearing children.
bjak vt. give birth to a sickly,
weak child who is unlikely to
survive. `ok `ho `ao `m
`bjak kaa. My cow bore a
stillborn calf. See: jagnam be
stillborn.
`blen vt. bear a child, in the
sense of the baby emerging
from the mother; deliver a
child.
`blk vt. bear a child in a
particular place, possibly not
the expected one. `b `an-ab
nam lo `ao `m `blk to. She
had a child in her parents
house.
bnam-gnam n. possessions;
belongings; things one carries
with and on oneself, as when
going travelling.
-bk vs:adv. clearly. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject has
a clear or unimpeded experience in
terms of the event indicated by the
verb.
kaabk vt. see something
clearly; understand something
clearly.
`tabk vt. understand something
clearly, which one has heard.
`tabk kaaku `com? Is it clear
now? `tabk kaabk `duu.
Its completely clear (both to
eyes and ears).
`bko1 n. old skirt.
`bko2 n. old road.
`bkoo n. base of a rising road; foot
of a rising road.
`bk dem. that sort, of thing
located downward, downriver or
to the south of the place of
speaking.
`bk `bree
237
`bk n. variety of long black skirt;
black female dress.
-`bk...-`rk vs:advsr. unclear. Gram:
Split manner suffix usually occurring
on verbs of perception or
comprehension indicating that the
subject is unclear or wrongly
perceiving something. o `yoo
`tabk `tark kumaa! I cant
understand whats being said
anymore!
bgur n. side road; side path;
auxiliary road; detour.
bgnam vi. come apart; come
unstuck; come undone; need
repairs. `ok gaarii `bkkaa ku.
My cycle has broken down
(some pieces have faults).
bck Var: bsk (P). n. skirt;
sarong. Properly refers to the
garment as worn. Prior to
actually being worn by a woman
to cover her waist, it is referred to
as a `gal.
bjo n. shelf suspended from the
rafters/beams of a house.
bdaa n. road; path; way.
`bdum n. crossroad; crossing of
two of more paths.
`bdk1 Syn: adk.adj. different.
`bdk2 nce. rush or flood of liquid
such as water or tears. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound. glaa
`bdk `b `oduu. Tears are
flooding down.
`bn n. main road; main path, to
which offshoot paths connect;
trunk road.
`bpaa n. animal corridor;
permanent or semi-permanent
path or road made by an animal
for its own use, along which an
animal trap may be set. `hodum
`bpaa path made by barking
deer. Syn: `apaa.
bpoo n. road or path running
along the breadth of a mountain,
maintaining a level altitude.
`bmb pro. like that (thing which
is located away from and
downward of the
speaker/hearer). `nok dooluu
`bmb kai `rm, `bupp `yaraa
`m `paaruu r. If your village
down there is so big, certainly
youll find all manner of things.
bmmee Var: bemmee (P). vt. nag,
as a housewife to a husband.
bmmee yok! Stop nagging me!
by n. thread traditionally
wrapped around a babys waist.
`brak n. shelf suspended from
rafters or roofbeams of a house.
`brap n. shelf suspended from the
rafters or roofbeams of a house.
bree nce. small thing.
Usage: compound element very
broadly denoting small things.
Generally found in terms
denoting insects or other
minutiae, such as pebbles.
See: `takci-bree cockroach;
`lcak-bree pebble.
`bree pcl. I suppose (that). Gram:
Conjectural particle marking
information that the speaker believes
to be knowable, but about which the
speaker is not confident and is
treating as a hypothesis. If used as a
question marker, indicates that the
speaker believes that the listener
knows the answer. `y `bree
`menna? Who was it who said
that? `ok `rokcik ` `yool
brok `bl
238
`bree? Where is my knife?
`om `takaa `duu `bree mnam
na. I had thought that you were
asking me something (thats why
I replied to your question to
someone else).
brok adj. clear, of an idea.
brk nce. See: gjk-brk
eyelid deformity.
brtaa n. variety of snake, possibly
a viper.
brnam vt. turn the head, as
though to take a sideward glance
at something. `yoogo `laa `om
brkaa `laa `kaaduu `ko? Why
are you side-glancing at me like
that?
`brnam vi. be pulled out; be
extracted, as a tooth.
vt. yank; pull out by force.
`brn n:kin. sister-in-law.
Usage: used by women to
reciprocally refer to or address
the wife of their husbands
brother(s).
brbo n:kin. wifes sisters husband.
Usage: used by a male to refer to
or address the husband of his
wifes sister.
`blaa n. jackfruit. Artocarpus
heterophyllus.
`bl n. variety of earring
consisting of long strings of
swinging beads. Worn together
with raaji earrings.
-m maa
239
M - m
-m pros. Accusative case suffix.
Gram: Marks all pronouns and
demonstratives used as direct objects,
as well as some indirect objects
`hgm `c mbee. I wanted
precisely this one.
-`m pcl. Resolutive particle or suffix.
Gram: Occurs at the end of a sentence,
usually following Declarative `na,
Informative k or Mirative
laakaa. Usually marks information
as a clear and straightforward fact,
about which the speaker has
authority and is in a position to
lecture the listener about. Often
carries an implication that the
addressee should understand it
without any difficulty, should have
no real basis for questioning it, and
may be under admonishment for not
already knowing it, or perhaps
doubting it. Following an imperative
sentence, expresses either impatience
with the addressee for not having
already done the commanded action,
or otherwise indicates that the
speaker is unprepared to
countenance any disagreement or
prevarification on the part of the
addressee. `tol `k `iinaa `nam,
`Borii ` `cinnam! Theyre
simply people who came down
from up there, the Bori as well!
donam-tnam nam! Im telling
you its food! `ok `an `ne
`bottaa `kam! Go invite my
mother! `hog aat `kem. `tat `kem.
Come here. Listen to this.
`kkm `meyoo `kem. Dont
say that sort of thing. `ij o `yoo
`rtr `na `brem?
ma- pfx. Masculine diminutive
prefix to the name root of a male
human individual.
Usage: Generally used in an
informal, semi-jocular way as
between intimate friends or,
somewhat less often but still
possibly, by a senior towards a
junior. `Majum `Kenjum
(Diminutive).
-maa vs:asp. not. Gram: Negative
predicate suffix, indicating that the
action indicated by the verb was not,
is not, or will not come about
(according to the aspectual marking
of the verb). Rarely, derives a term
which may be used as a noun. `a
go `e domaa r. They wont
eat tapioca for a year. `k
`lgaab `cemmaa ku. Because
of that weve come to not know.
`ok tmaa `g `na. Thats
why Im not drinking.
maa int. no. Gram: Negative
interjection which may occur alone
as a negative response to a polar
question, or as a contradictory
rejoinder to a statement made by
someone else. When occurring at the
beginning of a sentence, does not
have a strongly negative flavour, but
rather simply draws attention to the
speakers desire to take a turn and
make a (possibly contradictory)
statement. maa, kaamaa. No, I
dont have one. maa maa
`mdak `kom...Although some
may deny it...
pcl. or; or else; or if not. Gram:
Disjunct coordinator marking
alternation betewen two
interrogative clauses or nouns,
basically: x? Or, if not, y? or Is it x?
Or, if not, y? `hg al `yaad `naa
`bree maa `g al `yaad `naa
`bree? Is this one better or is
`maaco `makt
240
that one better?
`maaco pcl. isnt it. Gram: Particle
with the basic sense isnt it (the
case), with the added implication
that the speaker is not overly boldly
asserting the facthood of his
information, as though there were
still room for the addressee to
disagree. `ijjaa, `rrp ` `maaco,
`i? Now, we can suppose its
the starting point, eh?
maaji1 adj. very; very much. `b
imm `m maaji `b `pagduu.
He loves his wife very much.
pmr maaj ! So much dust!
hottum-horr maaji `laa, agum
`nenlaa `maab `ryar bee. It
always happened that there were
so many wild animals, we
couldnt even go outside.
adv. very; very much.
Maaji2 name. name of the third
entity in the universe, generated
by `Poomaa, and progenitor of
`Jimii.
maa`jii adj. extreme; very, very
much.
`maad1 n. variety of defensive
trap in which a small tree set
with sharpened stakes is bent
back away from a path under
great tension, with a rope-release
trigger set across the path. When
the trigger is disturbed, the tree
whips across the path, striking
the walker with great force,
causing injury or death.
`maad2 pcl. isnt it; is it not the
case (that). mookaa `hg `k
`Galoo agom `maad? I
suppose this mookaa is our
own Galo word, is it? Tanii `an
`duuna `maad. Is it not the case
that Tanis mother was still alive.
maanam1 v. lack; not have (rare,
archaic). `paanaa `paakaa,
`paamaa `na maakaa. The haves
have, the have-nots have not.
maanam2 vi. creep, of a creeping
plant.
`maanam v:c.arg. dream. Gram:
Generally occurs with associated
noun `yumaa dream `yumaa
`maaduu `ben. (It seems like)
shes dreaming.
maapuu Var: `gooree (P). n. variety
of white sweet potato/yam.
`maab pcl. isnt it; obviously; of
course; for heavens sake. Gram:
Abrupt-sounding noun phrase
clefting or copula clause-final
particle or adverb. Generally
indicates that the information
contained in the marked clause is
perfectly obvious, with an
implication that the listener has no
excuse for not understanding it and
indeed should have known it already.
`ok imm `maab! Of course
(shes) my wife! `unuk `duuko
`jaa ` `t Baahar `t `maab.
Our real place is Basar up there,
isnt it.
maamo n. tendril on a cane.
See: maamo-`dr variety of trap.
maamo-`dr n. variety of basket
used in a tapii-tao-minnam fish
trapping system. See: `dr trap
variety.
maal n. red-skinned variety of
sweet potato/yam.
`makkup n. cup-like shield for a
penis, a variety of traditional
clothing.
`makcuu Var: `maccuu. n. penis.
`makt Var: obo (P). n:kin.
magii `ma
241
1 elder brother-in-law.
Usage: used by juniors to refer to
or address the husband of ones
elder female siblings by blood or
kin.
2 respected brother-in-law.
Usage: used to respectfully refer to
or address a male of significance
who has married one of ones
female kinsfolk.
magii Var: obo (P). n:kin. sisters
husbands younger brother.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the younger brother of the
husband of ones sister by blood
or kin.
magoo n. tobacco. Usage: (P).
magbak n. penis lesion.
magbo n:kin. son-in-law;
brother-in-law (via younger
sister). Usage: used by elders to
refer to or address the husband
of ones inferior female relations,
including daughter,
granddaughter, or younger
sister, as well as any of his
brothers.
magbo-ayaa Var: magbo-omee (P).
n:kin. younger son-in-law;
younger brother-in-law.
Usage: used to refer to, though
generally not to address, the
husband (or his brother) of an
inferior female relation, such as
ones granddaughter, daughter,
or younger sister, when he is
inferior to other such relations
(i.e., younger than other
magbo). See: magbo
son/brother-in-law; ayaa
small.
magbo-kai Var: magbo-`ab (P).
n:kin. elder son-in-law; elder
brother-in-law. Usage: used to
refer to, though generally not to
address, the husband (or his
brother) of an inferior female
relation such as ones
granddaughter, daughter, or
younger sister, when he is
relatively elder to other such
relations (i.e., older than other
magbo). See: magbo
son/brother-in-law; kai big.
`magm Var: `magmo. n. male
pubic hair.
`magyum n. penis buncher (tied at
the tip).
`maglaa n. semen; sperm.
Syn: yolaa.
`maaa ace. fool.
See: `maaa-`maraa clever but
foolish man.
`maaa-`maraa
Var: yapam-yamam (P). adj. clever
but useless, of a man or woman.
See: `maaa fool.
`maci n. variety of basket,
medium-sized, used for
measuring, transferring and
storing large quantities of rice.
Syn: `oci.
`maccuu n. penis. See: `makcuu.
`majjaa adj. real; really; very much
the case; very much so. idoo
onam `majjaa `b `yumii
`moduu. The falling of the rain
really makes me sleepy. `tapek
` `majjaab rd `lakaa. There are
huge numbers of leeches there.
`ma n. iron nettle used for
piercing woven `igin and
bar in order to insert bamboo
elements to secure the `gig
frame elements.
manam -min
242
manam vt. search for something.
`mandruu n:poet. fox.
Usage: Goku. Var: `manruu.
`manruu Var: `mansuruu (P). n.
fox. Var: `mandruu.
`mansuruu n. fox. Usage: (P).
See: `manruu fox.
-map vs:adv. down. Gram: Result
suffix to a transitive verb indicating
that the object is transferred
downward as a result of the action
indicated by the verb, as in the sense
of fall down.
tmap vt. chop down, as a tree.
o `hn `m tmap kaa. I
chopped the tree down.
`mabor n. tobacco leaf.
mami n:mese. mommy, in
motherese (baby-talk).
`mamor n. rust. `mamor `doduu
ku. Its become rusted.
mamnam1 vt. cover something,
such as a pot, with a lid or other
flat or lid-like object, such as
leaves.
mamnam2 vt. feel with hands; feel
around, as when groping in the
dark; touch the face after being
punched.
`mayum n. loose tobacco; rolling
tobacco.
`martum Var: `martun (P). n.
hammer.
marnam vt. be angry; be angry at
someone. o `mardak `na. I feel
angry.
marsaa n. variety of edible plant.
Abundant and weedlike, with
very small yellow flowers with
tiny petals. Used as a vegetable;
gives a tingly sensation to the
tongue, not unlike Sichuan
pepper. Spilanthes paniculata.
`malo n. type of ceremonial vessel,
bowl-shaped, apparently of brass
or copper alloy.
mah ace. See: au-mah dirty.
ma! int. nope; uh-uh; no way.
Usage: Abrupt negative
interjection expressing strong
disagreement with a proposal or
presupposition. ma! `mb
`rmaa r. No way! It wont be
like that.
miinam v:c.arg. sing a lullaby.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun nimii lullabye
`nimii-`miinam to sing a
lullaby.
`miirii Var: `my (P). n. tip of a
pole-shaped, thin and tall, or
oblong object, prototypically a
tree or other plant, but also a
feather; the relatively higher
portion of a plant stem, closer to
the top; also, treetop, i.e. the top
portion of a tree. See: `nr lower
part of a plant stem; base.
`Miihin name. name of the fifth
entity in the universe, generated
by `Jimii, and progenitor of
`Hintuu.
`micco n. ash, as from a fire or
cigarette; small and potentially
airborne. Syn: taco.
`mijik n. buffalo.
midduu n. bellows tube; tube
usually made from bamboo, used
for concentrating breath to blow
on a fire and increase its strength.
-min Var: -mii. vs:val. join; amongst;
to/on one another. Gram:
-`min `mippum
243
Applicative suffix to a transitive verb,
obligatorily followed by either -g
or -hi, indicating of a plural subject
in -hi that the action indicated by
the verb is directed amongst one
another, or of a subject in -g that
it joins the object in the action
indicated by the verb as a follower or
co-participant. `bul `modr mins
`duu. They are fighting to the
bitter end. `tol `t ` rmin
`hilaa `cin `rduu. We also
spread rice powder on one
another up there. mamii hinam
searching for one another. o
`bm hobb `m mami `gduu.
Im joining him in searching for
the mithun. domin gnam
eating together. `hag `rm
`hag mig `laa. When he
sighs, it repeats his sigh. (lit. it
joins him in sighing).
-`min vs:adv. pulverize. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that an object is
reduced to smaller parts as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
`domin vt. chew into bits; make
into small bits by chewing.
minnam (1) vt. chase, particularly
an animal; run after something.
`minaa vt. chase something
away from a premises.
mig vt. chase someone or
something; drive something
away (as an animal). hoo `m
ming `tok! Drive the cow
away!
`mici vt. catch someone or
something which is being
chased.
mintr-migaa vt. chase
something to the best of ones
ability, as much as can be
done.
`mimpak vt. drive away an
animal, e.g. hoo `m `mimpak
tok! Drive (the cow) away!
`minloo vt. chase or drive
something down, as down
from a house.
`minnam (1) Var: `mennam (1) (P).
v:c.arg. name (for the first time);
create. Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun `amin name
Sil amin `m `minlen `dagna.
We named (this place) Sili.
`mikii vi. correctly-named;
appropriately-named.
`mimur vi. incorrectly-named;
inappropriately-named.
minnam (2) vi. blow, as wind.
doogum-door `midduu ku. Its
starting to storm out.
vt. blow on someone or
something. o `mm `m mikkaa.
I blew on the fire.
mikkak vt. blow an area clean.
mikkup-millek vi. blow all
over the place; blow all
around, in every direction.
`migr vt. make a fire red-hot by
blowing on it.
miik vt. blow out; extinguish
a fire by blowing on it.
`middor vt. stoke a fire; increase
a fire by blowing on it.
mippuu-millin vt. clear an
area by blowing away
particles.
mibbuu vt. blow through a hole,
as a bellows tube or a musical
instrument (such as a flute).
`mippum n. main surface area of a
Galo fireplace, usually of packed
`mibbo `mum
244
sand/earth, but also sometimes
of concrete.
`mibbo n. flake, as from peeling
skin or an ashlet from a burning
log.
mimi-`kurii n. cat. See: `kurii cat.
`miram n. hearth; fireplace.
Usage: (P). See: `imik hearth.
Mirii name. traditional name of the
Mising Tribe of Upper Assam,
now considered pejorative by
most Mising. Not considered
pejorative by Hills Miri, who are
generally considered to be
tribally distinct from the plains
Mising.
`Mis name. name of the Mising
tribe of Upper Assam, North East
India.
muugo n. compulsion; feeling of
strong attraction to something
one doesnt expect to see.
muugo-`aluk n. nostalgia;
nostalgic or wistful feeling.
muug-`aluk `tapaa. Hearing
this, I am reminded of better
days. See: muugo compulsion;
`aluk depression.
`muunam vt. suck from inside the
mouth; vacuum; suck on
something solid, such as a pen.
Usage: Not used to describe the
action of sucking through a
straw.
`muupuk vt. kiss.
`muupuk-dotak vi. kiss and
cluck the mouth, as when
fawning over a baby.
`muur vt. endanger or deceive
someone; be intentionally
deceptive or cunning. `mb `jaa
`muur `yookee. Dont be so
cunning/secretive.
mukaa n. element of a rlen fish
trapping system, an upstream
platform from which fish poison
is prepared and released into a
river, to stun fish which are then
collected from a river diversion
point further downstream.
`mukpuu n. dense fog.
`mugl n. lightning that makes it
to earth; killer lightning.
See: `doorak lightning with
thunder.
`muku n. spinster; unmarried
woman.
`mudorii Var: budrii (P). n. guava.
Source: Assamese.
munaa Var: payk (P). n. bag.
`munam vi. be crazy; be mad; be
insane. no `mud `laree? Are you
mad?!
`musi-`mulee
Var: `mus-`mulee. vi. loony;
half-mad; verging on insanity.
`munam-rumnam n. insanity.
See: `munam crazy; rumnam
shout.
-mum vs:adv. just; simply; casually;
carelessly. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb is done without too
much care or concern, or is brought
about ineffectively, amateurishly,
unsystematically, without relish, or
has a result of poor effect. `rmum
`duu. Its passable; it works
(though only just). `ipak oo
`gadd `m `domum `yookem.
Dont just go eating non-tribal
food without a thought.
`mum pcl. just; only; simply;
-`mur `mennam
245
casually. `g `mum `rem? Is
that it? oo knam `mum `m o
`klak tol `p. Cooking
vegetables is nothing big to me (I
can cook easily).
-`mur vs:adv. mistakenly;
erroneously; incorrectly. Gram:
Verb suffix indicating that the subject
acts mistakenly or erroneously in
bringing about the action indicated
by the verb, or that the action results
in a mistake or an error.
`immur vi. take the wrong way
accidentally.
`tamur vt. mishear;
misunderstand something that
one hears.
`memmur vt. misspeak; speak
wrongly; speak out of turn.
`rmur vt. make a mistake.
`laamur vt. take the wrong one.
muraa nce. See: `jokii-muraa
seat.
`murkoo n. 1 silver.
2 money.
`Murkoo Hlk name. traditional
name of Pasigat, still retained in
a subpart of the Pasigat area.
See: `murkoo silver/money.
`murkoo-goodaa n. ritual
ladder-like object made from a
bamboo stick flanked on both
sides with turned-in bamboo
rings. Used as an element of
sacrificial altars. See: `murkoo
silver/money; goodaa ritual
ladder object.
mulkuk nce. betelnut husk.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: tamul-mulkuk betelnut
husk.
-`mee vs:adv. separate. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the participants
in an event are separated as a result
of someones actions. `ajen `m
`numee hit `kee. Break up your
friends fighting.
mee n. multiplicity. taruu meego
`rduu. There are so many
mosquitoes.
meetor n. yeoman.
See: yaamee-meetor yeoman.
`meenam vt. mate; mate with;
have sexual intercourse,
particularly of relatively small
animals. `rokpo `meeduu. The
cock is mating with (the hen).
meenam vi. be many; have many.
ii meemaa boolo, `mloo `m
`kabam maahae. If there arent
many people, we wont be able to
shingle the roof.
meel nce. See: `rukc-meel ant
variety.
`Mekk name. blackie (nickname).
-`men vs:adv. as play; in play. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject brings about the action
indicated by the verb in or as play.
`immen vi. stroll; go for a walk.
`immen `laju. Lets go for a
stroll.
`kaamen vt. watch something
for fun, as a movie.
`domen vt. snack; eat for fun or
to pass time.
`mennam Var: `mannam (NW). vi.
speak; talk. `meyoo `kee! Shut
up; dont say that!
vie. say (that). Gram: Extended
intransitive sense of speak in which
a direct speech report must *follow*
`men mennam (2)
246
the verb, as John said, x. Ai
Mumsi `menduu, o Doo
`Pool `mook `hokk; `nok `bol
`yoomb aad `b? Elder Sister
Mumsi said, Im from this land
of the Sun and Moon; how could
I go with you to your place?.
vt. 1 say something; talk about
something. Gram: Transitive sense
of say taking a common nominal or
pronominal object referring to the
contents of speech. *Cannot* take an
indirect or direct speech report or
any other clausal complement of any
kind. `gm `ment ba `lakaa. I
already talked about that, dont
you remember? mnam `m
`mennam `menduu. He just
goes ahead and says whatever
hes thinking (without reflecting
on whether it should be said or
not).
2 speak to someone. `bullm
`yoocin `memmaa. This bear,
what did he do? He didnt say a
thing to them.
3 speak a language; speak in a
particular language. no `Galoo
agom `m `menlak `dooree?
Can you speak Galo?
4 chant to spirits; of a shaman,
invoke spirits through chanting.
`men vt. speak ironically; say
the opposite of what is true, as
in order to taunt or annoy
someone.
`mekek vt. speak
indiscriminately.
`megaa vt. blame someone for
something.
`megap vt. speak such that the
message sticks in the listeners
mind.
`mec vt. advise someone.
`meji vt. explain something to
someone.
`mejup vt. settle a dispute;
reach agreement.
`menjoo vt. flatter someone, as
in order to gain something.
`mejok vi. exaggerate; speak in
an exaggerated manner.
vt. praise someone.
`mentom vt. teach; show
someone by telling them how.
`mennek vt. tease; taunt.
`menrk vt. answer; respond.
mennam (1) vt. 1 exert pressure
on or upon something; weigh on
something or someone. `yaraa
`hg `maajib `ai `duu. `om
`maajib `menduu ku. This thing
is really heavy. Its really
weighing on me. iikuu `m `l
`pt `na `lok `menten `tokaa.
Weigh down the bamboo dice
with a big stone.
2 put to sleep; kill, of a small
animal, or a human, in a priestly,
high register, possibly
euphemistic sense.
`mek vt. kill with weight; kill
by weighing heavy things
upon a body.
`mejap vt. flatten something
with weight.
mennam (2) vt. mate, of an
animal; be in mating season, or
exhibiting behaviour which is
characteristic of excess hormone
influence as in mating season.
`ikii ` meggok `duuku. The
dog is running around crazily, as
`menpin `mootum
247
under the influence of excess
hormones. rk memmin
`hiduu. The pigs are mating.
`menpin Var: `opin (P). n. tiger
skin.
Mebbuu name. name of a river
around Aaloo.
-`mo1 vs:adv. uncontrollably;
unconsciously. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject acts
without consciousness or control in
the action indicated by the verb. `b
`ayyom `immo `duu. He goes
around uncontrollably at night
(i.e. sleepwalks).
-`mo2 vs:val. 1 make (someone do
something); let (someone do
something); have (someone do
something); cause (someone to
do something). Gram: Causative
suffix indicating that the subject
makes, causes, lets, or allows the
object to perform the action indicated
by the verb. `tcoo `mot `kee. Let
them drink first (before you serve
the food). no `mm `h `hgm
`pam `tokee. Have him cut this
wood (for someone else). `opin
`motok! Let (the rain) stop
(before you go out)!
2 Switch-subject suffix. Sense of
the Causative suffix in which no
real causative meaning is found,
but which is used in clause
chains (verbs connected in
-`laa) to show that the actor of
the marked verb is the object,
and the same as the subject of the
following verb. `bullm `yubm
`tolaa grp to. After they slept
(someone other than them) got
up. `nom o `ijjaa `gogm `lap
mnam ee. I was just thinking
of having you called (for a
meeting, but here you are).
`moi n. field levelling; levelling or
flattening of a wet field. Source:
Assamese. `moi-nrnam to level
a field.
moii n:kin. 1 younger maternal
aunt. Usage: used to refer to or
address the younger sister of
ones mother.
2 younger aunt-in-law.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the younger sister of ones wifes
father or mother.
3 maternal aunts daughter.
Usage: used to refer to or address
any daughter of ones mothers
sister.
moo pcl. not. Gram: Copula negator
takk moo! Theyre not
squirrels!
mookaa n. wok; deep-dish frying
pan. Syn: `jokaa.
mooko n. place.
mooko-`isi n. terrain; conditions;
climate of a particular place.
See: mooko place; `isi water.
`mookop adj. sunken cheeks, as a
tuberculosis victim.
See: `mookop-`moorop sunken
cheeks.
`mookop-`moorop
Var: `mookop-`mooyop (P).
adj:expr. sunken cheeks.
`mooci Var: `moosi (P). n. jungle
crab.
`moocoo Var: `moosoo (P). nce.
See: `moodr-`moocoo no mans
land.
`mooji n. festival.
`mootum n. 1 jungle; forest.
2 wild animal.
`mootum-igam mooyum
248
See: hor-`mootum wild animal;
hunting.
`mootum-igam n. jungle
hunter; expert hunter of wild
animals in the jungle.
See: `mootum jungle; igam
hunter.
`moodii n. mountain.
`moodii-puutuu n. summit of a
mountain. See: `moodii
mountain; puutuu tip.
`moodii-`pekoo n. mountain
valley; valley between two
mountains. See: `moodii
mountain; `pekoo valley.
`moodii-bekko n. variety or
varieties of nightingale (bulbul),
including but possibly not
limited to the yellow
blackcrested bulbul. See: `moodii
mountain; bekko bulbul.
`moodii-rk n. jhum field;
mountain field or hillside on
which jhum or slash-and-burn
agriculture is performed.
Mountain fields are traditionally
the primary field types cultivated
by Galo, which are intensively
cultivated for one or two years,
then left to a five-year fallowing
period. See: `moodii mountain;
rk field.
`moodr1 adj. rugged or uneven, of
terrain or topography. `unuk
`hg `mooko `moodr `duu. The
topography of our area is
rugged.
`moodr2 adj. deformed, of a face.
`m ttam `lokk `oloo dooku
`na `mlaa `umoo `moodr
`duuku. He has become facially
deformed due to falling from a
precipice.
`moodr3 n. no mans land; steep or
otherwise inhospitable terrain,
where spirits are supposed to
live.
`moodr-`moocoo
Var: `moodr-`moosoo (P). n. no
mans land; steep or otherwise
inhospitable terrain, where
spirits are supposed to live.
See: `moodr no mans land.
mood-moob Var: mood-moob.
n. earthquake.
moopin n. harvest festival; most
important traditional festival.
`moobaa n. plateau.
`moobii n. area on a mountain
which has been cultivated, but
which is currently being left to
fallow.
`moomaa adj. busy. `kb gollo
`moomaa `duuku `naaree? Have
you gotten busy (working) on
something else?
moomii n. 1 elephants trunk.
2 octopus tentacle. Usage: new
formation; not a traditional
designation, but accepted by
most speakers.
`moomen n. clearing; open area,
free of obstructions to vision, in
which one can see from one end
to the other without difficulty.
adj. unobstructed; clear of
obstructions to vision.
moomoo adj. tingly sensation or
flavour on the tongue, as from
eating marsaa.
mooyaa n. shady side of a
mountain. Syn: mooyum.
mooyum n. shady side of a
mooraa -`mopaala
249
mountain. Syn: mooyaa.
mooraa n. 1 hell; no mans land.
2 any old place; no particular
destination.
`mooree pcl. certainly; obviously.
o `al `g `caaduu `kunna
`mooree. Certainly Ive come by
foot.
`mooro n. cheek, on the face.
mooroo n. field fallowing for a
period of more than 20 years.
moor Var: mooy (P). n. plateau;
plains within a mountain range
which will not extend endlessly.
See: deer endless plains.
moor n. virgin mountain; wild
mountain; slope which has never
been cut for cultivation.
`moohen n. desert; dry, waterless
area where few crops can grow.
`mokak vt. clean; make something
clean.
mokoo n. shaft of an iron-tipped
arrow. omo-mokoo shaft of an
iron-headed arrow.
`mot n:kin. 1 elder maternal aunt.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the elder sister of ones mother.
2 elder aunt-in-law. Usage: used
to refer to or address the elder
sister of ones wifes father or
mother.
`monam vt. 1 make; produce;
build; prepare. nam-`monam
house construction. `mohi `laju.
Lets make one for ourselves.
2 do; be occupied in doing. no
`yoo `moduu `naala? What do
you think youre doing?
3 invoke, as ghosts or spirits.
Usage: Generally occurs with
associated noun `ui spirit.
`uii-`monam to invoke, petition,
or curse spirits.
4 harm someone or something;
tamper or fiddle with something;
mess around with, improperly
use, wreck or risk wrecking
something, as a child who plays
with and risks breaking an
expensive gadget or a substance
or tool which doesnt work
properly and wrecks what it was
intended to help. no `yoo `m
bt `laa `unnm `mor? What
will you attack us using?
5 claim, as a penalty.
Usage: Generally occurs with
associated noun guu debt.
`mlaa, guu `molaa, porok
rogjr `m `laalee `laa, ikaa ku.
So he claimed a penalty, and
taking a young hen he in the end
went on his way.
6 cause something to happen.
Gram: Must occur with following
Result suffix. `mm `m `mor `laa.
You caused a fire. o `nom
`molom r. Ill land you in a
shocked state through my
actions. domaa nam `gob
`mopak r. Im going to get rid
of it so they cant eat anything,.
`mok vt. dislocate something,
as a bone from its joint; make
something function
improperly.
`mog vt. touch someone or
something.
`mod vt. hurt.
-`mopaala vs:nf. during; while; at
the same time. `om od `gol
`duum `paala, hos go `aala.
While I was there laying a stone
moyaa mr
250
slab trap, a porcupine came.
moyaa n. variety of prepared
poison.
moroo n:kin. 1 second maternal
aunt. Usage: used to refer to or
address the second sister of ones
mother. Rare and possibly
archaic in usage.
2 second aunt-in-law.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the second sister of ones wifes
father or mother. Rare and
possibly archaic.
molap nce. See: mmo-molap
inkling.
molek nce. See: tado-molek
variety of insect.
mnam1 vi. multiply; increase, as a
population; progenerate, as a
lineage; spread, as grass or other
ground cover. `nm ` `mduu.
The grass is spreading.
mnam2 vt. char, particularly of
charring rice husks to prepare for
mixing them into rice and
fermenting, when making rice
beer. `amp mnam charring
rice husks for use in rice beer.
mbuu n. rafter beam running the
length of the crest of the roof of a
house; apex of the house roof.
`mloo n. roof; ceiling.
msr n. roofing beam. Usage: (P).
See: `rob roofing beam.
-`mk vs:adv. 1 become pulverized.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
something becomes pulverized or
made into powder as a result of the
action indicated by the verb. `bul
`rmap `doob `momk rku.
Theyll pulverize it by hand until
its soft and powdery.
2 minutely. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb is carried-out minutely,
finely, or with great attention to
detail.
`omk vi. fall and become pieces
or smash into bits, as of a
smashing light bulb.
`kemmk vt. grind something
into bits.
`cemmk vt. know something
comprehensively; know every
last minute detail.
-mk vs:adv. close; near. Gram:
Manner or directional suffix
indicating that the subject is close or
too close to the object in bringing
about the action indicated by the
verb
jabmk-jabrk vi. speak too
closely to someone, so that one
can smell the odour on their
breath.
`pmk vt. pour something, as
liquor, directly into someones
mouth.
`rmk-`memmk vt. provide
for; feed; serve.
mkom n. hawk.
`mk n. smoke.
adj. smoky. `mk r. It will be
smoky.
-`mk...-`mak vs:advsr. into a
million pieces. Gram: Split result
suffix indicating that the object is
smashed or otherwise dispersed into
minute particles as a result of the
action indicated by the verb.
`tagmk `tagmak kaaku. (The
bottle) smashed into a million
pieces. See: -`mk pulverize.
mr vt. clean a grave. Usage: usu.
`mrk mgap
251
occurs with dedicated noun
deemr. See: deemr-mrnam
clean a grave.
`mrk adj. black-coloured;
blackened.
`mrnam v:c.arg. acclimatize
oneself; attune the body; adapt
bodily conditions. Gram: Generally
occurs with associated noun `amr
body condition `amr-`mrlk
hinam to acclimatizing oneself
(to local conditions).
`mrpuu adj. white-coloured.
mrbo n. variety of large, light
green grasshopper.
mrlum n. dustpile.
adj. dusty. pmr mrlum `na
bdaa a dusty road.
mrl adj. red-coloured.
-m vs:adv. accompanying. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
object of a transitive verb has the
status of an accompaniment with
which the action indicated by the
verb is carried out. acin dom naan
kaamaa leem, `hodum apin `m
`baal dokaa ku. Having nothing
to eat with their rice, they roasted
and ate the barking deer skins.
vs:nzr. accompaniment. Gram:
Nominalizing suffix deriving a noun
describing an accompaniment to the
action indicated by the verb. `laat
`kee! `g dom go `lakaa! What!
Take it! Its edible, for heavens
sake!
`mi n. smoky colour, especially of
complexion.
`mo n:kin. 1 sisters daughter.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the daughter of ones (married)
sister, as well as that of any other
married-off female member of
ones clan.
2 paternal aunts daughter.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the daughter of ones fathers
sister.
`mor n. torch. `mor go `bl int
`kee. Carry a torch when you
go.
m- pfx. Feminine diminutive
avuncular prefix to the name root
of a female human individual, for
use by her maternal uncle.
Mtr nickname of a woman
named Kentr, for use by her
maternal uncle.
`mkuu n. cucumber. Cucumis
spp.
mnam vt. 1 think about
something, as a person or an
idea. mbi mduuna na. Im
just thinking (about nothing in
particular).
2 think that. ma, om taka
duubre mnm na. Nothing;
I had thought you were asking
me (thats why I replied to your
question to someone else). mm
no mok tar ben mbee. I
thought that you were going to
kill him (he was down, and you
could have killed him, but for
some reason didnt).
3 like or love someone. o
`mm `mduu. I like him.
4 want something.
mgaa vt. yearn after
something; pine for
something. mgaa nam
`daadii `m `paato. I got just
what I wanted.
mgap vt. concentrate, as on
mck `mkm
252
work; memorize something, as
a procedure or list.
mck Var: msk (P). vt.
approximate, as the distance
between two locales.
mcem vt. like something or
someone, especially as a
potential mate.
mnam n. 1 thought; idea.
2 a lot; however much one
might be able to imagine. aci,
o `murkoo `m mnam go
`paatuu! Elder Brother, Ive
gotten tons of money! `b
mnam go jabji r `p. `b
`maaj `cenduu. He may tell
you a lot. He knows a lot.
`mpaa vt. remember. `ok
amin `m no `mpaa `dooree?
Do you remember my name?
`mpaa maa. vt. forget a fact.
are! o `mpaa kudda maa!
Are! Ive forgotten (the
words) again!
mpee n. outlook; bias; way of
thinking.
mp vt. be satisfied; feel that
something is enough. `murkoo
`m o mp maa. Im not
satisfied with the (amount of)
money (that I have).
mb n. melon. See: bain ripe
melon.
mmo nce. See: mmo-molap
inkling.
mmo-molap n. inkling; barest
thought.
`mgu Var: `mgo (P). n. blaze;
major fire; inferno. dooluu `m
`mg `gulaa ku. The village was
burned up in an inferno.
`mgum n. flame; tongue of fire.
`mci Var: `msi (P). n. flint.
`mci-`mree
Var: `msi-`mree (P). n. spark.
See: `mci flint; `mree ember.
`mco n. wood ash; ash from wood.
`mc n. relatively small piece or
wood, especially match-sized but
also up to finger-sized, with an
ember at the tip; especially, one
which can be removed from the
fire and used to ignite something
else, such as a cigarette.
`mc-`ml n. barest embers;
barely burning fire; the
beginnings of a fire.
`m n:time. last year.
`m-`ke n:time. a few
years ago; some years back.
`m-`ke o Aaloo `tolo
rbbee. A few years ago, I lived
here in Along.
`mtuu n. burnt firewood; burnt or
burning log; firewood which is
presently burning or which has
been burnt. See: `or burnt
bamboo.
`mduu n. container made from
wet leaves, used to transport
coals (embers).
mdo n:poet. sky. Usage: Goku.
`mdor n. light, as from a fire.
`mdor `b `dort `kee! Shine like
a bright light (dont just sit there
lying around)!
mnam vt. lie; tell a lie.
mkii vi. expert in lying; good at
lying.
`mkm vi. lie persistently; go
`mbuk `mlo
253
on lying even after one has
been found out.
`mbuk Var: `abbuk (P). n. gun.
`mbo n. large-sized log to be used
as firewood.
-`mm vs:adv. casually; effortlessly;
just; simply. Gram: Manner verb
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb is brought
about casually, easily, without any
effort, or without any serious
concern for consequences. Ab Tanii
`hmb kaaduu boolo, tal `tok
ptaa `omm `looto. When he
looked up like this, birds would
just fall out of the sky. `iik nam
lo `inmm `yookaa. Dont go so
casually to peoples houses.
`mmnam vt. cook something,
such as leaf vegetables, by
steaming directly over cooking
rice.
`myo n:time. last night.
`mr Var: `mro. n:time. yesterday
morning.
mraa Var: braa; mayaa (P). int.
whatever; umm...; like...;
mane...Usage: Hesitation word,
used when pausing to think of a
word. Can also be used to stand
in place of a word which the
speaker cannot think of. mraa
na! `b mraa go mraa tobaa
`lakaa. Hey! He just did
something to whatever.
`mram nce. facial blemish;
blackhead; freckle or mole.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: `uii-`mram facial blemish.
`mrum Var: `myum (P). n:time.
last night; last evening.
`mree n. ember; burning coal;
relatively small, glowing piece of
wood which has detached from a
larger piece of wood and is
burning independently.
Var: `meree.
`mro Var: `mr (P). n. torch,
bundle of burning firewood, as
used to ignite a larger fire or
burn off the debris of a jhum
field.
`mroo Var: `mlo (P). n:time.
yesterday.
`mroo-`kenloo
Var: `mlo-`kenloo (P). adv. way
back when; before (not
currently); some time back/ago;
in those days; in the old days.
`mroo-`kenloo, o `poot bee.
Way back when, I was pretty
fat. See: `mroo yesterday;
`kenloo day before yesterday.
`mro-`kenluu Var: `mr-`kenluu.
n:time. long ago. `mr-`kenluu
kuoo `bk hinam . His
death was way back when.
`mrom n. field debris of a jhum
field after it has been burnt-off to
clear for cultivation.
mrnam vt. rub with hands lightly;
pet; stroke (e.g. a cat); spread
something across a surface. o
`kurii `m `mrduu. Im
stroking/petting the cat.
mrkaa vt. stroke something or
someone just to see what will
happen, as a potential
girlfriend.
mrkak vt. rub something clean.
`mrrup vt. erase something, as
with a rubber.
`mlo n:time. yesterday. Usage: (P).
See: `mroo yesterday.
ya- yaakaa
254
Y - y
ya- pfx. Feminine
diminutive/pejorative prefix to a
nominal, adjectival or female
human proper name root. Gram:
In the nominal/adjectival lexicon,
occurs on colour terms, some insects
and lower animals, and certain
concepts with a negative connotation,
but usually non-productive in this
capacity. Productive as a familiar,
and in some ways abrupt or
impatient-sounding nicknaming
prefix to the name root of a girl or
woman, generally as addressed by
her seniors. `Yatr
familiar/informal nickname of a
woman named Kentr.
-`yaa1 vs:adv. destroy; worsen. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something is destroyed, or that its
quality or state is made worse as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb.
`tuyaa vt. kick and destroy
something.
`moyaa vt. ruin; wreck; destroy.
-`yaa2 vs:adv. vs:adv. more; more
than. Gram: Comparative suffix on
adjectives and verb roots, indicating
that a quality or property is more
true of the subject than the object, or
that the subject participates in some
event more than the object does. `ai
`yaaduu! Its heavier (than the
other one)! Aci Toomoo `om
kai `yaaduu. Elder Brother
Toomoo is bigger than I am.
`koj-alloo `m, `unuk `Galoo
ii `yoob `rr ku `d. `rken
`yaar `d, maa `rnek `yaar `d.
In the future, what will it be like
for our Galo. Will life be better,
or will it be worse? o acin `m
kai `yaanam doto. I ate most of
the rice.
3 vs:adv. rather; rather than;
instead; instead of. Gram:
Preferential verb suffix indicating
that the subject will participate in the
action indicated by the verb rather
than or instead of some other
activity, or will affect the object
rather than some other thing. `saa
`tyaa `tokee, `opoo `ttt!
Drink tea instead, youre
drinking nothing but alcohol
(recently)! no `doyaa `tokee.
You have it instead (rather than
me). o `moyaa `dee. Ill do it
rather (than you), ok?
yaa pcl. much. Gram: Comparative-like
particle with the basic meaning
much; when occuring in negative
clauses, has the overall meaning not
much. adk yaa kaamaa. Theres
not much difference between
(those two things). `menl haa
yaa kaamaa. Theres not much
more to tell.
-yaa adj:mono. small. Gram: Adjective
root occurring with classifiers and
some noun roots to indicate a small
size. doryaa small, of an animal.
yaa- pfx. Masculine diminutive
avuncular prefix to the name root
of a male human individual. May
only be used by the named
individuals maternal uncles
when addressing him directly.
yaakaa Var: `yaakaa (emphatic
form). n. multiplicity; large
quantity; a lot. `hoo `yaakaa go
yubgee namm `maab! But you
yaanam -yaa...-caa
255
slept a lot last night (how can
you still be sleepy)!
n:qual. many. Gram: Qualifying
noun following another noun with
the overall sense many N. o
idaa lo ho-hobb `m yaakaa
go `aakaa. I spent lots of
mithuns at the wedding.
adj. many; in multiplicity. `unuk
`lo yaakaa `b `yaraa kaamaa to.
We did not have many
possessions.
yaanam vi. 1 of food or other
living or once-living matter, to
rot or be or become rotten. `yaan
`laamaa `bkaa. Dont get a
rotten one.
2 of a person, useless, lazy and
good-for-nothing. `b `yaaduu
ku. Hes become lazy/useless.
`yaan n. genre of traditional
call-and-response, narrative
folksong. `yaan-`mennam to
sing a `yaan.
yaapaa adj. young, of a male.
Syn: yaamee.
`yaapak adj. gone rotten; gone off,
as of leftover foodstuff. adin `m
doku `maab, `yaapak `mokaa
ku. Because of not having in the
end eaten the meat, it was made
to go off.
yaamee n. 1 boy; youth, of a
male.
2 boyhood; (time of) youth, of a
male. `ok yaamee `ogo...Back
in my childhood...
adj. young, of a male. `b yaamee
`duu. Hes (still) young.
Syn: yaapaa.
yaamee-meetor n. yeoman;
strong, healthy young man.
See: yaamee young man; meetor
yeoman.
-`yaayaa vs:adv. even more; still
more. Gram: Intensifying suffix
indicating that some action or
condition increases even more or still
more than before. al `yaayaa
`duuku. Its improving. `nok
uun `ryaa `yaayaa r. Your
wound will worsen. `meyaa
`yaayaa `duu. (Youre) talking
too much.
-yaa-`yaat vs:asp. to the point of
near insanity; to the point of
becoming blue in the face; x
oneself silly. Gram: Idiomatic
predicate ending indicating that the
subject performs an event repeatedly,
incessantly, or for a long period of
time with no effect, so as to render
oneself practically mad in the
process. Aci `ne o `meyaa
`yaat! `b `tamaa! I told Elder
Brother until I was blue in the
face, but he wouldnt listen!
`yaaruu pcl. especially. Gram:
Comparative/superlative particle
marking a noun as the one
especially participating in the
event/state indicated by the verb,
more than anyone else. no `yaaruu
`lakaa tben `yaana! Youre the
one whos a chain-smoker (not
me)!
-yaa...-caa adjs:rcom. teeny tiny;
small and weakly; dregs of the
lot. Gram: Split adjectivalizing suffix
occurring on most if not all classifier
roots, as well as possibly some if not
all noun roots namyaa namcaa `na
nam gollo o `duuduu. I live in
a tiny little house. `aa rk `aa
doryaa dorcaa `duu. That pig is
small and weakly. buuyaa
buucaa `nalok `jilaa `kee. Give
me some of whatever bamboo
`yai yatr
256
poles you may have (whether
long or short, good or poor).
See: -yaa small.
`yai n. last daughter. See: `tai last
son.
yao n. fool; sophomore; one who
lacks knowledge or experience.
Usage: commonly used in consort
with peccaa, as in a string of
insults. `yoogo `laa yao `garb
`kaaduu `ko? Why are you
staring at me like a fool?
`yao n:kin. 1 sisters son.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the son of ones (married) sister,
as well as that of any other
married-off female member of
ones clan.
2 paternal aunts son.
Usage: used to refer to or address
the son of ones fathers sister.
`yao-ootar n. fool; buffoon.
Usage: (P).
-yak vs:adv. demolish. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something is
demolished or caused to crumble as
a result of the action indicated by the
verb. Usually used to describe
breaking of objects with some
surface area, such as wall-like or
pillar-like objects, or some other type
of structure.
tuyak vt. cause something to
crumble by kicking it.
pyak vt. cause something to
crumble by smashing it (as
with a hammer).
`yakaa Var: `yak; `kayaa. adj.
black.
`yak adj. deep black; shining
black, approaching or with an
overtone of blue, as a black
panther.
`yak adj. black. See: `yakaa black.
`yakkaa! adv. extremely.
yagoo ace. name for a type of colour
which is no longer widely used
or known. Usage: generally found
only in the compound
yagoo-`yaree colour-striped.
yagoo-`yaree adj. striped;
decorated with coloured stripes,
as a tiger. See: yagoo striped;
`yaree multicoloured.
yagnam vi. 1 cascade, as a
landslide, or rice grains being
poured into a basket.
2 crumble; fall apart, as of a
structure due to old age. `kagr
` yakkaa ku. The storeroom fell
apart/collapsed (gradually,
because it was old).
`yaaa n. female idiot; useless
woman.
`yaaa-`yaraa adj. of a woman,
clever but useless. See: `yaaa
female idiot.
yagam n. bush; shrub;
medium-sized plant.
`yacp adj. stingy. no
`yacp-`cbdr `nag `lakaa.
Youre a miserly wretch, arent
you.
yacm nce. See: yacm-cmp
dwarf chameleon fish.
yacm-cmp n. Dwarf chameleon
fish. Badis badis.
`yaji adj. yellow.
yaji-yalo n. soul.
`yajee adj. blue; green; aqua.
See: `jee grue (green/blue).
yatr n. last daughter.
`yaduk `yap-rn
257
`yaduk n. variety of tree which
produces excellent firewood.
Large and distinctive arrow-like
leaf with three points at the tip
and two sides.
`yad `locin Var: `yadd `locin.
pro:int. never; at no time. `unu
`opoo `m `yad `locin `pak
`maaduu. At no time do we stop
using this rice beer. See: `yad
how much/many; lo in; at;
`cin also.
`yad Var: `yad. pro:int. how
(much); how (many). Gram:
Interrogative pronoun of quantity
ii `yad goee `laa? How many
people was it (who went)? `yad
`naana `kula? What number (in
the birth order) are you? no `yad
go dorkaa? How much did you
pay? `yaddm uur ku `com? I
cant say what time hell wake
up. no `yad `ogo `laa `hukko?
When (in the past) did you
bathe? `hokk `yad ku maa. Its
not very far from here. ii `yad
kaamaa. There werent very
many people.
`yad go Var: `yad go; `yadd go.
pro:int. however many. `yad go
jir `d, `k go dor. However
much you give me, that much Ill
eat.
`yaddm pro:int. when (in the
future); what time (in the future).
no `yaddm `caar ku? When will
you come back (up here)?
See: `yad how much/many; `m
in (the future).
-yap vs:adv. attract; beckon. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that an action
is performed in order to get
someones attention.
ogyap vt. touch someone to get
their attention.
gaayap vt. beckon; wave at
someone to get their attention.
-`yap Var: -ap (P). vs:adv.
continuously; constantly; without
interruption; for a long time.
Gram: Durative temporal suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb takes place continuously
without interruption over a
particular duration.
`tayap vt. go on listening; listen
without interruption. `b
tom `m `tayap `duu. He
goes on listening to songs.
See: -`hup...-`yap overly.
`yapii name. dearie; sweetie.
Affectionate nickname for a
female human individual.
Somewhat less sweet-sounding
than the related term `apii
sweetie, but still of
approximately the same register.
See: `apii sweetie.
yapuu adj. white. Syn: puuluu.
`yapop Var: `pippop (P). n.
handclap; clap of the hands.
`yapop-cnam to clap the
hands.
yapom n. fairie; demon. A variety
of potentially dangerous spirit
who is believed to live in banyan
trees, can fly, controls wild goats
and stags, and who has the
power to snatch people away and
sometimes kill them. At the same
time, some yapom are
benevolent and may save people
from death.
`yap nce. See: `yap-rn
grasshopper variety.
`yap-rn n. variety of
grasshopper, beige in colour,
yapr `yaraa
258
about one human finger in
length.
yapr nce. butterfly. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: yapr-`poomr butterfly.
yapr-`poomr n. butterfly.
yapkaa n. fan. Usage: (P).
See: taayap fan (L).
yapci Var: yapsi (P). n. little rascal;
little devil; over-precocious,
potentially naughty and even
foolish child.
yapci-cilii n. little devil child;
literally, little ghost of a
newborn baby. Term applied to
over-precocious, naughty and
foolish little children. See: yapci
rapscallion; cilii newborn
babe.
`yabur adj. cursed. See: `abur
cursed.
yabo ace. See: yal-yabo reddish.
yabnam vt. fan; wave, using a flat
object. taayap yabduu. (Hes)
waving a fan.
`yamar adj. brown.
`yamuk adj. maroon;
reddish-brown in colour.
`yamuk-`yaruk adj:expr. quite
maroon; quite reddish-brown.
See: `yamuk maroon.
yam nce. See: takom-yam insect
variety.
yamd n. dense, tangled jungle.
yamd-pol n. lesser coucal, a
variety of redwinged cuckoo.
Centropus toulou bengalis.
See: yamd dense jungle.
`yamn n. element of a `hibok
fishing dam, a complex of tree
branches and leaves used as a
filtering point to allow fish to
enter but not escape.
-`yar vs:adv. 1 often; frequently;
always; constantly. Gram:
Temporal suffix with the basic
meaning often or for a long time.
On activity verbs, indicates that
several, frequent instances of an
event occur over a period of time. On
state verbs, indicates that a state
continues uninterrupted for a long
duration. Aci `bk imm `m ig
`yarduu. Elder Brother
constantly brings his wife.
2 along. Gram: Directional suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb is directed at, across or
along the length of a space or object
with extension and unequal length
and breadth, such as a playing field,
pole, or bed.
`ciyyar vt. throw a spear across
the length of a space.
`yar- clfqr. Classifier for lengths,
such as bamboo (construed as an
object with length). Gram: Root
form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. ` `yari go two lengths
of bamboo. See: `ayar length.
`yaraa Var: `yraa ~ `hraa (P). n.
good(s); possession; belonging;
property; stuff; thing(s); object.
Usage: General name used to refer
to something which is owned by
or used in some way by human
beings. Not generally used to
refer to natural entities which
have no relationship to or which
do not fall within the domain of
human beings, hence is
somewhat less general than
English thing. `yaraa puggoo
nam to go around selling
`yaree `yup-
259
things.
`yaree adj. multicoloured; having
many mixed-up colours.
yarok adj. covetous; gluttonous;
greedy. yarok `kaapaa `b doyoo
`kee. Dont eat looking as
though you were a glutton.
`yar n. starvation. `yar-hinam
to die from starvation.
`yarsoo adj. extended; long, of e.g.
a story.
`yaluk n. chilli pepper. Capsicum
spp.
yalo n. spirit; soul.
`yaloo adj. 1 sexually
promiscuous, especially of a
woman but potentially also for a
man.
2 transgressing; committing
social sins of any variety, of a
man or woman.
3 renegade; wandering; not
sitting quietly but going around
busily doing ones own activities.
`nok rk `yaloo `nag `lakaa.
Your pig is a real renegade
(going around from house to
house without plan).
`yaloo-`loodr adj. highly
promiscuous; unrepentantly
slutty. See: `yaloo slut.
yalo-gognam vt. call a soul; chant
to or for a soul. See: yalo soul;
gognam call.
yal adj. red; red in colour.
yal-yabo adj. reddish in colour;
mostly red; red with something
else mixed in. See: yal red.
`yasi Var: `yesi. n. urine.
`yasi-hnam to urinate.
`yasi-boob stench of urine.
yuu Var: `yuu; `yu. pcl. so they say;
so it is said; I heard (that). Gram:
Reportative particle indicating that
the speakers knowledge of a given
statement came about via
overhearing, being told, being
signalled, or by having otherwise
gleaned secondhand information
from another persons
communicative performance
Usage: Very often occurs in
construction yuk. Takes
tone-spreading from an adjacent
word. `iikaa `duub `mlaa
`yuu. Well just have to find
out, he said. `mb `rbbee
`yuk. It happened like that, so
they say. `ar go `rola, `kaar
namm yuu. One morning he
sneaked up and peeped in, so its
said. md naa `yuna. Its said
that he says like this.
`yuunam vi. flex; be flexible.
`yuukuu bend of its own
weight.
`yuum n. anal hair; pubic hair of
the anus area.
-`yuu...-`y vs:advs. flex. Gram:
Split result suffix indicating that
something flexes, or bends but
doesnt break, as a result of the
action indicated by the verb.
See: `yuunam be flexible;
`ynam keel.
-`yup vs:val. cause someone to
sleep. Gram: Result suffix indicating
that the action indicated by the verb
results in someone going to or being
put to sleep o `bm `dooyup
kaa. I made him sleep (Im also
lying down, but not sleeping).
gaarii `om `gyup `duu. The
car is bouncing me to sleep.
`yup- clfr. Classifier for nights, in
`yupko `yoo
260
the sense of a full dusk-dawn
cycle. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `yuppii four
full nights. See: `ayup night
cycle.
`yupko n. 1 sleeping area;
sleeping place; any place where
someone will sleep.
2 bedroom.
`yubnam vi. sleep. `kaju, `yublaa
`ju. Come on, lets go to bed.
`yuppo vi. oversleep; sleep late.
`yupp `dagla `kaa. Ive
overslept, for heavens sake.
yubnam vt. overshadow; of a large
tree, to overgrow a smaller tree
and not allow sunlight to reach it
in sufficient quantity to enable
healthy growth and fruiting. `
` `ammom `yubduu. The
bamboo is overshadowing the
rice paddy.
`yum- clfqr. Quantity classifier for
handfuls. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `yumi two
handfuls. See: `ayum handful.
`yumaa n. dream.
`yumii adj. sleepy. `yumii `!
`yublaa `kuju `kee! Im sleepy!
Lets go to bed! See: yumaa
dream. Gram: Need to think about
whether in the jmi modu example
above its actually in a nominal
function, as fatigue
`yumii-`yumaa n. dream.
`yumnam vt. grasp or scoop a
solid or particular substance, as
uncooked rice or dried beans,
using one hand only. `ambin `m
`yumt `kee. Scoop up the rice
(with one hand).
-`yek vs:adv. stuck; caught. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something gets stuck or gets caught
as a result of the action indicated by
the verb.
`jryek vi. get caught, as in a net,
and be spinning about, as a
bird.
`tuyek vt. kick and get caught
(as in a net).
`pogyk vi. jump into a trap;
jump and get stuck.
`yegnam vt. adhere to something,
as a hitchhiker seed on the skin;
cause something to get stuck or
adhere. `blaa `abak ` lalk `m
`yegduu. The jackfruit resin is
adhering to the shirt.
yennam (2) vi. 1 spin in a circle,
as a top.
2 be dizzy; experience a
spinning head. dumpoo `yedduu.
My head is spinning.
yeggoo adj. circling, as a circling
wind. yeggoo `na door a
circling wind (as a tornado).
`yemnam vi. sway, as a group
standing in line together.
`yesi-hnam v:inc.arg.O. urinate.
`yoo1 n:qual. etcetera; and all that
(sort of stuff); and so on; or so; or
thereabouts; or something like
that. Gram: Qualifying noun which
may follow either a noun or a verb; if
a verb, it inflects like the preceding
verb. Gives the basic meaning that
something more or less similar to the
mentioned thing, but potentially less
important, is also part of the
depicted event or state. `un
`hibok `yoo aii go `pla. We
`yoo `yooyoo
261
did a little dam-fishing and so
on.
`yoo2 Var: `yoola. pcl. whats the
problem? Gram: Extended particle
sense of the question form `yoo laa
what? occurring at the end of a
sentence. Marks information as
something that the listener should
have no problem with, but for some
reason is prevaricating about. dot
`yoo! ~ dot `yoola! Go ahead
and eat it (no ill will befall you,
as you seem to be supposing).
`bcin `yoo! He also did it, Im
telling you! `n ` `mohi to
`yoola! You yourself do it
yourself!
`yoo3 pro:int. what. Gram:
Interrogative pronoun of content
`yoo `rkaa? What happened?
no `yoo `rduu `naala? What are
you up to? no `bolo `yoo `mlaa
insaa? For what purpose are you
going down?
pro. any; anything. Gram: Indefinite
pronoun of content. When occurring
in a negative sentence, gives the
sense nothing `yoocin momaa.
(Im) not up to anything. `bm
`yoo jis kaaku maa. There
wasnt anything else to give to
her.
-yoo vs:adv. insult. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that someone is
insulted by the action indicated by
the verb, or that it is brought about
in an insulting way.
`meyoo vt. speak insultingly;
insult someone with ones
words; belittle. `b `om
`meyoo `la `menduu. Hes
talking about me in an
insulting way.
`ryoo vt. insult someone.
-yoo vs:mod. dont (do that)! Gram:
Prohibitive predicate suffix
indicating the speakers desire that
the addressee should not do the
action indicated by the verb
`meyoo, dei! Dont tell her, got
it? `meyoo `kee! Shut up!
`om `den `abbom payoo `kaa.
But me, the father, dont kill
(me).
`yoogo Var: `yoog. pro:int. what
thing. hg `yoog `bree? What
(sort of) thing is this?
pro. something; or something;
an/or so on. `kb `paamaa `rm
pp `yoogo `laalaa `na. If you
cant find anything else, get some
eggs or something.
`yoog pro:int. (by) what/which
means. Gram: Genitive/perlative
interrogative pronoun no `yoog
`laa `iko? By what means did
you go (train, bus, etc.)?
`yoocin pro. anything.
Usage: generally occurs in the
negative, with the overall sense
nothing. `bullm `yoocin
memmaa. He didnt say a thing
to them.
`yoonam Var: `coonam. vi. gallop;
run, of a four-legged animal such
as horse, cow, or dog.
`yoob pro:int. how; in what way;
why. Gram: Dative non-personal
interrogative pronoun, usually used
in matters of reason or explanation:
how is it possible (that); how can it
be (that); for what reason can it be
(that) or for what purpose.
`mooo `him `paala, `yoob
`rooduu `naala? Im in the
middle of cooking (the food),
why are you scolding me?
`yooyoo pro:int. what sort. Gram:
Interrogative pronoun implying that
`yoolo -yom
262
the speaker supposes there is more
than one unknown thing, and is
asking what it is `yooyoo `gola
`btuu `ko? What sort of things
have you brought? `yooyoo `m
`dol rkaa `com? What sort of
things might they have eaten to
survive?
n:qual. etcetera; and all that sort of
thing; and whoever/whatever
else. Gram: Qualifying noun
following another noun, indicating
that some things or people more or
less like the mentioned thing, but
potentially less important, also
participate in the depicted
event/state. oo `yooyoo `m
`maduu. Im searching for
vegetables and suchlike.
`yoolo Var: yool. pro:int. pro:int.
where. Gram: Interrogative pronoun
of place `yool `laa `iko? Where
have you been? `yool `bree?
Where is it (the place I am
asking about)? `yoo `lob `ree?
In what (location) is it (the thing
I am asking about)?
2 pro:int. anywhere. `yool `lacin
`rlaa `duu. He can live
anywhere/in any old place.
`yoolok pro:int. 1 where...from;
from which (place). Gram: Ablative
interrogative pronoun, used to
inquire about the source or origin of
an object. no `yoolok ii `laa?
Where are you from? (lit.
Youre a person from which
place?).
2 which; which one (of them).
Gram: Selective interrogative
pronoun, used to inquire about an
unknown member of a known set.
`yoolok `ikii `la `nom `amko?
Which of the dogs bit you?
3 via where. Gram: Perlative
interrogative pronoun, used to
inquire about a location via or
through which a known object is
moving or has moved.
4 by what means; how is it
possible (that). Gram: Mediative
interrogative pronoun, used to
inquire about the means or method
through which an action is
performed. Usage: Often used in an
ironic sense, as when the speaker
believes that there is no possible
means through which an actor is
capable of performing some
action. `bul `yoolok `cenr `na?
How would they know?
yoktam n. flat side of a blade.
Usage: (P). See: `rogbar flat side of
a blade.
Yogo name. name of an important
river in the Pugo area, often
spelled Yomgo.
yonam vt. fornicate; fuck; have sex.
`bul yomin `hiduu. Theyre
having sex.
yopor n. fine for adultery.
`yomur vt. commit adultery;
have illicit sexual relations.
`yol vi. horny; feel the urge to
have sex.
`yobnam Var: `jobnam. vi. jump, in
general, whether high or long.
`yopci vt. reach what one is
jumping for.
`yobduu vi. jump up.
`yobboo vt. jump over
something.
`yobram vi. miss the target one
is jumping to reach.
`yobloo vi. jump down.
-yom Var: -om. vs:adv. combined.
`keyyom yji
263
Gram: Result suffix indicating that an
item is added to something else or
combined into something else as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb
`keyyom vt. grind some items
together, as in cooking.
gaayom vt. mix up something
by kneading, as rice and
vegetables with ones hands.
ciyom vt. season a dish by
sprinkling some powdery
flavouring agent into it.
`yomb Var: `yoomb; `yoomb.
pro:int. how; in what way (is/was
an action performed). Gram:
Interrogative pronoun of manner. no
`yomb `laa acin `m `dokko?
How are you/have you been
eating (since your right hand is
fractured)?
yor- clfr. Classifier for mountain
ranges. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots.
`yoraa n:time. midnight; deep night.
adj. be midnight; be late or deep
night. `ay-`yoraa kaaku. Its
gotten late (near midnight).
`yordii n:poet. mountain.
Usage: Goku.
yornam vt. chant (variety).
Usage: generally occurs together
with associated nominal
`guup. See: `guup-yornam
chant (variety).
yolaa n. semen; sperm.
Syn: `maglaa.
-`y1 vs:adv. remain; hold out. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
subject is last among a group in the
action indicated by the verb, or is
remaining or holding out after all
others have departed.
`tury vi. be the last one left
alive.
`ty vi. be the last one left
drinking.
`duuy vi. straggle; be the last
one left staying in a place.
`ry vi. straggle; be the last one
living in a place.
-`y2 vs:adv. wither; wear out. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something withers or is worn out as
a result of the action indicated by the
verb.
`gy vi. wear something out, as
clothing. `ok `ejj `m `gy
kaaku. Ive worn out my
clothes.
`dugy vt. wear out from
rolling, as a stone or a tire.
`nry vt. abrade; wear out by
rubbing.
-y vs:adv. copy. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the actor is
participating in the action indicated
by the verb to copy others, or
because others are.
vs:nzr. -mate; partner. Gram:
Nominalizing suffix forming a noun
with the meaning of a partner in
doing some action.
ty vt. drink because everyone
else is drinking.
n. drinking buddy. `Tak, `nok
ty `yla? Takv, who was
your drinking partner (~ who
was the person with whom
you drank)?
yji n. garbage fly; variety of large,
green fly.
`ydum `y
264
`ydum Var: `yuudum (P). n.
sacrificial offering of an animal,
as part of a ceremonial offering to
spirits, often for the purpose of
treating a disease. May be
casually used to refer to the
overall event of an animal
sacrifice, but properly designates
the sacrificed animal itself,
although only after its life has
been taken. Prior to the actual
taking of the life, the animal must
be described as a living being, as
`kiilee living dog. `ydum
`ikii `m `pk `tokee. Beat the
sacrificial dog to death.
ynam vi. waft, of smoke, fog,
cloud, or any other vaporous
substance.
`ypii n. variety of very small fly.
`yp nce. See: `yp-roodoo fly
variety.
`yp-roodoo n. variety of fly.
`ybum vt. bake something in
dugout earth, with coals heaped
over the top. A preferred
slow-cooking method for root
vegetables, such as tapiocas,
yams or potatoes. iin `m `imik
`bolo `ybum `tokee.
Earth-bake the yams in the
fire-pit.
-yk vs:adv. circumscribe; skirt
around. Gram: Directional suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb is directed around an
object
iyk n. border; edges; skirts;
balcony.
vi. circumscribe; move around
the edges of an object or
terrain. iyk `g iyk `tokee.
Go around (the house) via the
surrounding balcony.
ygnam vt. skirt; move around the
edges of something.
yggoo vi. circumscribe; skirt
around the edges of
something, as a house.
Yko name. Yingkiong, capital of
the Upper Siang District of
Arunachal Pradesh.
-yr vs:adv. skirt around the edges.
Gram: Directional suffix indicating
that an activity is directed around
the edges, or along the brim, of an
object.
kyr vt. cut around in a circle,
as when preparing a bamboo
container.
`yrken n. 1 beeswax, especially
from the `tayr bee.
2 honey made from the `tayr
bee. See: `tayr a kind of small,
fly-like bee.
`yrcoo Var: `yrsoo (P). n. variety
of fish.
`yrn n. 1 go-getter; eager beaver;
someone who will not leave a
stone unturned, nor a thing
undone, in his efforts to
accomplish a particular task.
2 God; the creator; the perfect
being.
yrb adj. full, of the moon.
`y Var: `y. pro:int. who. Gram:
Interrogative pronoun of person.
`y `bree? Whos there?
pro. anyone. Gram: Indefinite
pronoun of person. When used in a
negative sentence together with
`cin also, gives the sense no-one
`ycin `duumaa. There was
nobody there.
-y -yk
265
-y vs:adv. to the side; to one side.
Gram: Directional suffix indicating
(of an intransitive verb) that the
subject directs his activity to one side,
as when taking the side of a path or
when looking to the side to avoid
seeing something. Of a transitive
verb, indicates that the object is
caused to move to the side, as when
pushing something out of the way.
kaay vt. look to the side, as to
avoid seeing someone or
something.
jugy vi. ride something to the
side of the path, as to give
way.
taby vi. grow or lean to the
side or off-kilter, as of bamboo.
ny vt. push something; aside;
push out of the way.
`yk Var: `yk. pro:int. whose. Gram:
Interrogative pronoun of person,
Genitive case. Used to inquire about
the possessor of an object. `hg
`ykk `laa? Whose is this? no
`yk `iko `lola `int `duuko?
With whom are you going?).
`ynam1 vi. topple; keel or fall
over, as of a tree; collapse, of a
house; sway or stagger when
walking, as when drunk. koluu
`ykaa. The plantain fell over.
vt. topple something; fell
something, as a tree. `hn `m
`ykaa ku. I felled the tree.
`yjap vt. fall over, flattening
something, as a tree falling on
a granary.
`ytap vi. fall over, as a tree.
`yduu vi. fall uphill, as a felled
tree such that it wont roll
away.
`ypoo vi. topple across the
breadth of a space.
`yloo vi. fall downhill, as a
felled tree.
`ynam2 vt. avoid; ignore; keep
away from someone.
`hiloo-`mroo `om `yduu ku.
Recently theyve been
ignoring/spurning me.
`y-`bree int. dim light; a time of
day when it is necessary to ask
someone who they are, since one
cannot recognize them by
looking. `u `y-`bree
`mduu `b kaark hito. We met
at the time of who-is-it (i.e.,
during the time when there is not
enough light to determine who
someone is from just looking).
See: `y who; `bree
Conjectural particle.
`ym Var: `ym. pro:int. whom.
Gram: Interrogative pronoun of
person, Accusative case o `ymcin
`kaal maa. I dont want to see
anyone.
`yy nce. See: `yy-paacaa
shadow.
`yy-paacaa
Var: `yy-paasaa (P). n.
1 shadow; reflection.
2 mirage; sunshadow; a figure
falsely seen after one has stared
directly at a bright light for some
time.
-yk vs:adv. braid. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is braided
or put into a braided shape as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. `hmb aii go `koyk
`gamlaa `na. Braid it a little bit
like this.
ygnam -`yr
266
ygnam vt. affix; attach; bind, as
when affixing a poster to a
surface or tying a knot. `hgm
o ykkr kaa. I tied this in a
knot.
ycu Var: yccu. int. watch it! look
out! be careful! Usage: Interjection
of caution or warning.
`yb n. prayer; spell; content
and/or procedure of supplication
or beseeching of a god, deity or
spirit. Often has an angry,
challenging or provocative
overtone, as though one were
damning or condemning the
spirits for their deeds or lack
thereof. Traditionally included
rhythmic chanting, waving of
swords, and bobbing of knees.
`yb-`cnam to appeal to the
spirits.
ymaa n. pauper; poor person.
Syn: imaa.
-`yr vs:adv. mix; mix up. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something is mixed or mixed up as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. `amp `m `laa acin `m
`moyr hig rkum, `opop `lgr
ku. After the husks and the rice
are mixed up together, well put
in the starter yeast.
-raa `raanam
267
R - r
-raa Var: -yaa (P). vs:adv. 1 instead
of someone else; on someone
elses behalf. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject is acting
instead or in place of someone else
who may otherwise be responsible
for some activity. When occurring
together with Reflexive suffix -hi,
the sense is rather instead of doing
some other activity (which the
subject was supposed to do).
2 isolated; alone; odd man out.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
the subject is odd man out, or is
acting alone, differently, or in
isolation from others in the action
indicated by the verb. May have a
negative implication, to the effect
that the subject is doing something
other than what people are normally
supposed to do. `b `kaapaa
raakaa ku. He alone saw (what
it was). `aken `gonna `cenraa
maa. One of them wasnt aware
of (what the others were doing).
kaaraa vt. look after someone.
toraa vt. wait for someone or
something.
`rraa vt. 1 do something in
someone elses stead, as when
helping an ill person with
chores. ager `rraa `na
employee/worker in the
fields of another person; slave.
vi. aloof; not conscious of or
not participating in the
activities of the majority. `cenl
`p mmaa nam `lgaa `b,
`cemmaa `b `rraa `duuku.
Because of not placing a value
on learning, theyve become
aloof.
`rraa-doraa vt. work in
someones stead; serve
someone, as a servant or slave.
`rraa-`menraa vt. prepare
something on behalf of other
people. `b donam `m
`rraa-`menraa `duu. Hes
responsible for (preparing) the
food (for all the others).
`raakop n. turtle; tortoise.
Syn: khuu.
`raac Var: lell-paatuu (P). n.
woven back-piece, used as a
backpack for men, as well as a
cushion when carrying baskets.
raaji n. variety of lead earring, coil-
or spring-shaped.
raaji-`bl n. earrings of various
varieties. See: raaji earring
variety; `bl long beaded
earring.
`raajuu n. variety of fish trap, a
densely-woven conical basket
resembling an `igin, used as a
trap in small-scale
stone-and-basket fishing.
See: kunam fish using a basket
trap.
`raanam1 vi. get an erection; get a
hard-on; have an erect penis.
`raanam2 Var: `umnam (P). vt. stew;
cook by simply boiling,
especially vegetables; boil
without adding any extra
flavourings, except perhaps for a
little salt. o oo `m `raaduu.
Im stewing the vegetables.
raapr `rakk
268
raapr Var: `hpr (P). n. root,
generally of a large or
well-established plant or tree.
Usage: unlike apr, not used to
indicate vein. See: apr vein;
nerve; root.
raapr-raamaa
Var: `hpr-`hmaa (P). n. root, in
general. Syn: apr-amaa.
See: raapr root; raamaa
creeping root.
raapko n. skewer. Usage: (P).
See: `koo skewer.
raamaa nce. creeping root.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: raapr-raamaa root.
`raar1 ace. See: `buum-`raar all
dressed-up.
`raar2 n. variety of edible plant,
enjoyed as a vegetable. Viewed
as closely related to jooko.
raek n. bowstring; line of string or
cord connecting the two ends of a
bow from which an arrow is shot.
-rak vs:adv. 1 hoard; do something
in a hoarding or gluttonous
manner. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the subject acts like a
glutton in the action indicated by the
verb, is trying to hoard things or is
otherwise selfishly accumulating
things. `b `majjaa `b dorak
`duu. `kopak apaa `gocin jimaa.
Hes so miserly. He wont even
part with a single banana.
2 recklessly; acting with
reckless abandon. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject acts
with reckless abandon in the course
of bringing about the action
indicated by the verb. `hiloo inrak
`hil rto. (I) went all over the
place today.
`rakik n. coagulated smoke on any
surface, such as bamboo rafters,
oil/fat drippings, or cobwebs.
-rak...-cak vs:advsr. recklessly; with
reckless abandon. Gram: Split
manner suffix indicating that the
subject is out-of-control, or is causing
things to happen or to be affected all
over the place, or here and there in
an unsystematic manner. omee
tarak tacak `duu. The kid is
making a bloody racket.
`ragd adj. sheer; extremely steep.
ragnam1 vi. be out-of-control; be
hyperactive; act without
direction and with reckless
abandon, especially of a naughty
child lacking discipline. `ahi
omee `ahi `maaj ragben `duu.
This kid is completely
out-of-control (scratching,
beating, whining, etc.).
ragnam2 vt. 1 fence an area; lay
fencing. holuu-ragnam to lay
fencing.
2 plait or weave with large
strips.
raggoo vt. fence in; surround
something with fencing. rkk
`m holuu raggoo `laa ap
namm `yuk. The say the
field has been fenced off.
ragnam3 Var: yagnam (P). vt. lick,
with a fully flattened tongue.
`ragnam Var: `yagnam (P). v:c.arg.
flash, of lightning. Gram: Generally
occurs with associated noun
`doorak lightning
`doorak-`ragnam the flashing of
lightning.
`rakk vi. be killed by lightning.
`is rk `b ii go `doorak `
`rakk `laa `atuu. A guy was
`ragree mram
269
killed by lightning down in the
field.
`ragree n. rail; railing; pole or set of
bamboo poles running the
circumference of a Galo house,
serving as a railing to prevent
children and drunken people
from falling from the balcony, as
well as a backrest when sitting on
the balcony and a frame from
which to suspend a loin loom.
ra n. lead, a heavy, soft type of
metal.
racek Var: rask (P). n. landslide.
`rat n:time. twelfth moon cycle of
the year, roughly mid-November
to mid-December. Usage: may be
used to refer to the international
calendar month of December.
`ranam vt. assemble; weave loosely
or repair roughly. `igin `m
`ratum `tokee. Put together the
`igin basket.
ranam vt. drag; pull a usually large
object, with one end
continuously touching the
ground. `hott ` `hpoo `m
`raduu. The elephant is dragging
the logs.
`ran1 n. beam framing the interior
of a oopee wall, generally
formed of a single 3-4 diameter
bamboo pole which is often split
in half lengthwise.
`ran2 n. boar sow; female wild
boar.
-rap vs:adv. across. Gram: Directional
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb results in or
involves A crossing B, as a river.
`m `hibuu `m jaarap `duu.
Hes swimming across the river.
o `hibuu `m koorap r. Im
going to row across the river.
`rapko n. fireplace shelving
complex, a massive structure of
three or four layered shelves
suspended above a fireplace.
Used for storage of all manner of
thing, including pots and pans
and other cooking utensils,
baskets, weaving materials,
drying and dried foods, and
firewood. Generally used for
several years, taking on a thick
black caking of soot as a result.
Properly denotes only the main,
largest shelf located in the centre
of the complex, but is commonly
used to refer to the whole
complex.
rabgur Var: yabgur (P). n.
doorjamb; barrier to a doorway
used for keeping babies inside
and animals out, while still
allowing easy passage to adults.
`rabgo Var: `eyap (P). n. doorway;
entrance or exit.
rabnam vt. cross a river, as by boat
or raft. o `hibuu `m rabr. Ill
cross the river (by raft).
-ram vs:adv. 1 ill. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating an ill aspect to the
action indicated by the verb.
2 fail. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the subjects effort to
bring about the action indicated by
the verb ends in failure.
`rram vt. fail to do something
(as some work).
`moram vt. fail in ones efforts to
produce something.
mram vi. feel uneasy.
See: `pinram plot
unsuccessfully.
ramc `morik
270
ramc nce. See: tako-ramc
kindling.
`ramnam vi. be brittle. `ok namm
`ramduu ku. My house has
become brittle/is starting to fall
apart.
ramnam n. fever. no ram kaadoo
`ree? Do you have a fever?
vi. have a fever.
`rampin n. otter skin. See: horam
otter.
`rambuk n. smallpox.
`ramr adj. miserly.
ramlii nce. See: cilii-ramlii
(hilii-ramlii) epidemic.
raml n. variety of creeper.
`raraa Var: `laraa (P). n. back-piece
or backpack with an added
insulting covering made from
talee plant, with the rough
appearance of bearskin, used to
protect the wearer from rain as
well as to store small items found
when travelling; also may afford
the wearer some protection in a
battle, and aid to create a
fearsome or warlike appearance.
`riium n. variety of fish.
riitak nce. wild coriander.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: orii-riitak wild coriander.
riinam vt. string together; thread
together, as a garland of flowers
or a bead necklace; skewer, as
meat on a stick.
`riikoo vt. make a hole through
something when threading.
`riipuu n. wood shavings; wood
scraps resulting from whittling
which may be used as tinder.
May also be used to refer to other
types of tinder.
`riibo n. variety of small cold river
fish, with leopard-like designs
and stripes bent at an arrow-like
angle on the tail. Schistura spp.
riiraa n. 1 variety of tree, from
which colour was traditionally
obtained for dying fabric.
2 cinnamon. Usage: prob.
neologism.
`riilum n. anklet bangle; bracelet
worn on the ankle.
riiloo nce. See: kamgo-riiloo hag.
`riihor n. variety of fish.
Aborichthys spp.
-rik vs:adv. apart. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something comes
apart, breaks in two, or is separated
from a whole as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
krik vt. cut something in two.
garik vt. whittle something
cleanly off.
parik vt. cut something cleanly
off, as when hacking off a
bamboo edge in one clean
stroke.
`purik vt. break apart by
pulling, as rope.
peerik vt. slice something
cleanly off.
-`rik vs:adv. punish; torture. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb amounts
to an act of torture or punishment.
`menrik vt. harass someone
with ones words.
`morik vt. torture; punish.
`roorik `ruu
271
`morik `tokee! Punish him!
or Torture him!
`roorik vt. rebuke someone;
scold someone harshly as
punishment for an infraction.
`rikoo nce. See: namp-`rikoo
ground space under house.
`rinam v:c.arg. study. Gram:
Generally occurs with associated
noun pori studies `pori-`rinam
to study.
`ritom vt. teach, as in school.
See: `pori study.
`rinnam (1) vt. hoard; collect but
not use, especially of children;
keep without sharing, in a
miserly, greedy or selfish
manner. no `aken ` `naruu `m
`riam `taduu ku `lakaa! For
heavens sake, youre hoarding
every last morsel for yourself!
rinnam (1) vi. be burned by fire, of
a living thing; have the skin
rubbed raw, as from a rope burn;
be chafed, as of skin. `ta donam
`ok nappaa `rinduu. Having
eaten lime, my mouth is chafed.
ribii-roboo adj. rustle, as wind
through a paddy field.
-ru Var: -r. vs:adv. poisoned; under a
spell. Gram: Result suffix indicating
that something or someone is
poisoned, put under a spell, or
otherwise debilitated as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
`moru vt. poison something or
someone. `kobuu `m donam
lo `mor `tokee. Poison the rat
(by putting poison) in his
food.
-`ru vs:adv. burnt. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is burned
as a result of the action indicated by
the verb.
`moru Var: `mor. vt. cause a fire;
cause something to burn.
omee `mm `m `mor kaa.
The kid caused a fire.
-`ruu1 vs:adv. into a hole. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb is, or
results in something being, directed
into a hole.
-`ruu2 vs:adv. definitely; certainly;
absolutely. Gram: Definitive
predicate suffix with the basic sense
certainly, definitely or absolutely,
without fail. When occurring
together with Comparative suffix
-`yaa, gives a superlative sense
(the) most. `jiruu `lakaa! Give it
to me without fail! `bupp `lok
aii `yaaruu `na the smallest
of all of them. `ap `dakkom `ann
`dakkom, puuluu `ruu rku.
Whether or male or female,
theyll certainly be white. `aci
`ruub nkt `kaa! Give her a
really good poke!
`ruu pcl. most; especially; exactly;
definitely; precisely; utterly;
doubtlessly; actually. Gram:
Superlative particle with a
wide-ranging set of emphatic or
focusing senses. Within a temporal
noun phrase, precedes the temporal
demonstrative and has the sense
exactly; precisely (at that time).
Following a nominalized clause, has
a sense like absolutely; utterly (the
thing denoted, in terms of the
nominalized predicate). Following
the focused nominal of a cleft
construction, has the sense precisely;
doubtlessly; none other than (this
one). Following a common nominal,
seems to have the sense alike to
even; none other than (this); so far as
to include (this). `g `ruu. Utterly
ruuken `rugdk
272
so. `unuk `iidak `ruu
`ogo...Right (exactly) when we
got down here... lagi nam `ruu
`m, `un a `mohi to.
Absolutely everything we
needed, we made by ourselves.
ruuken n. soft spot near the ear (in
front of and behind); vulnerable
spot which a man may be killed
if struck upon forcefully.
`ruukoo n. ear piercing; hole in the
ear from which an earring can be
hung.
vt. pierce an ear.
ruugok adj. ring, of the ears.
`ruuci1 Var: `ruusi (P). n. left ear.
`ruuci2 Var: `ruusi (P). n. variety of
ear disease, in which the ear
becomes wet and bad-smelling,
and pus also emerges. `b `ruuc
`billa. Hes got an ear disease
(lit., hes flowing with ear
disease).
`ruuci-tal n. water coming from
the ears. See: `ruuci ear disease.
ruujak adj. split, of the ear, whether
by birth or by accident.
ruuji Var: ruuj. adj. deaf. `ok `an
ruuj `nag `na! My mothers a
deaf one, see! ruuj jiben `jaaduu.
Hes too bloody deaf.
ruunam1 vt. conserve; use with
caution or sparingly; store;
economize. o `ambin `m
`ruuduu. Im conserving the rice
(because we may not have
enough to last).
ruunam2 vt. make a hole.
ruunam3 vt. 1 plan something;
form a plan.
2 will something to happen, as
of a spirit or God; control or
determine someones fate or
destiny. doo-tal ruumaa `rm,
`om tabb `gammaa r. If the
heavens dont will it, I wont be
bitten by the snake. doo-`poolo
`om `it `doob `ruuduu. Im
rich because of the grace of
Donyi-Polo. doo-tal ruur `m,
idoo oj r `com. If the heavens
will it, I suppose it may rain for
us.
`ruupuk n. ear wax.
`ruubk Var: `ruubk (P). n. right
ear.
`ruum Var: `ruum. n. ear hair; hair
protruding from the ears.
`rukc Var: `ruks (P). n. variety of
small ant. See: `rukc-meel ant
(variety).
`rukc-meel n. variety of
extremely small black ant with a
painful bite. See: `rukc ant
variety.
`rukpum nce. ant mound.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: `taruk-`rukpum ant nest.
`ruksr n. variety of ant, relatively
small.
`rugdaa n. small variety of tree
fern.
`rugdam nce. See: `rugdam-`paat
ant variety.
`rugdam-`paat n. variety of
large, black ant, which blows a
white foamy irritant from its
behind when disturbed.
`rugdk n. variety of fern, used as
an ingredient in pork and dog
meat dishes.
`rugnam `trum
273
`rugnam vi. of a plant, to wither
and dry up; of a natural area, to
become barren, dry and lifeless.
ruji n. small torch; one, two or three
burning pieces of wood, used to
light an area in the dark.
runam1 Var: `yunam (P). vi.
1 slide, of a human when
sliding down a surface.
2 fall out, of something
ordinarily attached, such as
human hair; fall off, as the leaves
of a tree. adum `ruduu. (My)
hairs falling out.
`rubin-`rukak vi. fall clean
away; fall off such that no
residue is remaining. `hn
ann `rubin `rukak `duuku.
The leaves of the tree are
completely shaved off (of
themselves).
`ruloo vi. slide down, as from a
banister, cliff or tree branch.
no `ruloo `tokee! You slide
down from (the tree)!
`runam1 vi. sneak, as when hunting
or deceiving someone.
Usage: Rare/archaic in Lare;
common in Pugo.
runam2 vi. float, as on water. `iss `
`hpoo `m rug `duu. The river
is carrying along the log (floating
it).
`runam2 Var: `yunam (P). vi. be
entranced; be in a trance. `ibbo
`ruduu ku. The shaman has
gone into a trance.
runam3 Var: `yunam (P). vt. bury
something.
`runam3 vt. burn something using a
torch or other fire source; light
something on fire. rkk `m `rut
`ke! Burn off the field (to clear
it)!
-`rup vs:adv. obscured; covered up
completely. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that something is
completely obscured or covered up
as a result of the action indicated by
the verb.
`geerup vt. heal over; spread
over something, sealing it. `l
` `lbor `m `geerup kaa. The
stone (rose up and) overspread
her ankles.
`goorup vt. overspread; cover
something by swelling over it.
`poorup vt. cover something
tight.
`poolo-`lorup n. dark moon;
lack of moon.
`morup vt. cover something up.
`rubuu n. element of a loin loom, a
bamboo tube set towards the top
side, possibly as a kind of
top-frame. Set above the
loomee, and below the
`gurn-`naan, which may fold
under it.
rum- Var: yum (P). clfr. Classifier for
nights. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `rumi two
nights. See: arum evening.
-rum vs:adv. evenly; uniformly.
Gram: Manner suffix indicating that
the action indicated by the verb is
conducted in an even or uniform
manner.
`trum adj. uniform; even. birii
`m `molak maar `m, `trum
`b `gumaa `duu. If (you)
arent able to make (a rolled
cigarette) properly, (it) wont
garum `ree
274
burn evenly when smoking it.
garum vt. cut uniformly to give a
finishing touch, as when
carving the lid of a bamboo
cup.
rumtum n. family.
See: nam-rumtum family.
rumtum-alii n. clan. See: rumtum
family; alii clan.
`rumdak Var: `yumdak (P). n.
every night. `rumdak `b `opoo
tyoo `kaa. Dont drink liquor
every night.
rumnam vi. shout; yell, as when
trying to flush out an animal.
Usage: Not generally used to
describe an act of
communication. `nun attr
`ruml int `kaa, o `hodum `m
`hog `toraa `laa `duur. You
guys go ahead shouting as a
group; Ill sit and wait here for
the barking deer.
`rumnam vt. barricade; form a
piled barrier (`arum), as to
prevent an area from being
eroded. `hog `arum goda `rumt
`kee; mmaa `rm, `hog `cin
jagr. Pile up a barrier here;
otherwise, it will erode this area
too.
rumram adj. miserly.
`ruhi vi. be stealthy, as when
stalking an enemy or animal.
See: `runam sneak.
-ree1 vs:adv. inferior; feel inferior;
regard someone as though they
were inferior. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating, of an intransitive verb,
that the subject has an inferior
feeling; of a transitive verb, indicates
that the object is being viewed or
treated as though inferior.
kaaree vt. look down on
someone.
`menree vt. talk down to
someone, as though one were
superior to them.
mree hinam vi. to feel
inferior.
-ree2 vs:asp. Perfective sequential
suffix. Gram: usually found on
non-final verbs in -`laa or `m
which are also inflected for
Perfective aspect in -to. Precedes
optional Completive suffix -ku.
Indicates that the marked event
represents the boundary of one
episode, and that another, related
episode is about to be mentioned, i.e.
after x was over with, the related
event y then took place. In this
function, requires that the subject of
the marked clause (which may be
any person) is the same as the subject
of the following clause. look go
`duut reeku `laa, `un `tokk
inrp kunam na. After staying
for six days...we started heading
back home. dot `reela `den, ard
`b kegee `kaa! After you eat
that instead (of what you had
requested), go ahead and run
away smartly. `b tatk `m
`ptup `lo `lgl at `reela `yupt ku.
Having put the frog inside the
bottle, he went to sleep.
`ree pcl. Polar (yes/no) question
marker. Gram: follows a noun or
verb; indicates that the speaker has
no idea if the information contained
in the sentence is true or not. Creates
a question which should take a
simple answer yes or no. no
mmaa `duuree? Do you
want/like it? `nunuk agom
`jupkaa `ree `jubmaa `ree? Was
your point (of dispute) agreed on
or not? no `Galoo ` `ree? Are
`reeup `rem
275
you (a) Galo? `bol `ree int
`rkko? Is is down there that
youre going?
`reeup nce. See: `tacup-`reeup
variety of fly.
`reenam vt. lay out or set up an
entire structure, such as a floor.
`reen n. mare; female horse.
reebo n. stallion; male horse.
reelii n. breeding horse; horse used
to establish a breeding line.
-rek1 vs:adv. sharp (result). Gram:
Result suffix indicating that
something is sharpened as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
`prek vt. sharpen something,
such as a blade.
`morek vt. sharpen; make
something sharp.
-rek2 vs:adv. usurp; overpower;
supplant. Gram: Manner suffix
indicated that the action indicated by
the verb is realized by way of
someone usurping, overpowering or
supplanting someone else, or by
doing that which was properly
someone elses to do.
coorek vt. steal something from
someone.
tgrek vt. snatch; jerk away from
someone.
`purek vt. pull something away
from someone.
`laarek vt. snatch; take
something away from
someone. `ok `yaraa `m
`laarek `maab `kaa! Dont
take away my things!
-`rek vs:adv. glance off; of a strike or
cut, not land solidly in the main
body of an object, but instead
pass through an edge or corner
with a continuing motion. Gram:
Result suffix usually occurring on
verbs of motion or transfer.
`crek vt. slap, glancing off
slightly (just touching with
fingertips).
turek vt. glance (ones foot) off
something when kicking.
`naarek vt. just miss or glance
off, when throwing. o Tamik
`ne `l ` `naarek to. I threw
the stone past Tamik (just
missing him).
`nrek vt. push, just barely
touching or glancing off ones
target.
`rett n. large banyan tree.
rennam (2)1 vi. be sharp. See: arek
sharp.
rennam (2)2 Var: yennam (2) (P). vt.
1 roll something, as a cigarette.
`hooken go rejji `lakee. Roll me
one (cigarette).
2 flatten something by rolling it,
as chapatti from dough, or by
pressing it down with ones foot.
rennam (2)3 vt. shave or scrape a
voluminous thing, such as a
potato.
reppuu vt. shave or scrape the
skin off of something
voluminous, such as a potato.
`rem Var: `yem (P). pcl. Assumptive
question marker. Gram: Follows an
noun or interrogative sentence
containing a question word.
Indicates the speakers belief that the
addressee knows the identity of the
referent being queried. When
marking a noun other than an
`remmin `roo-kognam
276
interrogative pronoun, has the
function of checking the speakers
hypothesis that the mentioned noun
is indeed the one meant or the one in
question. `ijjaa `rem? You mean
now? `yas `hlk `ko `hibuu `lo,
oii laanam `m `y `rem
`dodee `na? Whos going to eat
any fish caught in a pissed-in
river? `g `yoo ` `rem? Whats
this?
`remmin n. variety of banyan tree.
remmo nce. cause to roll.
Usage: Usually occurs in
compound. See: `ap-remmo
sinew.
`rellum n. banyan grove; grove of
banyan trees.
-`ro1 vs:adv. spy; do an action
secretly, especially when looking
or listening through the hole of a
wall or screen. Gram: Manner suffix
usually occurring on verbs of
perception, such as listening or
hearing.
`kaaro Var: `kaar. vt. spy on
someone by looking at them;
peep.
`taro Var: `tar. vt. spy on
someone; listen hidingly or in
secret.
`ro- clfqr. Classifier for bundles of
sticks or poles, such as bamboo
(40 by standard). Gram: Root form,
used for combining with numeral
roots and some adjective roots.
`roo two hundred (sticks).
See: `aro bundle.
-`roo2 vs:nzr. original place of. Gram:
Nominalizer deriving a noun with
the basic meaning of an original
location at which V was done.
`yubroo n. the first place one
slept.
`rroo-`duuroo n. mementos;
artefacts of ones early life.
-roo vs:adv. spacious; roomy. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that a space
is opened up or enlarged as a result
of the action indicated by the verb.
`b bdaa `m paroo r. He will
cut a path first (and we will
follow).
-`roo vs:adv. 1 complete; finish.
kan `moroo toku `laa, bul
`indeek kaaku maa. After it got
dark, they had no place where
they could go.
2 finish something off;
completely affect something,
leaving no residue. Gram: Result
suffix indicating full completion of
the action indicated by the verb, or
full or complete affecting of an
object.
vs:nzr. time of completion; point
of completion; afterward. Gram:
Nominalizing suffix deriving a noun
with the basic meaning of a time at
which V is, was or will be completed.
`saa `troo `kook `lo o
`umoo hur. After (I) finish
drinking (my) tea, Ill wash my
face.
`moroo vt. wipe something out;
get rid of something
completely. `un `d `na
`hot-`hoo `moroo `laa,
`moam kaa. We wiped out
lots of wild animals, we did.
`roo n. chick; baby chicken.
`roo-kognam v. of a shaman, to
perform chick divination; divine
using a baby chicken, by cutting
it open and chanting over it to
determine the future or to
determine what course of events
`roo-jejen `roten
277
should be taken. See: `roo chick;
kognam open.
`roo-jejen n. tonsils; fleshy
pendulum visible at the back of
the mouth. See: `roo chick.
`rooo nce. See: `taji-`rooo
algae.
roodoo nce. See: `yp-roodoo fly
variety.
rood n. 1 plane; airplane;
fixed-wing aircraft.
2 aircraft, in general.
roonam Var: buunam (P). vt. scold.
no `om `rooduu. Youre
scolding me. `bul roomii `hiduu.
Theyre quarrelling amongst one
another.
rooyek n. variety of single-leafed
palm or cane.
`roorii n:time. late afternoon, from
about 2:00 PM until dark.
`roor n. variety of very fast snake.
`ro n:time. day after tomorrow.
`rokkee Var: yokkee (P). n. brass
anklet.
`rokko Var: yokko (P). n. antique
dao (machete); old dao.
`rokkom n:time. morning; dawn.
Usage: (P). See: komci early
morning (L); aro morning (L).
`rokcik Var: occik (L); yoksik (P). n.
knife.
`rokpin n. chicken skin.
`rokpo n. rooster; male chicken.
`rokp n. paddy which failed to
properly winnow, which is used
for chicken feed.
`roksi Var: `yoksi (P). n. long sword
of an antique variety, with rattles
at the hilt, used by shamans
during rituals.
roksin n. chicken liver; liver of a
fowl.
roks n. variety of distilled liquor,
clear, with neutral spirits added
and said to be very harmful to
health. Source: Nepali.
`rog Var: `yog (P). n. handle of a
bladed instrument, such as a dao
(machete) or knife.
rogjr n. female adolescent chicken.
`rogdin Var: `yogdin (P). n. iron.
Syn: `rogdr.
`rogdr n. iron. Syn: `rogdin.
`rogn n. hen; female chicken.
`rogbar Var: yogbar/yoktam (P). n.
flat side of a blade.
`rogm Var: `rogmo. n. chicken
feather.
roglii n. breeding fowl, cock or
hen; fowl used to establish a
breeding line.
roc n. variety of abundant cane,
with many sharp thorns.
rojam Var: yojam ~ kojam (P). n.
tongue-based speech
impediment, possibly a lisp or
slur.
v. lisp; speak with a slur or lisp.
rojam-royam Var: yojam-yoyam
~ kojam-koyam (P). v:expr. slur
ones speech, as when heavily
drunk. rojam-royam `la
`menduu. (Hes) slurring his
words (because hes drunk).
`roten Var: `rotten (P). n:time. four
days hence; four days from the
`rodak -`r
278
time of speaking.
`rodak n. every morning.
rodo nce. See: paacoo-rodo rodent
variety.
ronam Var: yonam (P). v:c.arg. stick
out the tongue, not necessarily
licking or in flat shape. Gram:
Generally occurs with associated
noun aro tongue ar-ronam to
stick out the tongue.
rokaa vt. taste by sticking the
tongue into something. See: aro
tongue.
`ronam Var: runam (P). vi. sneak;
move stealthily or hidingly, as
when stalking an animal or when
evading a predator or enemy. `ar
go `rola, `kaar namm yu. One
morning he sneeeeaked up and
peeped in, so its said.
vt. stalk, as an animal. `hodum
`m `rot `kee. Stalk the tiger.
robuu n. storage tube made from a
section of bamboo, used for
storing a stirring stick when not
in use.
rob Var: yob (P); msr (P). n.
vertical roofing beam, running at
a roughly thirty degree vertical
angle from the crest of the roof to
the roof border in a parallel
series, creating the vertical aspect
of the roofing frame to which fan
palm leaves are attached to form
a roof.
`rob n. cliff edge; edge of a cliff.
romnam vt. incinerate; burn
completely; let or allow
something to burn away
completely. o kitapm romkaa.
I burned the book (by tossing it
into the fire).
`rompak vt. incinerate
something to get rid of it.
`romlk vt. set fire to something,
as a house. `nok namm `m o
`romlk jir! Im going to set
fire to your house on you!
romlee n. spell; evil curse.
Generally malevolent power
exerted over another entity, by
either a spirit or a human,
whether intentionally (as when
cursing or attempting to
manipulate someone) or
unintentionally (as when
thinking about an absent person
intently, thereby causing them to
fall ill).
`ror n:time. three days hence; three
days from the time of speaking.
`rii-`docaa Var: ii-isaa (P). n.
conduct; manner; way of
conducting oneself. Tabom `g
`rii-`docaa `m `kaal maa. I
cant bear Taboms way of
conducting himself.
-`r vs:adv. 1 uniform; alike to;
similar to; like. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that an action is
carried out like, alike to or similar to
some other action or some other
actors performance of the action.
`inr walk like someone else.
menr speak like someone else.
kr hinam to compare among
things.
2 uniformly. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the object is
uniformly affected. t, ok api
mendu eena, nok moi...tagrla
hmb homan doob
mogrmm...bihu hooko yu k.
Up there...My kid said, right, to
your aunt...they flattened it out
and made it all smooth like this
r- gogrk
279
(to make) a dancing area for
Bihu, so she said.
r- clfr. Classifier for staffs,
including banana staffs and
banana trees, as well as other
trees. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. Tone is
irregularly different from word form.
`hn `ar rpii four trees. `rt
(grown) large, of a staff-like
thing (such as bamboo). ryaa
(grown) small, of a staff-like
thing (such as bamboo). See: `ar
staff.
-r numr. ten. Gram: root form, used
for combining with classifier roots to
form enumerative classifier
expressions barr ten rupees.
See: r ten.
rjoo n. gentle sloping decline
becoming a plain or plateau.
adj. flat, of a terrain.
rnam1 Var: ynam (P). vt. support
someone; back someone; come in
on someones side or in their
favour.
rnam2 vt. tie up or tie down an
animal, as with rope or chain;
corral an animal.
ryaa adj. shallow. Syn: uuyaa.
ryr Var: ayr ~ `buuyr (P). n.
bank of a river; shore of a lake.
rlen n. variety of fish trap, a
combination of poisoning
techniques together with a
`hibok river diversion fish
trapping system. Fish poison is
first prepared upstream from a
mukaa poisoning platform,
and released into the water. A
pji-pm temporary river
diversion then guides the
stunned fish towards a
`bogdum dam head, into
which they enter and cannot
escape. Fish are then collected
from that point.
-r...-o Var: -y...-o (P). vs:advs.
brief; fleeting. Gram: Split manner
suffix indicating that the action
mentioned by the verb occurs briefly
or in a fleeting manner. kaar `ta
`la kaakaa namm, `mooko
rk-`rs `kaapaa maa. Having
given the area a once-over, it
looks as though theres no work
to do in the fields.
rk-1 clfqr. Quantity classifier for
bundles (of sticks, e.g.). Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. See: ark bundle.
rk-2 clfr. Classifier for fields. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. See: rk field.
-rk vs:val. meet; respond; answer;
retaliate; face. Gram: Applicative
suffix indicating that the object is met
by the subject as a result of, or in the
process of, the action indicated by
the verb. Also used to describe cases
of answering, responding to, or
retaliating against someone elses
actions, or facing someone or
something else in posture or
position.
inrk vt. meet someone along the
way. `bul inrk `hiduu ku.
They met (one another) along
the way.
kaark hinam vt. meet;
encounter.
gogrk vt. reply. gokkaa namm,
ii gogrk maa. Having called
out, they didnt find anyone.
turk `rgn
280
turk vt. kick someone in
retaliation, as when they have
already kicked you and you
are matching.
dagrk hinam vi. stand up next
to one another, as when
comparing height or sizing up
for a fight.
`menrk vt. answer. `menrk
`lmaa `duu. I dont want to
have to speak to him (so Im
ignoring him).
`mork vt. do something as a
welcoming gesture, as to
reciprocate for a visit. `poonuu
`mork r. (We) will perform a
`poonuu (dance) to welcome
him.
Rkii name. Riki, brother of Abo
Tani and (together with Tanii)
descendant of Tuur.
Otherwise known as Takii, he
features as the legendary rival of
Abo Tani in traditional
mythology and folklore, and is
traditionally believed to be the
progenitor of demons, evil
spirits, and some or all animals.
See: Takii.
`Rkee1 name. name of a legendary
Lare Galo ancestor of the tenth
generation from Abo Tani. Rkee
is recognized as the principal
progenitor of the very numerous
Rbaa clan of Galo, although it is
not known to most Rbaa why or
how they came to take the title
Rbaa rather than Rkee.
`rkee2 nce. See: `rmur-`rkee
mess; disaster.
`rkok-`mekok
Var: `ikok-`mekok ~
`igok-`megok (P). vi. take the
initiative. hobb `m `bm ar
`motok; `b `rkok-`mekok
`yaaduu. Have him render the
mithun; hes more capable in
these matters.
rk n. field; agricultural field of
any variety. rk-`rnam
farming.
`rkkoo n. lower side of a
mountain field.
rgaa n. second use field; field
being cultivated for the second
time.
`rgaa n. conclusion; last activity in
sequence; last day or stage of a
ceremony.
`rgii n. lower boundary or side of a
mountain field.
rgee n. reciprocal labour.
rgee-eenam perform reciprocal
labour.
`rgo Var: `ygo (P). n:kin.
brother-in-law. Usage: used by a
married male to refer to the
brother of his wife.
rgdum n. upper side of a
mountain field.
rgnam Var: mokak (P). vt. wash
clothing; wash fabric or cloth. `ejj
`m rkt yoo! Wash the clothes
why dont you!
`rgnam v:c.arg. be cold, of weather.
Usage: rare; usu. occurs with
associated adjective `ark cold.
`ark `rgnam to be cold.
See: `ark cold.
`rgn Var: `ygn (P). n:kin.
sister-in-law. Usage: used by a
married male to refer to the sister
of his wife.
`rgbin `rmur-`rkee
281
`rgbin n. cleared field; weeded
field.
`rgbin-`taak
Var: `rgbin-pttaa (P). n. variety
of bird, preferring to live in open
clearings. See: `rgbin cleared
field; `taak dove.
rgmam n. virgin field; just-burned
field, ready for cultivation for the
first time as the initial stage in a
tump-rk fallowing system.
`rgm n. cultivated area; an area
where only fields are found.
`rgraa n. field interior; area within
the boundaries of a field.
rgrom n. blackened debris which
remains following the burning of
a mountain field, which must be
collected and put to the side.
rgrom-`paanam to collect field
debris post-burning.
rglam n. 1 way, path or road
leading to a field.
2 work party; group of people
either coming from or going to
work in the fields. Usage: (P).
Rnaa name. Rnaa clan, sister to the
Rbaa, both descended from
Koor, son of Karkoo.
`rnam Var: inam (P). vt. 1 do;
perform an activity. `b `yoo
`rduu `naad? What are you
doing?
2 work; especially, work in
fields. rk-`rnam farming.
vie. 1 be as (though); act as
(though one were); be in a certain
way. Gram: Takes a subject and an
obligatorily Dative-marked
complement as (though) which the
subject is construed as being like or
becoming. ii `duub `ko `gar
`b `kaaduu `b `rduu. I mean,
it looked as though people were
really living there.
2 be all right; be passable; do, in
the sense it will/will not do.
Generally used in the negative,
i.e. x will not do, in the sense
that x is somehow faulty or
otherwise unsuitable. hoo
`rmaa. The cows not
healthy/not doing well. tahum
`kuduu `b `rd `ree? Can you
fish for crawdads (up there)?
3 happen (that); be the case
(that). `yoo `rkaa ku? What
happened? o `bm `mekam
`duub `rkaa. I had to push him
(to do grammatical elicitation).
(lit. ~ It happened that I had to
push him).
`rnam-`gomcr
Var: `inam-`gomsr (P). n. verb.
Gram: Type of word (part-of-speech)
basically denoting events or states
See: `rnam do; `gomcr word.
Rnii name. Rnii, birth name of Abo
Tani, descendant of Tuur and
brother and rival of Rkii or
Takii. While Rkii was the
progenitor of demons, evil spirits
and at least some types of
animals, Rnii became the
progenitor of humankind
(particularly, of the Tanii
tribespeople).
Rbaa name. name of a clan of Lare
Galo.
`rmur Var: imur (P). n. mistake.
`rmur-`rkee Var: imur-ikee (P).
n. mess; disaster; balls-up;
pear-shaped; a situation which
has gone all wrong or fallen apart
due to mounting misfortunes.
`rm `rnam
282
vi. be or become fouled up or
screwed up, of a situation. `ok
`kook `lo `rmur-`rkee gkaa
ku. After that, I managed to
screw everything up (due to my
actions). See: `rmur mistake.
`rm Var: `nakpin (P). n. small
bamboo stick split multiple times
at one end up to one-half or less
length, forming decoratively
lilting, flower-like tassles. Used
as a common decorative item on
traditional altars and other
artifacts.
ry adj. cool; nice and cool; brisk,
to the touch, of the weather, or of
ones bodys internal feeling.
ry ! Its chilly (out)!
`rlii Var: ilii ~ ramlii (P). n. plague;
epidemic; spreading,
communicable disease.
`rlii-boo n. in traditional
mythology, a variety of unseen
force, invoked by whittling strips
off the end of a piece of bamboo
and keeping them aside.
rlek nce. See: dumci-rlek variety
of ritual object.
-`r Var: -`r. vs:adv. mark; brand;
make a sign on something,
especially to mark ones
ownership over it. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the action
indicated by the verb results in a
mark or symbol on the object to
express the subjects ownership over
it.
`tirr Var: `tirr. vt. make a mark,
as with a pen when circling
something important.
`par Var: par. vt. make a cut to
mark something, as to assert
ownership of a tree.
`mor Var: `mor. vt. make a sign
or a symbol on something.
-r vs:asp. will; would. Gram: Irrealis
modality suffix. Much like a future
marker, but not necessarily locating
the marked event/state in future
time. Rather, gives a sense that the
event/state has not yet begun, but is
certain to begin. Can also have a kind
of past subjunctive value I was
to...(but x happened, preventing me).
`paar `p. Well probably find
some. bdaa lo `nenr...gaarii
tupkaa. He was *just* stepping
onto the road when a car hit
him. `og gogr `ogo, pup go
`dblen to. Right when he was
calling, an owl flew out. `korum
boolo, `nom `cin par. In the old
times, wed have killed you too!
-`r vs:nzr. to a boundary. Gram:
Nominalizing suffix deriving a noun
with the basic meaning activity done
to a limit or boundary, not crossing
it.
`kaar Var: `kaar. n. limit of
watching something, as
television.
`dor Var: `dor. n. limit of eating
something. `dor go dot `kee.
Dont eat more than the limit;
eat the right amount.
`ram-ram adj. slow; nice;
gradual. Usage: (P). See: al-al
slow; nice; gradual; `ram
calm.
`rt n. variety of nettle, stem up to
about 3 diameter, may be taller
than a person, leaves similar to
`gl.
`rnam vi. 1 keel; sway. `rl
`induu. (Hes) staggering
(because hes drunk).
2 swing; be suspended.
rn -rp
283
taloo-`baaboo `rduu. The
swing is swinging.
vt. swing something; suspend
something.
rn nce. See: `yap-rn
grasshopper variety.
`rp n. variety of small animal
trap, especially for birds,
consisting of a frame with
tripped spring action noose.
rbuu n. horn; rack of horns.
rb n. large hunk of meat (poss.
an entire flank) from a butchered
animal, to be distributed to other
houses in the village.
-`rk vs:adv. make a symbol, as
when carving something in a
permanent fashion. Gram: Result
verb suffix indicating that a
permanent symbol is made on an
object as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
`mork vt. make a symbol on
something.
`rkcuu Var: `yeksuu (P). n. piglet;
baby pig.
`rkpin Var: `yekpin (P). n. pigskin;
skin of a pig.
`rgnam vt. 1 roll something, as
chapatti dough; grind.
2 run over someone, of a car or
truck.
3 gnaw, as on a bone.
rglii Var: yeglii (P). n. breeding
pig; pig used to establish a line.
`ram n. calm; peace.
adj. calm; subdued; slow;
controlled (not helter-skelter).
rc Var: rcc; cc; rs (P). adj.
fast; speedy. rc cben jaaduu.
Its too bloody fast.
rcc Var: cc. adj. quite fast; really
speedy. Usage: emphatic form of
rc fast. `b `rccb
`jugduu. He runs very quickly.
See: rc fast.
`rak adj. 1 tender, as meat; soft
to the touch.
2 exhausted; worn-out, of a
body. a `rak `duuku. Im
exhausted/wasted.
rk n. variety of wild tapioca,
similar to iin.
rnam1 Var: yenam (P). vi. live;
exist; be (in existence). Gram:
Existential verb taking an
obligatorily animate (living) subject.
In the simple sense denotes plain
animate existence, although as other
noun phrases are added can have
more specific senses such as be
(at/in) or spend time (at/in). Often
occurs with a locative-marked
(oblique) Location argument, as live
(in some place). ayaa `hilaa `rlaa
`ju. Lets live loving one
another.
`rken adj. nice to live (in);
comfortable.
rg vt. look after someone; take
care of their basic needs.
`rnek adj. unpleasant; not nice
to live (in).
rnam2 vt. buy; purchase.
rnam-`duunam
Var: yenam-duunam (P). n. way
of living; lifestyle.
-rp vs:adv. 1 upright; up (result).
Gram: Directional suffix with the
sense up or upright. On
intransitive verbs of position and
experience, indicates transfer of the
subject to an upright position by way
grp rlii-cnam
284
of the action indicated by the verb.
On transitive verbs of transfer and
manipulation, indicates transfer of
the object in an upward direction,
possibly to the standing height of a
human being.
2 start; initiate. Gram: Temporal
suffix indicating initiation of the
activity indicated by the verb. Occurs
on verbs other than of position,
transfer and manipulation. parp
toku `kaa. Start the killing.
adjs:rcom. start to become; get.
Gram: Adjectival root-combining
inceptive suffix indicating that the
property indicated is just beginning
or just getting to be the case.
`umoo yal lrp `duuku.
His face is getting/becoming
red.
vs:nzr. 1 time of beginning of.
Gram: Nominalizing suffix with the
basic meaning of a time at which
some action begins. `aglo `pool
lorp `lokk...From the
beginning of January...
2 time; iteration. Gram:
Nominalizing suffix deriving a noun
with the basic meaning time or
iteration as in seven times `rrp
`dk `lo...every time... o inrp
`kan go into. Ive been (there)
seven times.
grp vi. get up, as out of bed in
the morning. grp `tokaa!
Get up!
`menrp vt. start to talk.
`laarp vt. pick something up.
`b `yoogo `bree `mlaa
`laarp `kaa. Thinking what
is this, he picked it up.
`lomrp vi. startle; get shocked
upright. cn cb namm `m
`tatom `bul `lomrp `duu.
Upon hearing the knock, they
were shocked upright.
rbap n. pomelo. Source: Assamese.
`rmap adj. soft to the touch; soft in
texture, like wool. See: `rak
tender.
`rmo `paala Var: `rm `paala;
yemopaala (P). adv. while; as;
during; at the same time. rk
`rla `rm `paala, `om `hdaa `
nkkaa. While I was working in
the fields, I was gouged by a
stick.
rmnam vi. cast ones eyes to the
side; look askance; look to the
side, as with an evil intention. o
ak `rmduu. Im
shifting/glancing my eyes to the
side.
ryaa adj. uncomfortable.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: jj-ryaa damp.
ry n. lifestyle; way of living.
`rro-`duuro Var: `yero-`duuro (P).
n. artefacts and memories of
ones hometown and early life;
how things used to be in the old
days. See: `rnam-`duunam
lifestyle; -`ro origin.
rlii-cnam vi. of an eagle or bird
with similar abilities, hover over
the ground by flapping the wings
for some time. dookoo
rlii-cnam of a hawk, hover by
flapping. See: cnam hover by
flapping.
-`la -`laa
285
L - l
-`la Var: -`l. vs:nf. -ly; -ing. Gram:
Non-final predicate suffix to an
uninflected predicate root/stem
occurring as the initial element of a
complex predicate. Predicates linked
in -`la are understood as coding
analytically distinct events which
may be understood as temporally
sequential (but generally quite close)
*or* temporally simultaneous
(according to predicate semantics,
pragmatic expectations, and/or other
factors which remain to be
understood. Seemingly a reduction
of Non-final clause-marking suffix
-`laa. `jl meyoo `ke! Dont
yell at me (dont speak to me in a
yelling way)!
-`laa1 Var: -`la (reduction in third
syllabic position). vs:adv. can; able
to; have the ability to. Gram:
Modal suffix indicating the subjects
ablility to bring about the action
indicated by the verb. Although
technically a suffix, may head a
grammatical word in responses to
questions only. o `dolaa kumaa.
I cant eat (any more). `tol `cin
`caalaa kumaa! We cant even go
up there anymore! A: no `pak
`lari? B: um, `lar. A: Will you
be able to quit (smoking)? B: Yes,
I will.
`laa1 cnj. and. Gram: Noun coordinator
linking two nouns with the same
function. `Galoo agom `laa
ioo agom lyy `hiduu.
Galo is similar to Minyong
(language). Tamik `laa Tamo
`bui `moodii `caakaa. Tamik
and Tamo went up the
mountain.
`laa2 Var: -l. pcl. 1 Content (WH-)
question marker. Gram: Marks a
sentence containing a question word
such as `y, `yoo, or `yomb
as a clear question about which the
speaker has no idea and believes the
listener can supply an answer.
Usage: When following some
types of question word, may be
reduced to l. `yoo `rkaa `laa?
What happened? no `yoo
`rduu `naala? What are you up
to? `hg `ykk `laa? Whose is
this? `g `yoo ` `laa? What is
that?
youll see. Gram: Assurance particle
marking information as something
that the speaker is confident to be the
case, and which the speaker believes
the listener does not think to be the
case, and wishes to assure the
listener that it *is* in fact the case.
`yoog `bree `mlaa lomr,
grp `rl `plaa. Shell be
shocked, thinking what on earth
is this, and so shell get up,
youll see. telefun aar `lap `laa.
The telephone will ring, youll
see.
-`laa2 Var: -`la (reduction in third
syllable position). vs:mod. vs:mod.
Imperative suffix, speaker
directed. Gram: Occurs in a
transitive or ditransitive verb only,
and usually indicates a relatively
polite request or command that the
addressee should do perform some
action which will benefit, or which
will otherwise be directed at, the
speaker. Commonly followed by
Inclusive particle `juu, forming the
overall sense lets (do x). `meji
`lakee! Tell them for me! acin
-`laa -`laacin
286
`dolaa `jukee. Lets eat, shall
we? `occik `m jiji `lakee! Give
the knife to him for me!
2 vs:mod. Soft, light or
semi-deferential sense of the
speaker-directed imperative
suffix. May occur on its own,
usually followed by a declarative
particle of some kind such as
`na or ne, or may follow an
imperative in -to. al `b `inlaa
`na! Go safely! ~ Be careful on
the way! (with a sense of
concern for the addressee and
his/her safety). `iji `n `tlaa `ne.
(No), have some (rice beer) after
a little while (instead of now, as
youre intimating). acin dot
`lakee. You should really eat
(you dont know where your next
meal will come from). al `b int
`laa `dei! Go safely, yhear?
-`laa3 vs:nf. and. Gram: Non-final
clause marking suffix to an inflected
or, more often, uninflected predicate
root/stem. Indicates that the marked
clause is not the final clause in a
series of clauses which generally
constitute a discourse episode.
`obuu `ahoo `laa, `rtuu `laa,
`aduu `b. And, its tail...is long,
such that it can be used to tie
something up. acin dot `laa, o
`iir ku. After I eat, Ill go back
(down). (lit. After I ate, Ill go
back down.).
-laa4 vs:adv. jokingly; as a joke. Gram:
Manner verb suffix indicating that
the action indicated by the verb is
brought about in a joking manner by
the subject. `menlaa namm `na.
It was just a joke, now.
`laaka Var: `laka. pcl. of all things;
for heavens sake; for goodness
sake; unexpectedly. Gram:
Mirative particle usually found
following verbs, but may also occur
on focused nouns. Indicates a
speaker attitude of surprise,
astonishment, alarm or sometimes
disapproval at the unusual nature of
something to which he or she is
reacting. no `yaaruu `lakaa tben
`yaana! Youre the one whos a
chain-smoker! `g `lakaa.
Thats enough of this. `omor
golaa `ka! Its just like the old
days (when you used to do this
kind of thing, which you dont
do for me anymore)! doodakee
`lakaa. My shawl was there just a
minute ago (why are you now
telling me that you cant find it)?
rk `ajen `g `yass `m `tduu
`lakaa! (The pig is) drinking his
friends urine, of all things (how
disgusting)! `igin gmaa `lakaa!
You arent carrying a basket (as
you are supposed to be)!
`Laaku name. name of a spirit.
`Laaku-Jgloo name. name of a
spirit featuring in some
traditional Galo legends.
-`laacin Var: -`lacin; -`lasin (P). vs:nf.
although; however; also; as well;
despite; yet; even. Gram:
Concessive coordinating verb suffix
indicating that although or despite
the fact that the marked information
is the case, something else
(potentially contrasting) is true also,
or as well. When coordinating
adjectives, has a sense closer to yet,
as tall yet fat. Similar to -`dakkom,
although may have less of a directly
contrasting feel. `b `dort maa
`lacin, `acci `b `amduu.
Although hes not a big one, he
bites very hard. no `om maa
maa `mlaa `cin `nok `aapuk
cr gollo `mruu r. At least
you must have some feeling for
me in the corner of your heart
`laad lakc-`tt
287
(lit. Although you say no, no,
you must think about me in the
corner of your heart). `ahoo
`lacin `kaanek `na ii `cin
`kaaduu. (No), there are tall
people who are also ugly (not all
are good-looking).
pcl. even. Gram: Sense of the
coordinating suffix marking nouns
which are even participating in the
event/state indicated by the verb,
despite that they may be expected
not to. `b `yool `lacin `duuduu.
Hell sit anywhere/in any old
place (i.e., he lacks standards).
`laad Var: `laad; `laad. n. harvest
time. `am `laad `ku! Its harvest
time!
`laanam vt. 1 take; cost (in the
sense of money taken by a
vendor); earn (money). `laat
`kee! Take it! mee go `laadak
`lakaa! Its taking tons of (time)!
2 marry a woman; take in
marriage, of a man to a woman.
im-`laanam to marry a
woman. Ab Tanii `kohuk `m
im-`laato. Abo Tani took the
dried up leaf as a wife.
3 possess, of an evil spirit to a
human.
laabuu nce. See: `dorkaa-laabuu
giant earthworm.
`laam n. seed or pit of a jackfruit
pod.
`laayap n. 1 variety of ritual
performed in order confirm the
continuity of a line, such as when
a bride is married into the family
or when a child is borne into the
family.
2 informally, a marriage
engagement ceremony to
announce the prospective arrival
of a new bride into a house.
vt. perform a `laayap ceremony
for someone.
-lak vs:adv. miss a target. Gram:
Result verb suffix to a verb of
transfer or affect indicating that the
subject misses an object in the course
of an action.
`ablak vt. miss a shot; miss a
target one is shooting at.
naalak vt. miss a target one is
throwing at.
-`lak vs:adv. able to; capable of;
possible to. Gram: Modal suffix
indicating possibility, in that the
subject is not in any way prevented
or constrained due to lack of capacity
or other internal obstacles. In the
negative, has the sense unable to or
impossible. `an-ab nam lo `cin
`aakur `lakku maa, `l ` `bm
`geelup kaaku. She was unable
to return to her parents house
either; the stone had completely
submerged her.
lak kaamaa int. perfect! Just as I
needed! Exactly as I hoped for.
Usage: Idiomatic expression
spoken when something happens
in exactly the way which suits
ones purpose or needs.
`lakci Var: `laksi (P). n. left hand.
lakci-koroo n. lines of the palm;
lines on the palm used for
fortune-telling. See: koroo
channel.
lakcup Var: laksup (P). n. ring;
ornament worn on the finger.
lakc Var: laks (P). n. finger.
lakc-`tt n. fingertip; tip of the
finger. See: lakc finger.
lakc-`baat lagbaa
288
lakc-`baat
Var: laks-teper (P). n. finger
knuckle; joint on the hand.
See: lakc finger.
`laktam n. palm of the hand.
Syn: lagbor.
`laktum n. fist; closed-fisted hand.
`lakpee n. arm cramp, as from
holding a teakettle for a long
time.
adj. cramped or fatigued, of ones
arm. `lakpee `! My arms all
cramped up!
`lakpek ace. arms folded.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: pakoo-`lakpek arms folded.
lakpoo n. arm, i.e. everything but
the hand; arm thigh. See: alak
arm including hand.
lakp Var: lagyum (P). n. handful;
amount able to be carried in one
hand, as when counting. `ayum
lakp go one handful.
laksin n. fingernail; claw.
laksuk vt. wash hands. alak `m
laksuk `laju. Lets wash our
hands.
-lak...-ak vs:advsr. miss (a target).
Gram: Split result suffix indicating
that a target is missed as a result of
the action indicated by the verb. o
tlak-tak ! I keep missing (the
potato chip bag opening which
Im groping for half-heartedly
while watching TV).
-lak...-cak vs:advsr. miss (a target).
Gram: Split result suffix indicating
that a target is missed as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
`om palak-pacak `mokaa. I
was made to miss (what I was
aiming to) cut.
lagaa n. pulse.
lagi vt. want; need. Source:
Assamese. `yoo `rdak `kom,
`opoo `m lagi `duu...Whatever
we do, we need rice beer.
v:mod. have to; must; need to.
Gram: Modal verb of obligation,
taking a complement clause in -`p
`iikaa `p lagi `duu. Well just
have to go down and find out.
`lagee vt. must; necessary that/for;
have to. Gram: Obligative modal
auxiliary must; necessary (that/for).
Takes a complement clause in -p.
Source: Assamese. `lpaa `p
`lagee. One should be in the
middle (not too much this way,
not too much that).
laggoo Var: lagg (P). adj.
bow-armed, i.e. bowlegged, of
the arms.
laggoo Var: lagbuu (P). nce.
bracelet. Usage: rare or archaic;
usu. found in compound.
See: koopuu-laggoo variety of
ornament.
`lagdaa vt. erect; make erect; cause
to be erect. alak `m `lagdaa
`tokee! Make your arm erect!
lagdaa n. forearm; straight or
straightened arm.
lagdaa trkaa hinam n.
arm-wrestling.
lagduu-kuur n. elbow.
lagden vi. of the arm, to twitch.
vt. twitch ones arm; cause ones
arm to twitch.
`lagn n. thumb finger. Syn: `cn,
cdaa.
lagbaa n. arm haunch; arm thigh;
portion of the arm between the
lagbuu `labnam
289
elbow and shoulder.
lagbuu n. armlet.
See: `takaa-lagbuu leather armlet
(variety).
lagbor n. palm of the hand.
Syn: `laktam.
`lagbk Var: `lagbk (P). n. right
hand.
`lagmen n. 1 gift from the hand.
2 variety of bracelet,
traditionally made of thread.
`lagm n. arm hair. See: `am body
hair.
`lagyaa n. noose of a small animal
trap.
lagr nce. See: lagr-lagaa wrist.
lagr-lagaa n. wrist; joining point
on the arm of all sinews and
veins. See: lagaa pulse.
lajr n. hollowing awl; traditional
tool made from a joined ribbon of
worked iron, with a thinner
handle at one end and a broader
sharpened area at the other,
somewhat like the shape of a fat,
two-dimensional bowling ball.
Used to hollow out relatively
large pieces of wood, as when
making a canoe. Rare.
-`lap Var: -`l p. vs:nf. of (doing
something); to (do something).
Gram: Verbal complementizer of
purpose/intention, deriving an
irrealis purpose or intention
complement which usually functions
as complement to a verb of cognition
or locution, most often mnam to
think, mnam to tell or
`rnam to do; to happen (that).
When immediately suffixed to a verb
root, occurs as lp. When
following a disyllabic word, occurs
as lap. o `ej-`alii go `rl `p
mnam. I was thinking of
buying some new clothes.
`caaruu `lap mr `m, `caalaa r.
If they definitely want to move
in (to the new house), theyll be
able to.
vs:mod. will; plan to. Gram: Modal
suffix of intention (regarding the
subjects own plans) or prediction
(regarding the plans of another
person). In declarative clauses with a
first person singular/plural exclusive
subject, indicates that the subject
intends him/herself to bring about
the action indicated by the verb. In
declarative clauses with a third
person subject, indicates a prediction
that the marked information is or
will be the case. In interrogative
clauses with non-first person
singular and/or non-exclusive
dual/plural subjects, introduces a
hypothetical scenario will x come to
pass, or shall x (be done/be the
case). Must have a first person
subject (in statements) or second
person subject (in questions), unless
followed by `mlaa saying. o
`inl `plaa. Youll see, I will go.
o agg eeku baa, ihi go `huttaa
`lap. Ive gotten all hot and
sweaty, Im going to go take a
bath. `dol `pree? Do you want
a bite?
pcl. I predict that; youll see. Gram:
Predictive particle to a sentence with
a third person subject, indicating a
prediction on the speakers part that
the mentioned information will come
to pass or be the case as described.
`yomb al `geel `pd? How
could that be good?
`labnam vt. scrape (usually
backhanded) with a blade, as to
make a (usually wooden) surface
smooth and free of knots or
blemishes. `aat `labnam to
labnam liitup-`ciii
290
hack the knots off a length of
bamboo.
labnam v:c.arg. flap, of a wing,
such as that of a bird or insect.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun alap wing taik
alap-labnm `m `kaapaa `lamaa.
I cannot see the bees
wing-flapping.
labnam vt. appease; conciliate, as
an angered wife or insulted
country. imm `m roomii hit
`laa, `labduu `kunna. Having
argued with my wife, Im trying
to conciliate her.
-lam vs:nzr. waypoint. Gram:
Nominalizer deriving a noun with
the sense significant point on a
way/path, through which an entity
in motion will or would pass
through. Generally restricted to
verbs of motion.
aalam n. entry; entryway.
inlam n. path. `ok inlam `b
`l go `dooduu. Theres a
stone in my path.
`nenlam n. exit area.
`lamck n. part of a bulum or
blam tree, possibly in a
high-register or ceremonial sense.
lampo n. mediator.
`lammoo pcl. wont. no gogboolo,
`b `tapaa `lammoo. If you call,
she surely wont hear.
`laraa n. insulated back-piece.
Usage: (P). See: `raraa insulated
back-piece.
`Laree1 name. name of a dialect of
the Galo language. Lare speakers
are mostly concentrated in the
central-southern uplands and
foothills of the West Siang
district of Arunachal Pradesh,
with a few recently-established
communities also inhabiting the
tiny strip of plains area
constituting the (still disputed)
border with Assam.
`laree2 Var: lem (P). pcl. Dubitative
particle. Gram: Forms a polar
(yes/no) question with the sense that
the speaker is surprised that
something should be, or should be
suggested to be, the case, and is
asking insistently whether it is or is
not so. May further indicate that the
speaker believes that the marked
information should not be the case,
or does not believe it to be proper.
`muduu `laree? Are you mad (to
be acting like this)?! o mdk
`kaapaa doo `laree? Do I look
sad? acin `m `momaa kamb
`laree? Why havent you made
the food yet? `hkr maad `laree?
Arent you cold? o `Laree
gommoo `laree. Am I not a
Lare?
lalk n. shirt (of any sort); tunic.
-`lii adj:mono. new. Gram: Adjective
root combining with classifiers and
other noun roots `ngjok `barlii
new brass plate. nam `namlii
a new houses.
lii- clfr. Classifier for plates. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. taalii-lium three plates.
liitup n. first harvest of a new rice
crop, which will not be stripped
from the stalk but rather lopped
off in hand-lengths, then tied in a
knot and simply hung for use as
next years planting grains.
amlii-liitup rice for next year.
liitup-`ciii Var: liitup-`hiii (P).
n. special pestle used for
liinam `luu
291
pounding the first rice crop of the
year, which will happen during
or around the time of the Moopin
festival, or sometime in April.
See: liitup new rice; `ciii
pestle.
liinam vi. fruit, of a grain-bearing
plant such as rice. `ammo `liiduu
ku. The paddy is fruiting (i.e., it
is at the stage at which the stalk
has shot up from the base and
small buds are visible upon it).
vt. propagate; retain and sow
seeds; perform horticulture;
further a lineage.
liiluk vi. 1 shed, of a snakes skin.
2 of an elderly person, at the
last stages of life and on the
verge of passing into the next life;
be reborn or on the verge of
being reborn.
`liilum ace. round, as a seed.
Usage: Usually occurs in
compound. See: `ap-`liilum
perfectly round.
liihup Var: liisup (P). nce. fleas
nest. Usage: usu. occurs in
compound. talii-liihup fleas
nest.
`liak n. penis which has been
permanently stretched due to
overuse.
littk Var: ltup (P). n. tip of a penis
head.
-`lin vs:adv. suit; fit; seem. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating of the object
that it fits or suits the subject (if the
subject is an actor) or the occasion (if
not); in some cases, particularly
when following -`l, has a sense
closer to seem `goglin dak. (The
song) suits the occasion. tkum
`liilin `dagee. You seemed likely
to be drunk.
`glin vt. suit; fit; look good on
someone, as clothing. no `hm
lalk `hm `glin `duu. That
shirt suits you/you wear that
shirt well.
linnam (2) vi. peel.
Usage: Describes the action of
either removing an outer
covering from a stalk or covering
a stalk with an outer layer, by
manipulating both objects in
their entirety (i.e., without a
break in the layer). Can be used
to describe the skinning of a
frogs leg, the skinning of a
snake, the opening or closing of
an umbrella, or the covering or
uncovering of a penis by the
foreskin. `apin ` `lidduu ku;
uun al rku `p. The skin is
peeling; the wound will probably
heal.
vt. peel or unpeel a stalk.
`lijjup vi. sheathed; of a staff,
covered via an outer layer, as a
closed umbrella or a limp
penis.
vt. sheath a staff.
`lippak vt. peel a fruit.
`libbor vt. open an umbrella.
satii `m libbor `tokee! Open
the umbrella!
luugoo n. 1 enclosure; fenced-in
area; area inside a fence.
2 garden; fenced-in area for
growing vegetables.
luug n. fencepost.
`luu n:time. next year; year
immediately following the
present year.
luut lucr
292
luut n. wild plantain grove; grove
or stand of wild plantains.
luutr n. group of people.
luunam v:c.arg. crowd; be a crowd
of people. Gram: Generally occurs
with associated noun iluu
crowd iluu-luunam to be a
crowd of people.
luupaa n. 1 blocked off pathway;
fencing laid across an area where
animals are likely to come to
keep them from crossing.
2 garden; kitchen garden.
luupoo n. trunk of a koluu (wild
plantain) tree.
`luumik n. powder found on a
koluu (wild plantain).
luuyr n. edge of a riverbank; line
at which a riverbed ceases and
the land begins.
`luuraa n. interior of a fenced-in
area. holuu-`luuraa interior of a
fenced-in area.
luurap Var: luuyap (P). n. fence
gate. holuu-luurap fence gate.
luur n. grove of wild plantains.
-`luk vs:adv. irritate. Gram: Result
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb results in the subject (of
an intransitive verb) or the object (of
a transitive verb) being irritated.
`enluk vi. feel frustrated or
submerged in difficulties.
`menluk vt. speak so as to
frustrate ones listeners.
See: `aluk frustrated.
luk n:time. fourth moon cycle of
the year, roughly mid-March to
mid-April. Traditionally
identified as the time when
flowers bloom, when new leaves
sprout, and when the moopin
festival is held. Usage: may be
used to refer to the international
calendar month of April.
luk nce. See: `tump-luk
tomato.
`lukkoo n. stem of a chilli pepper.
`lukc Var: `luks (P). n. birds eye
chilli; mouse shit chilli; tiny
variety of chilli pepper,
extremely hot, of the variety
found widely throughout
Mainland Southeast Asia.
Capsicum frutescens.
`luktr n. chilli powder; flavouring
ingredient made from
dry-roasted, dried and ground
red chilli peppers.
`luktr-kaatr n. variety of
strongly-flavoured drinking
snack made from crushed or
minced dried oruu fish, chilli,
salt, ginger, and `iip dried
bamboo chips, with a chewy
consistency. See: `luktr chilli
powder.
lugo nce. morning. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound. Source: poss.
Minyong (Adi). See: porok-lugo
cockscrow.
`lugm n. seed of a chilli pepper.
lugluk adj. sensation of heat,
burning or spiciness felt when
eating a chilli pepper.
luee n. heart of a banana tree.
Usage: (P). See: `koee banana
heart.
lucr Var: lusr (P). n:time. fifth
moon cycle of the year, roughly
mid-April to mid-May.
Usage: May be used to refer to the
-`lup -`lee
293
international calendar month of
May.
-`lup vs:adv. cover up; submerge.
Gram: Result suffix on intransitive
verbs, indicating that the subject is
covered up as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. On transitive
stems, indicates the same of the
object.
`inlup vt. cover someone up by
moving, as a crowd causing a
person to become lost or
invisible.
`goolup vt. submerge; swallow
up, of something swelling and
growing, like lava. `lbor `m
`goolup kaa. Her heels were
submerged (into the stone).
`luptuu n. helmet; variety of
woven cap, used for head
protection as when carrying logs
or other large, heavy objects
which could otherwise injure the
wearer.
`luppii n. four-angled spirit hat
brim. Hat brim made from
woven bamboo strips in
four-angled weave, used as an
element of sacrificial altars.
`luppee n. ritual woven bamboo
hat, somewhat longer in
extension than a `luppii. Used
as an element of sacrificial altars.
lub n:time. eleventh moon cycle of
the year, roughly mid-October to
mid-November. Usage: may be
used to refer to the international
calendar month of November.
`lubr n. 1 brim of a hat; brimmed
hat.
2 ritual spirit hat formed from
woven bamboo strips in
six-angled weave, used as a
component of sacrificial altars.
`lum- clfqr. Classifier for clusters.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. See: `alum cluster.
lumii n:time. third moon cycle of the
year, roughly mid-February to
mid-March. Usage: May be used
to refer to the international
calendar month of March.
`lumnam1 vt. coil something, as
rope or string, into a ball, as
when preparing to cover a loom.
`ntuu `m `lumt `kee! Make a
string ball!
`lumnam2 vt. submerge
something, of water. `iss ` `om
`lumduu ku. The water is
submerging me.
`lumsee n. berry of the bulum
tree.
-lum...-y vs:advs. impure; dirty;
soiled; revolting. Gram: Verb suffix
indicating that the action indicated
by the verb instills a feeling of
impurity or revulsion in the
experiencer
`talum-`tay vt. feel revolted
at what one is hearing.
-`lee1 vs:adv. crazed; angered. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that the
object becomes crazed or angered as
a result of the action indicated by the
verb. hottum `m `ablee kaa. I
shot the bear (thereby) angering
it.
-`lee2 vs:nf. Subsequential suffix.
Gram: Verb suffix giving the sense
that another event follows directly
from the marked event. May be
translated by then, after that out
of because or so. omee ,
`lomlee `kulaa, `hn `lokk
leenam -`loo
294
`oloo kaaku. The boy was
frightened and (out of fear) fell
down from the tree. `a `leelaa,
kekkaa ku! Out of shame she
ran away! `mb `rllee
`laa...Because of that having
been done... `mk `ao go `blee
`kulaa, `ikur toku. They took
one of her kids, and went back.
leenam vt. bind; tie up an object, as
a bundle of firewood, as well as a
human prisoner or slave. `all `m
`leegr `laa `horduu `la ar. Ill
tie the legs and keep them
extended upward.
`leenam vi. savage; crazed with
aggression, as of an injured bear;
be wildly furious or infuriated,
dangerously so. no `maaj `leen
go `lakaa. Youre a real savage,
arent you.
`leelak adj. 1 raw.
2 fresh; not stale or rotten.
3 not yet dry, as of clothes.
-lek vs:adv. rightside up. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the subject (of
an intransitive verb) or object (of a
transitive verb) is or becomes
positioned rightside-up as a result of
the action indicated by the verb.
gellek vi. spread-eagled;
stretched out when lying
down.
tablek vi. turned rightside up, as
a leaf. See: -kup upside down.
-`len vs:adv. out; away; appear
(result). Gram: Directional or result
suffix usually occurring on motion or
transfer verbs. On motion verbs,
usually indicates that the subject
moves out of a contained space,
home or place of origin, or with the
result that the subject appears or
becomes visible to the wider world
(whereas he previously wasnt). In
transfer verbs, indicates that the
subject causes the object to be moved
out. `hablen `tokee! Take it out
(of the fire) with tongs! `ikii
dooluu lo `caalen `duu. He
arrived at Dog Village.
`inlen vi. set out, as on a journey
into the wider world.
`plen vt. produce through
creation, as a god.
lo Var: `lo. pos. at; in; on; to; into.
Gram: Locative case marker, marking
nouns indicating a place where
something happens, or a goal where
something is moving to. May also
mark time nouns or subordinate
clauses as a time or event within
which something happens. Tone is
assigned from an adjacent
tone-bearing word. luugoo lo in
the enclosure. `bojar `lo at the
market. `hkkm idaa lo lagi
`duu. We need this sort of thing
at weddings. kaabok
`daglo...(At the time) when they
looked down...
`louu n. light.
vi. emanate radiating, unfocused
light, as of the sun or moon;
shine, in a loosely-radiating,
subtle or non-intense manner.
`louu-`jee n. light green, as a
nearby forest. See: `louu light;
`jee green/blue.
`loee adj. feeling of loss or
frustration at not getting, and not
being able to get, something that
had been expected, had been
hoped for, which was
retrospectively discovered to
been a possibility.
-`loo1 vs:adv. down; downward.
Gram: Directional suffix; on
`oloo loobak
295
intransitive verbs other than of
motion, indicates a location
downward of a spatial reference
point at which the predicated event
takes place. On verbs of motion,
indicates a goal downward of a
spatial reference point reached by the
subject as a result of motion. On
transitive verbs of transfer, indicates
a goal to which the object is
transferred. `hibuu `g `minloo
kunam. I chased it down by
way of the river.
`oloo vi. fall down; fall vertically.
`oloo `maab, dei! Dont fall
down (be careful)!
-`loo2 Var: -`lo (third syllable
position). vs:mod. Hortative
intensifier. Usage: rare. `kaj `loku!
Come on, lets go already!
`heloo ku! Give it to me after
all!
loo- clfr. Classifier for days. Gram:
Root form, used for combining with
numeral roots and some adjective
roots. `looi go lagi `rp.
Roughly it will take two days.
See: aloo day.
`loogaa n:time. 1 noon.
2 lunch. Usage: esp. Pugo.
`loot n. element of a loin loom, a
bamboo tube set just above the
`tai and below the loomee.
loodaa adj. straight, of a rope of
any similarly-shaped thing.
`loodak adv. every day.
looden vt. scare off an animal by
making loud noises, as a tiger.
Syn: `denlom.
`loodr ace. grievously
promiscuous. Usage: usu. occurs
in compound. See: `yaloo-`loodr
unrepentantly slutty.
loonam1 vi. progress, of a period of
time (especially a day, or a
month); of a period of time, move
through its course. doo `t
`caal `laa, aloo `lool `laa,
`ok gnam-hnam `inl `laa.
As the sun is rising, and the day
is moving through its course, so
my life is passing away. aloo
looam `taduu ku. The day is
about to be over.
vt. provide the provisions of the
day; manage the food, drink,
servers, and other daily
necessities for the comfort and
sustenance of labourers,
particularly reciprocal labourers
engaged in house-construction or
the like. This is often the
responsibility of someone other
than the direct beneficiary of the
reciprocal labour, often one of his
relations or good friends. Takes
aloo day as an associated
nominal. `bk nam `modak `ogo,
o aloo `m looji kaa. During
his house construction, I
provided the food and drink.
loonam2 Var: gennam (P). vi.
1 roll, of a wheel or
wheel-shaped object such as a
bicycle tire or coin.
2 swing, of a door.
vt. roll a wheel-shaped object. o
pgoo `m `looduu. Im rolling
the wheel.
loonii n. marrow; bone marrow.
`loopoo nce. midday. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: aloo-`loopoo noon.
loobak adj. 1 of the mouth, to be
rendered numb or senseless as
from eating highly-concentrated
betelnut and lime.
loobo `lonam
296
2 boring. `dggo `maaj loobak
`duu. Summer is really boring.
loobo nce. See: loobo-gambuu
house crest.
looboo n. comb.
loobo-gambuu n. bridge-like
crest erected over a house, used
as a ceremonial apparatus.
loob n. hunk of bone; large bone
section, as from the hacked-off
limb of a cow or mithun.
loomee n. element of a loin loom, a
tapered stick similar in design to
the `taap bunching stick, and
possibly having a similar
purpose. Set just above the
`loot, just below the `rubuu.
`looloo nce. See: kukcoo-`looloo
fig tree (variety).
loohap n. comb used primarily for
de-lousing hair; formed of a
series of relatively flat bamboo
strips joined at the base and
fanning outward like a Chinese
fan. Lice which are caught by the
comb may be crushed between
the comb sections.
`lok Var: `lok. pos. 1 from. Gram:
Ablative postposition marking
sources of non-motion-oriented
verbs, as well as association of
objects to spaces or locations
Usage: Usually reduces to [lok].
nam go `lok louu go `uulen `laa.
A light was emerging from a
house. `mook-mook `lok ii
adk-adk `duu. People from
different places are different.
2 with; using. Gram: Meditative
postposition, marking the method or
means used to carry out an action.
`kock `lok htum r. (I) will
stop up (the container) with leaf
fragments. ` `lok `ponam `
`na. Theyre made from
bamboo?
3 some. Gram: Partitive indefinite
postposition, usually used to mark
indefinite plural nouns which are
construed as parts of a larger
potential quantity. Generally occurs
in irrealis contexts, especially future
reference and commands. `am `lok
aii go `cillaa. They planted a
bit of paddy. `l `m `pt `na
`lok `laatak. Get some stones
from among the big ones.
`kobuu `lok `apt `kee! Shoot
(some) rats!
4 with. Gram: Accompaniment
postposition to a noun phrase,
usually marking objects which are
affected in addition to an
accusative-marked object. oii `lok
o acin `m don `duu. I eat rice
with fish.
5 of. Gram: Partitive postposition,
marking a noun as a whole or
set/group of or from (among)
which an entity is selected. `ok
`hobin `m `gamn `lok `ikii
`dorki go o `apto. I shot two
of the dogs who bit my goat.
`lokk pos. from. Gram: General
marker of sources of motion or time,
unspecified for direction. `iji `g
`lokk, `hrum `gob from now
until tonight.
lopn n. trousers; long pants.
Source: English.
lotek Var: ltek (P). n. half-visible
penis tip.
loduu n. salt cellar; salt container,
traditionally fashioned from a
length of bamboo.
`lonam vt. sun-dry; spread
something out to dry it under the
`lobo `lk
297
sun. o `murkoo `dol `lor. (Ill
be so rich that) Ill just lay all my
money out to dry in the sun like
paddy.
`lobo n:time. rainy season; used by
some speakers to refer to the
sixth moon cycle of the
agricultural calendar.
lob pos. up to (a point). Gram:
Dumessive spatial/temporal
postposition; on time expressions
(including clauses denoting points in
time), indicates a point in time which
is understood as being led up to. On
spatial expressions, marks a point
up to which an event will endure or
have its effect. o `hog `lob `um
tr. Ill just smoke (the
cigarette) up to this point.
`ikii-hob `lob `laarek kaa. He
took from me everything up to
and including my livestock.
doo-`aadak `lob, `gam
`lamaa to. I couldnt finish
ploughing (my field) before
sunset.
-`lom vs:val. frighten; shock; startle.
Gram: Result suffix indicating that
the subject frightens or shocks the
object as a result of the action
indicated by the verb. May be
applicative on verbs of locution.
arum kan `b, homen `rgii `lo
`umlom `dagee. Late in the
evening, a tiger at the fields edge
frightened us with its roar.
`lomnam vi. 1 be or feel shocked
or startled, as after seeing
something unexpected.
2 be active, as though imbued
with spirit or electricity; be
inspired to move in rapid bursts
and not simply lie about; hurry
(up). `lomt `yoo! Hurry up
(dont just sit around)!
Loruu-Merruu name. Loru Meru,
legendary name of a place from
which salt was taken in the days
before extensive trade.
`lorup nce. dark moon. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: `poolo-`lorup dark moon.
`lor n. ritual platform used during
an animal sacrifice, on which a
`ibo will stand and chant to
the spirits.
`loloo expr. expressive denoting a
loud or vivid sound. loloo
`mlaa `modak `lakaa! (The
loudspeaker) is surprisingly
loud, in fact!
`loo n. stone weight, used as an
element of a `lpum-karnam
fishing system to weigh down
the apparatus and avoid erosion
by the force of river water.
`lor n. variety of hard stone which
breaks off into sharp sections.
-`l vs:adv. want; desire. Gram:
Desiderative verb suffix indicating
that the subject wants or desires to
bring about the action indicated by
the verb. `tal maa. Be quiet! o
`yoo `gocin `dol maa. I dont
want to eat anything. `bk `rl
namm `m `b `rr `com. Shell
do as she likes, I suppose.
`kaal vt. like someone or
something; want to or like to
see someone.
`lkaa n. igneous stone, because
very black in colour in the Galo
area; volcanic fossilized wood.
`lkap n. cobble; medium-sized
stone, as might be used for
paving a road.
`lk1 n. variety of valuable black
`lk lpum-karnam
298
stone used for making beads.
`lk2 n. pebble; very small stone.
`lkr n. variety of valuable blue or
yellow stone, possibly turquoise,
used for making beads.
lgin n. prickly heat. Usage: (P).
See: `rbuk prickly heat.
`lgoo Var: `lguu (P). n. neck;
throat, especially, as construed as
a round object.
`lg n. element of a `hibok
fishing dam, a large stone placed
atop the dam apparatus, used to
give weight and support so that
the elements are not eroded and
washed aside by the current.
`lcak Var: `lsk (P). n. pebble;
very small stone. Syn: `lci,
`lyaa.
`lcak-bree n. pebble; very small
stone. Syn: `lci-bree. See: `lcak
pebble; bree small thing.
`lci n. pebble; small stone.
Syn: `lcak, `lyaa.
`lci-bree Var: `lsak-lak (P).
n. pebble; very small stone.
Syn: `lcak-bree. See: `lci
pebble; bree small thing.
`lcuu1 Var: `lsuu (P). n. hump, as
on a cow or camel.
`lcuu2 n. pebble; very small piece
of stone.
`lcum Var: `lsum (P). n. variety
of valuable green stone, possibly
jade, used for making beads.
`lcum-`lkr
Var: `lsum-`lkr (P). n. various
brightly coloured stones or
beads. See: `lcum jade; `lkr
turquoise.
lc Var: ls (P). adj. red, as nail
polish or blood.
`lck Var: `lsk (P). n. 1 array of
stones in a fireplace used to
enclose and concentrate a fire, as
well as to position cooking
materials such as pots or meats
for roasting over the fire.
Usage: archaic.
2 iron tripod used for
positioning pots over a fire.
`ltak n. massive boulder, roughly
elephant-sized or above.
`ltor n. hard stone; pure stone,
without sand admixture; usually
whitish-tan in colour.
`lt Var: `lt. n. boulder; large
stone. Syn: `ln.
lnam v:c.arg. be red; become red.
Gram: Generally occurs with
associated noun/adjective yal
red
`ln Var: `ln. n. boulder; very
large stone. Syn: `lt.
`lpuu n. variety of valuable white
stone, possibly marble, used for
making beads.
`lpum n. cylindrical stone pile
fish trap; pile of stones formed
into a cylinder by binding with
an cr bamboo wall, used as
the main body of a system for
trapping fish by removing stones
into which fish have been driven
to hide, and causing them to
escape into an `dr fishing
valve trap.
lpum-karnam vt. method of
fishing by piling stones into a
`lpum stone cylinder fish
trap. See: `lpum stone pile;
karnam pile something.
`lpoo -`lk
299
`lpoo Var: `lguu (P). n. neck;
especially, a neck construed as a
trunk-like object.
`lpom n. heap or pile of stones of
any size, of a more or less
pyramid shape, but with no
particular design to their
arrangement.
`lp n. sharpening stone; stone
used for sharpening knives.
`lmik n. algae growing on stones
in rivers.
`lmk n. gravel; sand; small
pebbles.
`lm n. variety of divination in
which rocks are gathered without
counting, sand is filtered and
chanted over, and spirits are
appealed to in order to ask
whether a hunt will be successful
or not. After finishing the appeal,
the speaker clucks and says
`pumpek go `nent `kaa or
`pumpek `tokaa and places
them down. The stones are
counted in twos; if one stone
remains and the number is
thereby odd as requested, the
hunt will be successful (it is also
possible to ask for an even
number, as `pumsi `tokaa).
`lyaa1 n. slate; soft stone; easily
breakable stone with too much
sandy sediment mixed in, usually
black.
`lyaa2 n. collar, of a shirt.
`lyaa3 n. pebble; small stone.
Syn: `lcak, `lci.
`lyaa-bree n. pebble. See: `lyaa
pebble; bree small thing.
`lruu n. hole in a stone.
`lr n:num. thousand. Usage: (NW).
Var: `ajar (L).
-`ll vs:adv. really want; very
much want. no kaakaa `ll do?
You really want to see it?
See: -`l want; desire.
Ll-Looloo name. name of a
popular mountain in Likabali
circle.
`lhk Var: `lsk (P). n. crack in
the voice.
adj. of the voice, to crack or be
cracking. `lhk kaaku. (My)
voice cracked.
-`l...-pak vs:advs. tolerate. Gram:
Split desiderative suffix usually
occurring in the negative, indicating
a strong dislike or intolerance, as
though one cannot even stand the
idea of doing something. o `is
`hul `hupak maa. I cant be
bothered with bathing.
`tal-`tapak kumaa! Im sick of
hearing that! See: -`l want to;
-pak love to.
-`lk vs:val. 1 into. Gram: Directional
suffix, indicating that the action
indicated by the verb is directed into
a space. Adds a Locative noun
phrase understood as a Goal into
which the action is directed. `m
`alo `dlk `la `mor! Im going
to make (the paper airplane) fly
into the fire!
2 on; into; affecting. Gram:
non-directional sense introducing an
obligatory argument metaphorically
treated as a Goal, which the event
indicated by the verb is somehow
directed at or on, or which will
otherwise be affected (often as a
maleficiary) boam `lgla...He
invited them all to (his
mithun-sacrificing)...
`lk -`l
300
`lk vt. insert by stretching, as
when inserting a log into the
fire. `h `m `lk kaato! Put
the log in the fire (stretching
your hand to do so)!
`jilk vte. send something to
someone.
`naalk vt. throw something into
a space, such as an empty
container.
`palk vt. sacrifice an animal for
a particular purpose, as to cure
a disease. hob go `palk `p
lagi `duu. We have to kill a
mithun (to cure it).
-lk vs:adv. reciprocally. Gram:
Manner suffix indicating that the
action indicated by the verb is
carried out reciprocally amongst
equal participants. Generally
followed by Reflexive suffix -hi.
o `hn `m krlk r. Ill cut
down his tree on him (as revenge
for what he did to me).
jilk (-jiak) vt. give (gifts)
reciprocally. nam-`duur `m
adin oii `m jilk jiak hinam
al `na. Its good to give
reciprocal gifts to a
neighbour.
`lkk n. black shirt; black tunic.
`lgnam vt. insert; put something
into something else.
lgbuu n. sleeve, of a shirt.
lglk ace. See: lglk-laglak
dazzling.
lglk-laglak adj:expr. dazzling;
extremely shiny and glittering.
l pcl. eh? Gram: Clarification marker
indicating that a speaker has
incompletely heard or not properly
understood a statement or question
made by the addressee, and would
appreciate repetition or clarification.
Carries a distinctive upward
intonation contour. `yoo `laa l?
What...was that (that you said)?
`l pcl. eh? Gram: Clarification marker
marking a statement or question as a
request for clarification, as when a
speaker is responding to something
he or she finds dubious, unlikely or
difficult to comprehend. Carries a
distinctive downward-falling
intonation contour. `yoo `rkaa `l?
What happened (I didnt catch
it)? mmaa `l! I didnt tell you,
you say?! `iip `l? Did you
say iip?
lum n:time. thrice.
`lo n. ankle tendon.
`l pcl. Abessive postposition.
Gram: Marks a noun as something
remembered, and which is not
present at the time of speaking
Usage: Usually spoken of in an
attitude of reminiscence, or with
a lonely, wistful sense.
Sometimes may be translated
into English as old x or dear old
x. Dp `bol `l...`rmen bee `k.
Back down in old Dp...times
were good, you know. `am `l
`jaa jiji, im `b! That one
would be worth having as a wife
(although shes too fine for me,
and Im sure I cant have her).
no `l, `kaanek `! Poor you,
stuck in this permanent condition
of ugliness!
-`l vs:adv. gradually; cumulatively;
continuously. Gram: Temporal
suffix indicating that an event is
graded (composed of multiple
iterations of the same activity over a
continuous and potentially long
period of time). Often used in verb
reduplications to indicate the
lgoo `lken-`lken
301
passage of time, as
rwl-rwl-rwl-rwl...doing it
and doing it and doing it and going
on doing it...(the time passed thus).
`menl haa yaa kaamaa.
Theres not that much more to
tell. `bl `laa, buluk ennam
`m `bduu ku. Having kept it
continuously, (they) still have
their writing system. `mol
`laku, `mol `laku, `bul `cenl
`laku. Going on doing that, they
came to understand (how to
write). `caal `laa, `caal `laa,
`caal `laa doo-`pool `mook
`tol `caalen `duu. He kept on
going up, up, up, up until finally
they reached the place of the Sun
and Moon.
vs:nf. concurrently;
simultaneously. Gram: Temporal
subordinating suffix indicating that
the marked event occurs
concurrently to or simultaneously
with (at the same time as) the event
indicated by a following verb. Ab
Tanii `ml `induu ku. Abo
Tani went along, thinking (as he
did). `dol `caaduu. They
eatingly come up/come up
eating as they go (of ants).
lgoo Var: lg (P). n. variety of
bird, smaller than robin, mostly
black, white underbelly, white on
wings, darts quickly.
lg n. Usage: (P). See: `ag
storage area.
`lnam vt. keep; place; set.
Usage: (P). See: anam keep (L).
lnam Var: rnam (P);
kuunam (P). vt. swing something,
as a bag from its straps.
lb n. shoulder.
ll adv. continuously; with the
same pace; at the same speed.
`boo ` `ibbom ll `jaab
`memmin `gduu. The assistant
is following along with the
shaman precisely (in chanting).
-lk vs:adv. do something in stages
or steps. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that an action is
performed not just as a one-off
activity, but rather comprises several
stages or steps
`rlk vt. do in stages or steps.
tak-palk nam to repair fan
palm shingling on a roof.
`lken n:time. once; one time; one
iteration of an action or event.
Gram: Obligatorily followed by go
`b `lken go om `dopak to.
He beat me at eating once.
porok `lken-`li go kogboolo
`un `uuduu, `i? When the
cock crows once or twice, we get
up, eh?
n:qual. as one; together; united.
`bul attr `lken `gob
`yuppom toku. They all slept
together as one.
`lken ` adv. suddenly; at once.
`hodum ` `lken ` `joblen
`laku. The barking deer leapt
out all of a sudden.
`lken `ne adv. someday;
sometime; sometimes. `lken
`ne kaark `hiduu `kub.
Someday we will meet again,
God willing. `unuk agom
`rgaa `duu, `lken `ne. Our
language is really interesting,
sometimes.
`lken `b adv. together. `u
`lken `b `immen `laju. Lets
go for a walk together.
`lken-`lken n:time. sometime.
`lko `lj
302
Gram: not generally used alone,
but derived in a variety of
oblique/adverbial time
expressions `lken-`lken `b
o `hodum `abduu. From
time to time I shoot deer.
`lko ace. See: `lko-`lpek legs
crossed.
`lkoo n. blade anchor; portion of a
blade extending into the handle
to give the whole
strength/support.
`lkor n. step; step of the foot; pace.
`lko-`lpek adj. cross-legged
sitting style, i.e. with one knee
crossed over the other and
(generally) only one foot
touching the ground.
`lko-`lpek `la `duuduu ~
`lko-`lpk `duu. sitting
cross-legged. Syn: pakoo-`lpek.
`lk1 Var: `ljin (P). n. calf-let;
anklet worn on the top of the calf,
just below the knee.
`lk2 Var: `lk. n:time. long ago;
way back when. `lk `ogo,
horok rbbee `ii. A long time
ago, it seems there were
rhinoceros about. `lk `lo,
`un `aken ` rto. In the past,
we lived alone.
lkk n:time. six times.
`lgaa n. reason; purpose; benefit.
`yoo `lgaa `d? Why/for what
reason?
`lgaa `b n:rel. because; for;
owing to. `k `lgaa
`b...because of that... `bul
kaamaa nam `lgaa
`b...Because they dont have
any...
`lgap n. under-knee; armpit-like
cavity on the leg opposite the
knee.
`lgo n. rudimentary or temporary
bridge over a river.
`lgoo Var: `lg (P). adj.
bowlegged. See: laggoo
bow-armed.
`lgok n. crack in the foot,
especially on the heel, as in
winter or with older villagers.
`lg-`lgaa n. reason; cause.
See: `lgaa reason.
lgnam vt. manipulate a flat thing;
leaf or file through a stack of flat
things, such as a book, a stack of
papers or a pile of (folded)
clothes; open a window.
abor-abor `b `lglen `tokee.
Take them out sheet by sheet.
`lgnam vt. slide something, as
across the floor. `occik `m `bm
`ne `lgji kaa. I slid the knife
(across the floor) to her.
lo n:time. five times.
`lci Var: `lsi (P). n. left leg; left
foot; left leg, including foot.
`lc Var: `ls (P). n. toe.
`lc-`ci n. pinkie toe; smallest
toe. See: `lc toe; `cii pinkie
finger.
`ljin adj. stretched legs;
outstretched legs. `tujin-`ljin
`tokee! Stretch out your legs!
`ljuu adj. knock-kneed; walking
with both knees touching.
`lj n. lame person; someone who
cant walk properly, as a baby or
someone with a stubbed toe.
adj. lame; unable to walk
properly, as a baby or after
`li `lbok
303
stubbing ones toe.
`li n:time. twice.
`lk n. ankle tendon area; the
soft area directly behind the
ankle.
`ltam n. sole of the foot.
`ltuu adj. half-legged; stub-legged,
whether from accident or birth.
`ltum adj. fold up or have legs
folded or crossed Indian-style.
`lten Var: `lten (P). vt. cover
something with ones foot; drape
ones foot or lean ones leg over
someone or something,
particularly when lying down
adjacent. `om `lten `yookee!
Dont put your foot on me!
`ltk Var: `lk (P). n. base of a
heap; foot or base of a mountain.
`lt n. calf of the leg.
`ltk n. stinger, on a bee or on a
python.
`ldek n. crack in the leg or foot, as
in winter when cold and skin is
dry.
adj. of the leg or foot, to be
cracked. o `dc `m, `ldek
`dedduu. My feet get cracked
during wintertime.
`lden vi. of the leg, to twitch.
vt. twitch ones leg; cause ones
leg to twitch.
`ldo n. heel of the foot, conceived
as including the base and sides.
`ldr adj. lame.
`ld adj. short-legged.
`lnam1 vt. plant a seed or seedling
directly into the ground, not by
tossing or using a planting stick,
but instead using hands or
trowel, as rice into a wet field;
transplant, as a plant which is
already growing.
`lnam2 vt. flick or toss something
sidearm; hurl or throw
something with relatively great
force.
`ln n. big toe; thumb toe.
`ln-potii Var: `ln-tuub (P). n.
tip of the big toe. See: `ln big
toe; potii tip.
`lpaa n. 1 shin of the leg.
2 median of a quantity; middle
of a solid object; centre; core;
between (two objects). nuik
`lpaa `lo o `yubr. Ill sleep
between the two of you.
adj. in the middle;
not-too-extreme. `lpaa `p
`lagee. One should be in the
middle (not too much this way,
not too much that).
`lpum n. toes, construed as a set;
front section of a foot. `lpum
pugnam to pull/strip the skin
from the front part of a foot, as of
a chicken.
`lpee n. leg cramp, as from
walking back and forth to your
field all day.
adj. cramped or fatigued, of ones
foot or leg. `lpee `! Wah! What
a cramp!
`lpek ace. legs crossed. Usage: usu.
occurs in compound.
See: pakoo-`lpek legs crossed;
`lko-`lpek legs crossed.
lppii n:time. four times.
`lbok n. foot-and-mouth disease
`lbor `lhok
304
(FMD); aftosa; variety of foot
disease affecting ungulates
(mithuns and cattle), which does
not spread to humans but can be
fatal to livestock.
`lbor n. surface of foot, including
heel, sole and toe and upper
surface.
`lb n. knee.
`lb-tatk n. kneecap. Usage: (P).
See: `taci-`poolo kneecap (L).
`lbk Var: `lbk (P). n. right leg
and/or foot.
`lbnam Var: `legnam (P). vi. slip,
as when walking on a muddy
surface. `alap `dagna, `lbdee
`laa. (The road) is slippery, you
might slip.
`lmen n. anklet, traditionally
made of brass or thread.
`lm n. leg hair. Var: `lmo.
See: `am body hair.
`lyor ace. See: `tuhor-`lyor
stretch out the legs.
lyy Var: nyy (P). adj. similar;
same; identical. `g agom lyy
doo! Thats the same thing (that
Im saying)!
lr Var: lyy (P). n:time. ten times.
`ll adv. quickly. `hok `ihi-`abuu
`hok, `ll `mla `moin boolo,
`bun `yoolok `palaa `rnna. If we
go down quickly via this here
river, how will they be able to get
us?
`lhin Var: `lsin (P). n. toenail.
`lhok n. variety of foot infection
(possibly fungal).
satii Soi
305
S - s
satii n. umbrella. Source: Assamese.
Siji name. name of a river in
Likabali circle.
sitii Var: hitii. n. letter; epistle.
Source: Assamese.
`sinam v:c.arg. whistle. Gram: usu.
occurs with associated lexeme
`husi whistle `om `diimii `
`hus `sikaa `la. The demon
whistled at me.
`Siyom name. Siyom, name of a
major river in West Siang
District.
Soi name. name of a Lare
Galo-speaking village in central
West Siang district.
-ha `hab
306
H - h
-ha Var: -hi; -si; -sa; -s. vs:nzr.
Irrealis/obligative nominalizer to
a verbal or adjectival root. Gram:
Derives a noun with the basic
meaning thing that is to be done,
thing that (the subject) must do or
thing that will be (the case). Can
also derive an irrealis non-subject
noun with the basic meaning one
that x is to be done to. Also used to
form counterfactual/hypothetical
expressions such as if x had been the
case, y would have... aas go `bree.
I suppose well be leaving now
(lit., I suppose its a case of our
to-be-leaving). insaa `bree
immaa haa `bree? Should I go
or not? (Im of two minds).
`mrum `nensaa `ne. Actually, I
had to go yesterday (but I didnt,
so I absolutely must go today).
puruu `ne jihi kaaku maa.
There wasnt anything left to
give Whitecrested Laughing
Thrush. `m `rt `duu
`ham...Instead of doing that...
o `alo aamaa naggee boolo,
`rooko maa haee. If I hadnt
gone there, I wouldnt have
gotten scolded.
`mensa Var: `mensi; `mens. n.
thing to say; point needing to
be made. `mens `jaa kaamaa.
I dont have much to say.
`rsa Var: `rsi; `rs. n. task;
pending task; thing one has to
do.
`haa Var: `saa; `ha. n. tea. Source:
Assamese.
haanam vi. tense or tense up the
inner muscles and push, as to
force out excrement when
constipated or when delivering a
child.
`haguu n. asthma.
hagnam vi. breathe; inhale or
exhale air when breathing.
`hag vi. sigh, as in resignation
or sadness.
`haglen vi. exhale; breathe
outward.
`haglk vi. inhale; breathe
inward.
`hajar Var: hajar (P). n:num.
thousand. Source: Assamese.
Syn: `lr.
`happaa n. pass constructed
beneath a `higo fishing
platform as an element of a
`hapsum-`henam fishing
apparatus. Fish are driven
through the pass, at which point
they are collected by a handled
net.
`hapsum-`henam v. variety of
fishing technique, in which an
cr bamboo barrier is made
across the length of a stream and
a `higo fishing platform
constructed in the centre.
Beneath the platform, a handled
net is suspended across a pass,
into which fish are driven and
caught. o `hig go gokaa `dee,
`hapsum-`heduu `b. Ill go
ahead and erect a fishing
platform for hapsum fishing,
eh?
`hab n. loincloth, generally a
habnam -hi
307
simple white towel, as
traditionally worn by older men.
`habb ` `kogy `duu! Your
loincloth is lying to the side (I can
see your...)!
habnam1 vt. 1 count individuals;
enumerate, as in school.
2 consider something as or
among something. `m `happaa
maanam ii goku `na. Hes
someone we dont even consider
(we just ignore him or count him
out).
habnam2 vt. grasp, pinch or cut
with any pincer-like tool, such as
fingers, tongs, tweezers,
chopsticks, or scissors. adum `m
habr. Ill cut my hair. `hablk
`tokee! Put it in (to the fire, with
the tongs)!
`habree n. handle of a handled
fishing net, used as an element of
a `hapsum-`henam fishing
apparatus.
`habro n. power; magical power or
ability.
hamnam vt. step.
`hagek vi. slip or slide on
something trodden-on, such as
excrement, dirtying oneself.
`hamaa vi. miss a step; step
where there should have been
a surface, but isnt (due to a
hole or cliff).
hamten vt. step on something.
hampk n. traditional broom made
from young, tightly-clasped fan
palm leaves.
`harcek Var: `harsk (P). adj. bland;
flavourless; tasteless.
`harnam vi. be untied, of a
rope-like thing; of rope, untie of
itself.
vt. untie a rope or string-like
thing.
harnam vi. 1 play (as children).
`harmen `duu. (Were) playing
(as children).
2 make noise.
vt. fornicate; indulge in sexual
activities with someone.
`harsuk vi. be free; be not busy
or engaged.
`halii n. betelnut mixture, betelnut
taken with pan leaf and (usually)
lime.
`hi Var: `h. dem. this. Gram: Simple
proximate demonstrative used to
refer to something closer to the
speaker than to the hearer, or which
is currently being discussed or about
to be mentioned in a conversation
o `hm `ikii `hm `bruu `kul
`peelom mnam . I thought
that be any means I must take
this here dog! `ahi omee `ahi
agom `m `taben `duu! That
there boy really listens to what
one says (spoken ironically)!
-hi Var: -si. vs:val. by oneself; to
oneself. Gram: Reflexive suffix. On
an intransitive verb, indicates that
the subject acts by itself, without
help from others. On a transitive
verb, usually indicates that the
subject and object are the same (i.e.,
John hits himself). Often occurs
together with reflexive pronouns.
`b a `rhi r. Hell do it
himself. `ok `uaa ` `duuhi
`duuku. My baby has started to
sit all by himself. `mohi `laju.
Lets make one for ourselves.
enraa hikaa `tokee. Just try to
put up with it.
Hiaa hiik
308
Hiaa name. Siang River, largest river
in East Siang District and source
of the Brahmaputra in Assam.
`Hii name. name of a river in the
Baasar area.
hiik adj. grainy. Usage: (P). See: iik
grainy.
-hik Var: -sik. vs:adv. 1 join. Gram:
Result suffix indicating that two
things that had previously been
separate (but not necessarily
separated as parts from whole) are
joined together as a result of the
action indicated by the verb. In most
cases, the joined things should be
objects with some length, as sticks
2 take up. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that in bringing about the
action indicated by the verb, the
subject takes up the work or the
activity initiated, but not completed,
by someone else.
nksik vt. join two pieces of a
long thing together by pushing
them with some force.
bhik vt. join two ends of a
long thing. ` tuub `m
bhik `tokee. Take the other
end of the bamboo pole and
carry it (together with me).
`rhik vt. take of and continue
someones work, so as to
provide continuity. `an-abo
`g `rnam `m `rhik `ll
int `kaa. Take up and
continue your parents work
(as to provide generational
continuity).
-`hik vs:adv. barely. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the subject
affects the object only slightly,
indirectly, or barely as a result of the
action indicated by the verb.
`nksik vt. punch someone,
barely touching them.
hikaa vi. give an offering, as to
make merit, receive a blessing or
show sympathy or love for
someone. hikaa `tab `caaaa kaa.
They went up to present an
offering (to receive a blessing).
Hikaa-Hiyaa name. name of a
river in Upper Siang district,
Arunachal Pradesh.
`higik n. dirty water.
adj. dirty, of water. `Iigoo abuu
`higik `laa `dagduu ku `lakaa.
The Igo River is all muddied up
for some reason.
`higur n. spring; opening in the
earth from which groundwater
(hot or cold) emerges directly.
`higo1 n. hot water; boiled water.
See: `ago warm/hot.
`higo2 n. variety of fishing platform,
constructed as part of a
`hapsum-`henam fishing
apparatus. Fish are driven
beneath the platform, and caught
using a handled net.
`Hien name. name of a river near
Koyuu village.
`hicin Var: `hisin (P). nce.
See: `hicin-domaa famine.
hicin-domaa Var: hisin-domaa (P).
n. starvation; famine. idoo
omaa boolo, hicin-domaa `aadee
`duu. If it doesnt rain, there
may be famine.
hijaa n. swamp; muddy area.
`hijik n. muddy water; brackish
water.
hiik n. local name of the Subansiri
River.
hio himaa-cnam
309
hio nce. See: ar-hio freak
happening.
hitum n. mud.
hitum-`gaalum n. variety of very
large black bumblebee.
Var: itum-`gaalum.
hiduk n. fury; frenzy; whirlwind of
frenzied anger and violence;
belligerence of behaviour, as in
spontaneous anger.
adj. frenzied; furious. hiduk
dugnam to become frenzied or
furious.
`hidor n. clean water; pure water.
`hido-`higik n. muddied water.
`hid n. waterfall; falling water;
includes only the water itself, not
the entire system. Syn: `pood.
hinam vi. die. hikaa ku `lakaa.
What the...its dead!
`Hintuu name. name of the sixth
entity in the universe, generated
by `Miihin and progenitor of
Tuur.
`Hindii n. Hindi language. Source:
Hindi.
hinnam (2) vt. hit with a relatively
hard, solid object, especially a
stick; play a sport involving
hitting with a stick, such as
cricket. hikku `lap `ree? Shall
we play (cricket)?
`hinn n. red jungle fowl hen.
`hipuu1 n. flood; emergency release
of water from an over-taxed river
system, as during a heavy
rainstorm.
`Hipuu2 Var: `Sipuu. name. name of
a river in mid-northern West
Siang District after which the
Puugoo dialect of Galo is
named.
hipo Var: hipu. vi. backbite; talk
about someone in a negative way
behind their back. no `yoo `rlaa
hip pugoo `la `rduu `na? What
are you doing going around
talking about me behind my
back?
hip n. 1 raft.
2 variety of fishtrap made by
creating a dam with a channel
running through it, with a
catching area into which fish will
occasionally fall into, but cannot
escape from.
`hip n. 1 border of a rice field.
2 rice field.
`hibin n. miser.
adj. miserly.
`hibuu n. river.
Hibum name. name of a river in
Baasar area.
`hibok n. dam, made for fishing;
river diversion system consisting
of an upstream and downstream
dam (`bogdum and `bokko)
made at either end of a river
diversion (`bogb). Fish are
able to enter, but cannot escape.
`hib-rnam v. variety of fishing
technique, in which herbal
poison is pounded via a mukaa
poisoning platform and released
into the water. Fish are then
collected downstream at the
tamo-nappaa endpoint of the
poison drift.
himaa n. corpse; dead body.
himaa-cnam
himek hu-
310
Var: himaa-hnam (P). v. keep
watch over an unburied corpse,
so as to not allow any ill effects
(such as return of the departed
spirit) to transpire.
himek n. epilepsy.
adj. have epilepsy.
`himoo n. surface of face/area
around the sideburns, apparently
named because punching a man
here may cause his death.
himpo Var: himpo (P). n. red jungle
fowl cock. See: `prsin red jungle
fowl.
Hirik name. name of a river in
Kamba-Darak circle.
hiruu1 n. porcupine den; porcupine
hole.
Hiruu2 name. name of a river in
Kamba-Darak circle.
`hiruk n. drought; lack of water.
`hiruk-`moohen n. desert-like
conditions; drought and
drying-up of an area due to lack
of rain.
`hiree n. variety of fishtrap made
by creating a dam with a channel
running through it, with a
catching area off to the side
which fish will occasionally fall
into, but cannot escape from.
`hilii n. sand; in the prototypical
sense, sand or other small
particles in or from a river or
other water source; water which
contains sand.
hilii n. plague; pestilence.
`hilum n. pipe, for smoking.
Source: Hindi.
`hilee adj. twitch in death throes;
struggle to be alive; begin kicking
and twitching after one has
already been thought dead,
especially of a dog.
`hiloo Var: `hloo (P). n:time. today.
`hiloo `maaj `hkr `duu. Its
cool today.
`hiloo-`mroo
Var: `hloo-`mloo (P). n:time.
recently; these days; nowadays;
in recent times. `hiloo-`mroo `g
`ijr `gadd ` al kumaa. The
girls of today arent any good
anymore.
Hil Var: Sil. name. Hil (Sil),
name of a Galo village in Likabali
Circle, West Siang District,
Arunachal Pradesh.
`Hil1 name. name of a river in Baam
area.
`hil2 n. pond; lake; deep section of
a river; portion of a river in
which the flow slows, levels,
deepens and broadens, and
where depth is more than around
three meters and which may
accordingly be suitable for
swimming and dive-fishing.
`hil-aanam to dive into a river.
`hilk n. water carrier made from a
section of bamboo.
`hil-`ldum n. head of a pond or
deep section of a river; point at
which a fast flowing river slows,
levels, and spreads into a deep,
pond-like section.
hu- clfqr. Classifier for sets of four,
also used for forming numerals
on a base of four. Gram: Root form,
used for combining with numeral
roots and some adjective roots.
huppii sixteen. See: ahu set of
four.
huik! -hup...-yap
311
huik! expr. expressive indicating
high speed. Gram: must be followed
by `mlaa or a shortened form
`m ptaa `hokk huik! `m
`dblen eeku baa. The bird flew
out from here at top speed.
huu- clfr. Classifier for granaries.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. See: `naahuu
granary.
`Huu name. Huu, name shared by
two rivers, one from Dooj-Jelii
village and the other from Uak
village.
huunam vi. stink; smell (badly).
`un huumaa `duu. We
(women) dont stink.
vt. smell something. no `opoo
boob `m `huupaa, `i? So you
smell opo, eh?
`huunam vi. rise, of steam.
`doohuk ` `huucaa `duu. The
steam is rising.
-`huk vs:adv. freely. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the subject
brings about the action indicated by
the verb in a free or unrestricted way,
despite any fears or misgivings. `ao
`m `kaahuk hikaa ku I went
ahead and had the baby (despite
fears that there would be
problems, whereas in fact all
went well).
`harsuk vi. be free; be not busy
or engaged.
`huk- clfqr. Classifier for ladles or
ladlefuls of a substance, such as
rice beer. Gram: Root form, used for
combining with numeral roots and
some adjective roots. `ujuk
`hukken one ladleful.
-huk vs:adv. de-handle; slip out of
the handle. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that an action results in a
body (especially of a blade) being
separated from its handle.
hugnam1 vi. de-handle; be loose or
come out, of a blade or
spade-head from its handle.
yaamee `orok hugnam graa
`doonaa `d? Does a real man
carry a dao with a loose handle?
vt. 1 extract something from a
sheath or other enclosure, such as
the soil.
2 empty something, such as the
contents of a basket. o `poee
`m `hugaa `duu. Im emptying
out the rice beer residue.
hugnam2 vi. of crops, especially
rice, to dud out and fail to fruit,
or to be destroyed by insects.
`ammo hukkaa ku. The paddy
dudded out.
`hugnam vt. ladle; scoop liquid
with a ladle. See: `ujuk ladle.
hunam vt. wash ones body; bathe.
Usage: usu. occurs with associated
noun `isi water. `is `huttaak
`k. Go take a bath.
-hup vs:adv. disorderly. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the object,
having acted in a disorderly manner,
has caused the subject to experience
discomfort or impatience. kaahup
! Ive seen enough (of all this
disorder and mess)! addo `tahup
`duu! What a racket!
`hupsi n. variety of edible
mushroom, growing on rotten
wood, cap-less and curling like a
flower.
-hup...-yap vs:advs. overly; beyond
any reasonable limit. Gram: Split
result suffix indicating that
-`hum `henam
312
something has happened for a long
time, or to a great degree, and has
become intolerable Usage: Often
used in a sense of exasperation,
as though to tell someone to shut
up or to stop doing what they
have been doing immediately.
`tahup-`tayap `! Ive had
enough of all this talking (shut
up)! oo-takaa dohup-doyap
`duu. Ive been eating too many
fiddlehead ferns recently.
-`hum vs:adv. conceal. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that the subject (of
an intransitive verb) or the object (of
a transitive verb) is concealed as a
result of the action indicated by the
verb. `pohum `humnam to roll
something up into a packet as for
carrying it.
`duuhum vi. sit concealed in a
likely hiding place, as the
jungle. `duuhum `laa `yas
`hduu. (Hes) hiding and
peeing.
`naahum vt. throw something
such that it becomes hidden,
as in the jungle.
`humnam vt. enclose; wrap up.
Aci, `hgm `humt `kee. Elder
Brother, please wrap this up (into
a packet). `humtuu `laa
`duuduu squatting.
-`hur vs:adv. spill. Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the object of a
transitive verb is spilled out, as from
a hole in a sack, as a result of the
action indicated by the verb
`mohur vt. make e.g. a sack
burst, spilling the contents or
make something fall from a
hole in a sack.
huruk-harak n. plastic bag.
Usage: mainly restricted to
`Daar/Baasar area.
`hurup n. bladder. Syn: `hurpo.
`hurnam vi. fall out or spill out, as
from a hole in a sack.
`hurpo n. bladder. Syn: `hurup.
hursak n. laughing thrush.
Usage: (P). Garrulax squamatus.
See: cupcak laughing thrush (L)
`husi Var: `cuci. vt. whistle; whistle
to someone. Aci, `Nii `ne
`cuci-`sut `kee! Elder brother,
whistle at sixth wife!
`hee n. headstrap; strap worn
across the forehead, connected to
a basket or other heavy item
which is balanced on the back.
`heenam1 vi. fruit, of a fruiting
tree; bear fruit. `blaa ` `heeduu
ku. The jackfruits
fruiting/bearing fruit.
`heenam2 vi. be unmade; be in an
unmade or undone state, as a
taken-apart house. namm `heel
`dooduu. My house is lying
unmade.
vt. unmake; take apart; unravel;
undo, as a home.
-hek vs:adv. out (result). Gram: Result
suffix indicating that an object is
separated from something as a result
of the action indicated by the verb.
hessek vt. pull out, as a pen
drive from a computer.
-`hen vs:adv. wither. Gram: Result
suffix indicating that something
withers as a result of the action
indicated by the verb, as of intense
heat radiated by the sun.
`henam vt. 1 pull something.
2 drag someone or something
by force.
`hetak -`hoo
313
3 saw something, such as wood.
4 arrest someone, as a criminal.
`hetak vt. saw something in two.
`hennam (1) vi. dry out; dry up;
wither.
hennam (1) vt. climb something,
especially a tree. `m `hn `aa
`hecaa `duu. Hes climbing up
the tree.
hennam (2) vt. pull something out
of a space.
`hellen vt. pull something out,
as an arrow which has stuck
fast in a target.
`henn n. dry or fallen leaf.
`heloo Var: `elo; ee (P). int. gimme;
give it here; lets have it.
Usage: Hortative interjection
commanding the listener to give
the speaker something. `heloo
ku! Come on, give it to me
(finally)!
`helom int. lemme see; lets see
that; let me have that for a
minute. Usage: Hortative
interjection similar to but less
forceful than `heloo,
commanding the listener to give
the speaker something, but
including a concession that it
may be returned.
`hoaa n. length of rope, as for
making a lasso or noose.
Syn: `pogaa.
hoi n. salt deposit; salt lick;
terrestrial salt deposit where
animals such as mithun and
cattle often congregate to lick the
salty minerals.
hoin n. civet. Nocturnal, about
raccoon-sized, builds a nest high
in a tree. Viverra zibetha and/or
Viverra malaccensis.
hoin-hol n. wildcats of all
varieties.
hoi! int. hoi! Usage: Traditional war
cry.
hoe! expr. whew; phew; aaaah.
Usage: Interjection representing
the sound of a sigh, as from
exhaustion when on a long
journey.
`hoo1 n. mithun calf; adolescent
mithun; young mithun.
-`hoo1 adj:mono. long, of a bamboo
section. Ant: -d. Gram: Adjective
root occurring with only a few
Classifier roots, including `t-
Classifier for bamboo sections.
Opposed to -d short, of a
bamboo section `thoo long, of a
bamboo section.
-`hoo2 vs:adv. far away. Gram:
Directional or result suffix indicating
that the action indicated by the verb
is directed far away or is transferred
into a distance
`kaahoo vt. see far away into the
distance.
`hoo2 n:time. tonight; last night;
night closest to the time of
speaking. Gram: Without object
marker `ne, the default reading is
last night, i.e. the night immediately
previous to the time of speaking.
With object marker `ne, indicates
tonight, i.e. the night immediately to
follow the time of speaking.
-`hoo3 Var: -so; -sso. vs:mod. let me x;
shall I just x. Gram: Permissive
modal suffix forming a proposition
implying that the addressee should
allow the speaker to perform the
action indicated by the verb, possibly
in order to benefit the addressee.
hoo- hocaa
314
Usually occurs together with
Benefactive suffix -ji. o `aken go
`moji `kaahoo. Let me make one
(cigarette) for you.
hoo- clfr. Classifier for long and
thin objects, as cigarettes, lengths
of rope, automobiles and snakes.
Gram: Root form, used for combining
with numeral roots and some
adjective roots. biirii `hooi go
two cigarettes. See: ahoo length
(of rope, e.g.).
hoog n. sacrificial post; group of
pillars fastened together, to
which a sacrificial animal
(especially a mithun) is tied.
`hoojen n. wire.
`hooj n. chameleon or perhaps
salamander; variety of lizard,
with yellow and white strips on
the back and a black on down the
spine; black eyes, about 6-7
long.
`hooj-`hoopen n. gecko, of any
variety.
`hooo n. tassled bamboo; small
bamboo stick whittled until the
strips form a large tassle at one
end, used as a ubiquitous
decorative item on sacrificial
altars and other sacred objects.
hootii n. metal skewer used for
roasting or smoke-drying meat.
`hoonam v:c.arg. grow, of a human
(at least). Gram: Generally occurs
with preceding adjective `ahoo
long/tall `ahoo `hoobaa `duu.
Hes growing fast. See: `ahoo
long/tall.
hoonam vt. dance.
`hoopen n. chameleon, of the
variety that can change its colour.
hoom Var: goom (P). n. hanging
bridge, made from bamboo.
ho Var: ho (P). n. cattle; bovine,
irrespective of gender. Bos spp.
hokam nce. wizened old animal.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: j-hokam old man.
`hokek n. variety of mammal,
possibly wolverine bear.
hok n. horse.
`hok dem.pos. from, via or of
something or somewhere near to
the speaker. `mook `hok `amin `
`yoo `? Whats the name of this
place?
hok-holar n. livestock. See: hok
horse; holar sheep.
`hokk pos. 1 from a position
nearer to the speaker than to the
addressee; from a current time.
2 from something which is
currently under discussion, or
which is to be discussed. `hok
`pool `hokk...From this month
onward...
`hogo dem.pos. here; to here; at here.
`hog `duut `kee! Sit here!
`hognam Var: `abnam (P). vt. score;
draw a line across the length of
an object, fairly deeply, with a
knife. o `orok ` gtuu `m
`hogduu. Im scoring the pillar
with a dao.
`hoak adj. terrified; frightened to
death.
hocaa Var: hosaa (P). n. dhole;
Asian wild dog. Renowned as
fast and opportunistic hunters,
who attack prey much larger
than themselves (including
`hocik hob
315
barking deer, bear and even
mithuns, when hunting as a
pack) with an almost suicidal
persistence. Dhole urine is said to
be a powerful irritant, which is
somehow employed as a blinding
agent, as a component of its
attack. Cuon alpinus.
`hocik Var: `hosik (P). n. pangolin
(scaly anteater), an armoured
anteater curling into a ball when
threatened. Manis spp.
`hocuu Var: `hosuu (P). n. mithun
calf.
hocr n. deer, of a relatively large
variety with racked antlers;
possibly sambar.
hojuu n. variety of bird.
`hojoo Var: `hoj (P). n. flying
squirrel. Petaurista spp.
`hoo Var: `hooo (P). n. tiger.
Panthera tigris. Syn: homen, `ot.
`hotam n. armour; barrier, as a
floodbank; shield; any protective
device, as a helmet.
hot n. mithun herd; herd of
mithuns.
`hot n. elephant. Elephas maximus
indica.
`hot-`tpin n. elephant skin.
`hot-`hoo n. megafauna;
relatively large wild animals.
hottum n. bear (the animal).
hottum-tumruu n. bear den.
hottum-hor n. wild animal, in
general.
`hodum n. barking deer; muntjac.
Muntiacus var.
`hodum-`apin n. deerskin; skin of
a barking deer.
`hodum-talii n. round variety of
tick.
`hodum-hor n. big game; large
animals which are good to hunt,
including deer and wild boar.
`hodo n. livestock feed.
`honam vt. nurture; take care of;
raise, e.g. a child. `ao `honam to
raise a child.
`hon n. mithun cow.
`hopin n. mithun skin.
hopo n. canopy of a climber bush.
`hobin n. goat, primarily of any
domesticated variety. Capra spp.
`hobin-taraa
Var: `hobin-takom (P). n. praying
mantis. Mantis spp.
Syn: `babin-taraa.
`hobuk nce. See: `bent-`hobuk
house lizard.
`hobuk n. softcover sheath for a
dao, made from woven cane.
hobee n. monkey, in general.
hobee-`kootar n. monkey
buttocks; a monkeys sitting
perch on the buttocks, which
becomes hard and calloused.
hobee-`ceram n. variety of crab,
small (about fingertip-size),
golden-spotted.
hobee-rii n. loris. prob. Nycticebus
spp., poss. Loris lydekkerianus var.
hob n. mithun; semi-domesticated
variety of gaur endemic to
central Arunachal Pradesh and of
inestimable importance to Tani
hob-taaii-taaii `horii
316
cultural heritage. Mithun have
long been viewed as the ultimate
symbol of wealth, primary means
of large item exchange and
valuation of goods of significant
value, and principal sacrificial
offering at weddings and other
festivals and ceremonies of high
importance. Galo who keep
mithuns will generally construct
semi-effective fencing to keep
them more-or-less restricted
within a particular range, but
otherwise pay very little
attention to their upkeep and, in
general, will leave them to roam
freely within a large area. Bos
frontalis.
hob-taaii-taaii
Var: `isi-taai-taaii (P). n.
dragonfly.
hob-ho n. livestock; large
domesticated animals.
`homee n. relatively small variety
of cane. Usage: May be used by
some speakers to indicate one or
another variety of bamboo.
homen n. 1 big cat of any variety,
including leopard or tiger.
Usage: most commonly used to
ref. to tiger.
2 wild animal, in general.
Usage: (P).
homen-`ok n. black panther.
homen-`ot n. tiger. Panthera
tigris. Syn: `hoo.
homen-takar n. spotted leopard.
Panthera pardus. Syn: `oree.
homen-menruu n. tiger den.
hom adj. manageable; do-able;
affordable, cheap or reasonably
priced. hom `yaaruu `na the
cheapest/most affordable one.
homm `i! How easy/cheap that
was (to beat you; you should
have argued your side more
assiduously)!
-`hor vs:adv. loosen. Gram: Result verb
suffix indicating that something that
has been pent-up or constricted is
released as a result of the action
indicated by the verb, or that the
actor brings about the mentioned
action in a hurried way or in advance
of a deadline Usage: Generally
occurs in semi-reduplicated form
-`hor...-`yor.
horak n. rhinoceros. Rhinoceros
unicornis.
horam1 n. otter. Amblonyx cinereus
concolor.
horam2 nce. sick old animal.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: ikam-horam old woman.
horii n. line on a surface; straight,
unbroken line, construed as a
direction rather than an ordered
sequence of individuals. `hokk
`hogo `lob horii go bkt `kaa.
Draw a line from here up to
here.
adj. straight. horii `duu. Its
straight (of a line).
`horii Var: `hoorii (P). n. length of
line with objects threaded onto it,
such as beads or fish. Maybe
used as a quantifying noun to
indicate such a quantity. `bul
`horii `gob `yubduu. Theyre all
sleeping in a line/row. oii
`horii `go a length of strung
fish.
adj. well-arranged in sequence, of
a row. `nok riinam al `b `horii
`duu. Your stringing (work) is
really quite good (because all the
horii-pikii holar
317
fish are lined up in a
well-ordered sequence).
horii-pikii Var: horii-pikki;
horii-picci. adj. totally straight;
utterly or perfectly straight or
along a straight path.
horoo adj. spacious; roomy. `hg
nam `hg horoo `duu. This here
house is spacious.
`horom n. wild mithun; escaped,
feral mithun.
hor n. boar; wild pig. Sus scrofa.
hor-tasi n. flat tick.
hor-`mootum n. 1 hunting, as
an activity.
2 game; spoils of hunting;
animals won during a hunting
expedition. hor-`mootum
`gnam go hunting. See: hor
wild boar; `mootum jungle.
`horkek n. monitor lizard, esp.
Bengal monitor. Varanus
bengalensis.
`horgok n. variety of tree, about
30m tall, with maple-like leaf; no
use-value.
`horci Var: `horsi (P). n. variety of
wildcat with a doglike snout,
climbing trees, the size of a small
dog, black back, white
underbelly, with tail, eats deer,
runs fast with a hopping gait,
smooth fur.
`hornam1 vi. be disposed
lengthwise. Gram: Verb of
disposition indicating, of an object
with length/extension, upward or
downward extension, etc., according
to the result suffix applied. `all `m
leegr `laa `horduul ar. Ill tie
the legs and keep them extended
upward.
vt. unspool a wound-up length of
string, thread or rope; lay out an
object with linear extension along
its length; make a line across a
space with a rope.
`hornam2 vi. roam; move around
without care. `ok `ao ` `horl
`rduu. My child is constantly
roaming.
`horpuu n. Ceylon ironwood tree
in new leaf.
`hormen n. crocodile; alligator
(poss. neologism). Crocodylus spp.
`horluu n. grove of Ceylon
ironwood trees.
`horl n. Ceylon ironwood tree in
red leaf. See: nahor Ceylon
ironwood tree.
-`hor...`-yor vs:advsr. release. Gram:
Split result suffix indicating that
some pent-up tension or expectation
is released as a result of the action
indicated by the verb.
`insor-`iyor vi. go ahead and
go; stop dilly-dallying and just
get going. `insor-`iyor
`geekee! Make a clear
decision and just go (releasing
your pent-up worries about
whether to go or not)!
`dohor-`doyor vt. go ahead
and eat without hesitation.
`dohor-`doyor `laa dotok. Go
ahead and eat without
hesitation.
`rhor-`ryor vt. do in good
time; do expeditiously. aher
`m o `rhor `ryor r. Ill do
the work before the appointed
deadline.
holar n. sheep. Ovis spp.
holii `ht
318
holii n. breeding mithun; mithun
used to establish a line.
holuu n. fence. See: ohoo rope.
hol n. large variety of wildcat,
possibly clouded leopard.
Neofelis nebulosa ?.
hol-`taso n. civets and suchlike.
hosi Var: hos. n. porcupine. Hystrix
indica.
hosi-`boobii Var: hos-`boobii. n.
porcupine quill; porcupine
needle.
`ho n:time. eighth moon cycle of the
year, roughly mid-July to
mid-August. Usage: may be used
to refer to the international
calendar month of August.
-h vs:adv. 1 support. Gram: Manner
suffix indicating that the object is
supported via the action indicated by
the verb.
2 firm (result). Gram: Result suffix
indicating that the object is caused to
become firm as a result of the action
indicated by the verb
`th vt. make firm by pounding
as a blade handle.
`moh vt. 1 make something
firm.
2 encourage, as in an
argument or fight.
`hkaa n. variety of plant/tree, the
flowers from which bloom about
March-April and are used in the
moopin festival.
`hkuk n. bark; skin of a tree.
`hko Var: hiiko (P). n. toilet;
urinal; place for urinating.
`jasi-`hko urinal.
`hkoo n. wooden skewer,
especially as for cooking meat.
`hcoo n. outstretching tree
branch; tree branch outstretching
parallel to the ground, suitable
for hanging from or sitting on.
`hcr n. variety of wild fruiting
tree; fruits are thumb-sized,
brown when ripe, and with a
unique smell which some love
and some hate.
`hji n. variety of tree, about 30m
tall, with thin canopy.
`hj-iin n. cassava. Manihot
esculanta. Syn: `hn-iin.
`hjo n. variety or varieties of
deciduous hardwood tree with
distinctive, spiny base and
peripinnate, schaflura-like leaves,
berries yellow and gingko
nut-sized, used for matchsticks
and plywood. At least one
variety has bright red flowers.
`htak n. wooden pole; length of
pole cut from a tree, as for use as
a pillar.
`htuu n. tree stump; stump of a
tree.
`htuu-tain n. variety of
mushroom growing near tree
stumps, possibly chanterelle.
`htuu-rakik n. variety of fish,
black and similar to tr, very
slow-moving and often stable in
deep water.
`ht n:time. eighth moon cycle of
the year, roughly mid-August to
mid-September. Traditionally
identified as the time when the
river waters are at their highest.
Usage: may be used to refer to the
international calendar month of
September.
`hdaa `hmaa-tagnam
319
`hdaa n. stick.
`hdii n. 1 juvenile tree; young
tree, of any variety.
2 offshoot; off-shooting branch,
as a branch which is
growing/emerging from a parent
branch.
hnam1 vi. live life; progress
through a lifespan or live
through a given duration of time.
vt. live ones life. `ok hnam
`m al `b hr ku. Ill live my
life well.
hnam2 Var: hiinam (P). vt. urinate.
Gram: Usually occurs together with
associated noun `jasi urine `yas
`hl `. I have to pee.
`hgom Var: `hgom-`hyom;
`hiigom (P). vi. urinate
improperly; urinate in a place
other than where one is meant
to, as in ones trousers, or
inside the house.
hnam3 vt. sludge through; trudge
through; walk carefully through
mud or water, as when it is easy
to fall; cross an area by walking.
hittum ! `hl `induu `b `rduu.
Wah, what mud! Well just have
to trudge through it.
`hnam vt. press, as when
pressing two things together or
stopping up a gap.
`htum vt. plug. `okko `htuml
at `kee. Plug it with `oko
leaves.
`hn n. plant; tree.
`hn-iin n. cassava.
Syn: `hj-iin.
`hn-`hbo n. plant, tree or
bush of any relatively sizeable
variety. See: `hn tree; `hbo
canopy.
`hpik n. mithun enclosure;
mithun pen.
`hpin n. variety of lime citrus.
`hpoo n. log; trunk of a felled
tree.
`hpr n. tree root. Usage: (P).
See: raapr tree root.
`hpr-`hmaa n. root, in
general. Usage: (P).
`hp n. wood, viewed as a raw
material.
`hbaa ace. See: `gdin-`hbaa
successful.
`hbo n. tree canopy; tree,
construed as an interior space.
Usage: usu. occurs in compound.
See: `hn-`hbo plant.
`hbo-`oree n. clouded leopard.
Neofelis nebulosa. See: `oree
elaborately-designed wildcat.
`hbo-`ol Var: `hb-ol. n.
variety of large wildcat, possibly
a variety of leopard, reddish in
colour.
`hmaa1 nce. sacrificial tree; tree or
trees felled for a particular ritual
purpose, such as a wedding.
`hmaa-tagnam to cut a tree for
ritual purpose.
`hmaa2 nce. creeping root.
Usage: (P). See: raamaa creeping
root; `hpr-`hmaa root.
`hmaa-tagnam v. ritual of
tree-splitting in preparation for a
mithun sacrifice, in which a tree
is split down the centre and a
sacrificial platform is made from
it.
`hyaa `hglap
320
`hyaa n. rotten wood.
`hrek n. banyan tree.
`hr n. 1 platform built among
the branches of a tree used to
wait in ambush for an animal
(most often a barking deer).
2 any of a variety of
fruit-bearing trees which animals
will visit, which can be used as
an ambush platform.
`hr-tonam to wait in a tree in
ambush.
`hluu n. grove of hardwood trees.
`hluu-raaluu n. virgin forest;
untouched jungle; jungle in a
natural state, with thick and
diverse vegetation, through
which it is very difficult to walk.
`hlum n. variety of fruiting tree,
or the fruit. When ripe, yellow,
apricot-sized, firm and crispy
with sour-bitter taste.
hlo n:time. January. Usage: (P).
See: `aglo January (L).
`hlok n. variety of hardwood
tree, alder-like, very straight and
hard, used for logs and as
hardwood for house
construction.
`hl n. variety of very large,
massive and heavy tree.
`hl-baabo n. variety of tree used
for firewood; bark used for rope.
Distinctive, Braille-like bark, with
long narrow leaves.
`hhee Var: `hs (P). n.
fruit-bearing tree. Usage: in Pugo,
has a sense of an area of trees to
be used as a hunting focus,
because animals will come to
visit the trees.
`hhee-rabee n. fruit-bearing
tree.
`hkr n. cold; coolness.
adj. feel cold; feel cool; get
goosebumps.
`hg Var: sg; higu; hgu; higi (P).
dem. this one. Gram:
Speaker-proximate demonstrative
used to refer to an individual which
is closer to the speaker than to the
hearer, or which is currently being
discussed in a conversation. May
also be used to refer to places. `hg
`na `ok namm . This ones my
house. `hg ii `hg `y `bree?
Who is this here guy?
hgr-dolom n. caretaker; nurse;
helper.
vt. take care of someone; look
after someone; nurse someone;
sympathize for someones
suffering and try to help them.
hgnam1 vt. thresh (rice) underfoot,
by human or cattle power. o
`ammom `hgduu. Im threshing
paddy (underfoot).
hgnam2 vt. track an animal, as
when hunting. `hg `c `na `ok
hktr . This is exactly the point
where I stopped tracking
(because the trail disappeared).
hgnam3 v:c.arg. cough. Gram:
Generally occurs with associated
noun hk cough hk-hgnam
to cough.
hgyaa n. cough; cold; rheum. `b
hgyaa `gduu. He has a cough
(as a disease).
hgyaa-taakaa n. virus;
contagious illness.
`hglap n. ritual flute complex
worn by a `ibo around his
hci hnam
321
torso, adorned with hornbill
feathers.
hci Var: hsi (P). n:poet. earth.
Usage: Goku.
`h n:time. this year.
-`hr vs:adv. interesting; impressive;
striking. Gram: Manner suffix
indicating that the underlying object
of a transitive verb (which occurs as
subject) has interesting, striking or
elaborate qualities in terms of the
action indicated by the verb. Often
used as an alternative to -`ken
when referring-to masculine
qualities (as opposed to feminine).
Not generally used with intransitive
verbs.
`kaahr adj. 1 hunky; manly.
2 funny to see; interesting to
watch. `kaaken `jaamaa `lacin,
`kaahr boolo `g `na.
Although you may not be
handsome, if youre manly its
enough.
`tahr adj. funny, interesting or
exciting to hear, of a story e.g.
`abb. `tahr `, `i. Wow.
That (story) was really cool,
eh.
`hrum Var: `hyum (P). n:time.
tonight, i.e. the night
immediately to follow the time of
speaking; this evening.
`hrum-`allo Var: `hyum-`allo (P).
n:time. the near future; soon.
`hrum-`hro
Var: `hyum-`hlo (P). n:time. these
days; recently; in recent times;
lately. `hrum-`hr `g `kaat `b
aanam `lgaa `b al `ruudoo.
Thanks for coming to see me
recently.
`hro Var: `hr. n:time. this morning;
the morning immediately
preceding the time of speaking.
`hr n. foreign particles in food;
unwanted debris that gets into
ones food.
hrjek n. shavings; scraps leftover
from stripping bark.
hrnam vt. strip bark of relatively
small size. `apin `m `hrlen r ~
hrpuu r. (Ill) strip off the bark
~ strip it clean.
hs n. ambush platform. Usage: (P).
See: `kar ambush platform (L).
`hguu Var: raay (P). n. 1 core
of a matter; substance of speech;
root of a problem; main or
primary principles of a topic.
agom `m `hguu kaamaa
`doob `meyoo `kaa. Dont say
things which dont have any
substance to them.
2 root. Gram: In Galo grammar,
term denoting that portion of a word
which is its heart, core, or base, from
which most or all of its meaning
derives. Roots have an extremely
important status in Galo, and
depending on the root type may be
used more or less productively.
Types of highly productive roots
include verb roots, lexical suffixes,
classifier roots, numeral roots,
human proper name roots, and
monosyllabic adjectival roots. Less
productive root types include
common noun and adjective roots,
with a large number of noun
subtypes being formed according to
completely unproductive patterns.
hnam vt. 1 tug; grasp, gather
and tug with fingers as when
pulling hair. adum hr `m `aci
`duu. It hurts if you pull my
hair.
2 drag on a cigarette; inhale on
`hpr `hmb
322
a cigarette.
`hpr n. protrusion from the back
or neck of an animal, such as the
mane of a horse or chicken or the
tailfin of a fish.
hku-`haa n. tea and suchlike; tea
and that sort of thing.
Usage: wordplay variant of `haa
tea.
`hk dem. 1 these things, which
are nearer to the speaker than to
the hearer, or which are currently
being discussed in a
conversation.
2 this sort, of thing which is
nearer to the speaker than to the
hearer, or which is currently
being discussed in a
conversation. `hk `am `hkkm
`moodii `lo `un `lduu. This
here sort of paddy, we usually
plant (it) on the mountain. `hk
`c `nago lagi bee. I wanted one
exactly like this. mnam,
`hkk...`kaanek doo `mla
`yuk. So, this sort of thing is
really ugly, they say. `hkk
yaakaa go `kaaduu. There are
many of these sorts of things.
3 sort of. Usage: Hesitation
word, used when pausing or
trying to think of a particular
word. `opoo kaamaa `rm,
`un...`hk `duu...`a-`as `duu.
If we dont have any rice beer,
were...you know...were
ashamed.
Hck-`Puumii name. name of a
place in lower East Siang District,
Arunachal Pradesh.
`hm n. large amount; a ton; a
lot. `blaa `hm go `lakaa!
What a ton of jackfruits!
`hmb pro. 1 like this (thing
which is located nearer to the
speaker then to the hearer). `om
`cin `hmb `rn go maji `lakee.
Get me one like this also.
2 like this (thing which is
currently under discussion or
which is about to be mentioned).
`hmb `un ager `hm `ram
kaaku. We finished the work
like this.
a across (breadth)
323

English-Galo Index
(in English alphabetical order)

A - a
a art. go
a lot (frequency) vs:adv. -ben
a lot (quantity) n. mnam
Aalo (Along) name. Aaloo
abbreviated vs:adv. -cek
abdomen n. nepp
Abessive pcl. `l
Ablative pos. `lok
able vs:adv. -`lak
able to vs:adv. -`laa
able to affect all vs:adv. -nin
Abo Tani name. Abo Tanii
Aborichthys n. `riihor
abort vs:adv. -k
about to vs:adv. -`ta
abrade vt. `nry
absolutely vs:adv. -`ruu
absorb vt. `omlk
Accipiter gentilis
n. dookoo-`koocik
acclimatize v:c.arg. `mrnam
accompaniment vs:nzr. -m
accompanying vs:adv. -m
Accusative case marker pros. -m
pos. `m
Aceros nipalensis n. `phik
achieve vs:adv. -`p
Achievement suffix vs:asp. -daa
acquaintances n:expr. `ajen-`amen
Acridotheres tristis n. `pilam
across vs:adv. -`boo
vs:adv. -rap
across (a threshhold) vs:adv. -`pek
across (breadth) vs:adv. -poo
act (as though) alive
324
act (as though) vie. `rnam
Actinostemma tenerum
n. `kobuu-`mkuu
Action nominalizer vs:nzr. -nam
active vi. `lomnam
actually vs:adv. -jaa
pcl. oo
pcl. `ruu
adamant adj. akii-arii
adapt v:c.arg. `mrnam
additionally vs:adv. -taa
Additive concessive suffix
vs:nf. -gr
adept (priest) vi. jgnam
adhere vt. `yegnam
Adi n. `adii
adjective n. `koornam-`gomcr
adjust vt. `moden
vs:adv. -`den
adult n. `ot
adultery vt. `yomur
advance (foot) vi. danam
Adverbializer pos. `b
advice n. `dooy
advise vt. `dooy
vt. `mec
Aethopyga saturata n. apoo-jrjoo
affix n. aatm
vt. ygnam
affixed vs:adv. -gap
affordable adj. hom
afire vs:adv. -nu
aflame vs:adv. -nu
afraid vt. boho
after adv. `kook `b
after (x, y) pos. `m
after that dem.pos. `ogo
afterbirth n. `teci
afternoon n:time. `kojjo
afterward adv. `kook `b
aftosa n. `lbok
again vs:adv. -`kur
vs:adv. -`dii
pcl. dada
pcl. da
against vs:val. -kaa
Agaratum coryzoides
n. -`namyaa
aggregate vt. `mokum
agitated adj. akr-doomr
ago n:time. kojjuu
adv. kojjuu
agree vt. `tolk
vt. `mejup
aha! int. `acco!
aircraft n. rood
airplane n. rood
alcohol (neutral) n. oi
alert vi. darnam
algae n. `taji-`rooo
algae (on stones) n. `lmik
alimony n. `paktm
alive vi. turnam
adj. r
alkaline ankle tendon
325
alkaline adj. bumb-`lumlik
all n:qual. `naruu
vs:adv. -in
n:qual. `app
vs:adv. -am
n:qual. `takam
n:qual. `bupp
all (of them) n:qual. `buppaa
all kinds n. `ng-`ng
all night long vs:adv. -tuu
allergenic vi. `rci
alligator n. `hormen
Allium n. `talap
allow vs:val. -`ko
alone vs:adv. -raa
n:qual. `aken
along vs:adv. -`yar
along the way vs:adv. -pek
aloof vi. `rraa
also pcl. `kom
pcl. `cin
pcl. dada
vs:nf. -`laacin
alter vt. `moden
vs:adv. -`den
alternatingly vs:advs. -`ko...-pek
although vs:nf. -`laacin
vs:nf. -gr
cnj. daram
pcl. -`dakkom
vs:nf. -`dakkom
always vs:adv. -`yar
vs:adv. -`b
am cop.
vi. rnam
amazing adj. `d
Amblonyx cinereus concolor
n. horam
Amblyceps spp. n. tam
ambush platform n. `kar
n. `hr
amongst vs:val. -min
amulet n. tkom
anal hair n. `yuum
ancestors (recent) n:kin. `an-abo
ancestry n. `nenko
anchor (of a blade) n. `lkoo
ancient times n. `korum
ancients n. `korum
and cnj. `laa
vs:nf. -`laa
and (so) cnj. okk
and (then) cnj. okk
and so on dem. `bulu
v. pa-
angered vs:adv. -`lee
angry vt. marnam
vt. `agnam
angry at vt. `agl
Anguilla bengalensis n. ob
angular adj. `pordr
animal (variety) n. `horci
animal (wild) n. homen
n. `mootum
animal sacrifice n. `ydum
ankle tendon n. `lo
anklet arrest
326
anklet n. `lmen
anklet (brass) n. `rokkee
anklet bangle n. `riilum
anniversary (death)
n. `doaa-`kaaji
annoyed adj:expr. tkp-takap
annoying adj. atup-apen
answer vt. `menrk
vs:val. -rk
vt. `menrk
ant n. `taruk
ant (variety) n. `ruksr
n. `paagii
n. `baabuk
n. `rugdam-`paat
n. `rukc-meel
n. `rukc
ant nest n. `taruk-`rukpum
Anterior suffix vs:asp. -ee
anthill n. `taruk-`diicup
anus n. `eeyuu
any pro. `yoo
anymore vs:asp. -ku
anyone pro. `y
anything pro. `yoocin
anyway dem. `g
cnj. mnam
cnj. mb-rnam
anywhere pro:int. `yoolo
apart vi. bgnam
vs:adv. -rik
adj. ac
aperture n. `uukoo
n. aruu
aplenty vs:adv. -kaahi
aplomb vs:adv. -`j
appease vt. labnam
appeasement ceremony
n:poet. pkaa-yuule
appreciably vs:adv. -`j
approximate adj. baayr
vt. mck
April n:time. luk
aqua adj. `yajee
Arborophilia atrogularis n. `pmuu
Arborophilia rufogularis n. `pmuu
arc n. `googee
archer support ring n. `tark
are cop.
area n. `ayap
n. `peel
Areca catechu n. tamul
areca nut n. tamul
argue vi. cnam
arm n. alak
arm (not including hand) n. lakpoo
arm hair n. `lagm
armlet n. lagbuu
n. `takaa-lagbuu
armour n. `hotam
armpit n. kuur
arm-wrestling n. lagdaa trkaa
hinam
aroma n. `amuk
around (something) vs:adv. -goo
arrest vt. `henam
arrive attune
327
arrive vs:adv. -`p
vt. `pnam
arrogant adj. adk-ako
arrow n. `upuk
arrow (tipped) n. omo
Artocarpus heterophyllus n. `blaa
Arundinaria manii n. `tajr
as (while) adv. `rmo `paala
pos. `b
as a group vs:adv. -`aa
as for (x) pcl. da
as though (something were the
case) vs:nzr2. `b
as well pcl. `cin
pcl. dada
vs:nf. -`laacin
pcl. ur
ascend vie. `caanam
ash n. `micco
n. `mco
n. taco
ashamed adj. `a-`aso
ashpit n. `mippum
Asiatic snake head n. talo
ask vt. `takaa
Assamese n. okomiaa
n. okomiaa
assemble vt. `ranam
Assertive pcl. da
assign vt. parnam
assist vs:adv. -gur
asssistant (to priest) n. `boo
asthma n. `haguu
at (something) vs:val. -kaa
vs:val. -`g
pos. lo
pos. `b
at (a mentioned time) dem.pos. `ogo
at (a past time) dem.pos. `ogo
at (downward) dem.pos. `bolo
at (far away, downward)
dem.pos. `bollo
at (far away, same level)
dem.pos. al`loo
at (far away, upward) dem.pos. `tollo
at (nearer to you than me)
dem.pos. `ogo
at (same level) dem.pos. `alo
at (that point) dem.pos. `ogo
at (the time when) pos. `b
at (upward) dem.pos. `tolo
at (very far away, same level)
dem.pos. `aluu
at (very far, upward) dem.pos. `toluu
at last vs:asp. -ku
at once adv. `lken `
at wits end adj. alik-aek
atop vs:adv. -ten
attach vt. ygnam
vs:val. -`g
attain vs:adv. -`paa
Attainment suffix vs:asp. -pa
attract vs:adv. -yap
attraction n. muugo
attribute vt. `menna
attune v:c.arg. `mrnam
August balance
328
August n:time. `ho
aunt (maternal, elder) n:kin. `mot
aunt (maternal, second)
n:kin. moroo
aunt (maternal, younger)
n:kin. moii
aunt (paternal) n:kin. abo
n:kin. abo-`ijr
aunt-in-law (elder) n:kin. `mot
aunt-in-law (second) n:kin. moroo
aunt-in-law (younger) n:kin. moii
aura n. `amr
n. `amr-`amo
auspiciously vs:adv. -gam
avoid vt. `ynam
vi. kennam (2)
avoid (for taboo reasons) vt. ar
awake vi. uunam
vs:adv. -uu
away vs:adv. -`len
vs:adv. -ee
vs:adv. -`aa
away (from others) vs:adv. -oo
away (result) vs:adv. -`pak
awhile adv. `kojo
awhile ago n:time. kojjuu
awl n. lajr
axe handle n. gkoo
axe head n. `g
aya! int. ayy!
int. `t!
B - b
baby n. `uaa
back n. uug
vs:adv. -`kur
vt. rnam
n:rel. `kook
n. gurb
back and forth vs:advs. -`ko...-pek
back to back vs:adv. -`kur
backbite vt. punam
vi. hipo
backbone (lower) n. `oc
backpack n. `raac
backpack (insulated) n. `raraa
backpiece (large) n. paatuu
n. cpaa
bacon n. `diil
bacteria n. tac
bad (to do) vs:adv. -`nek
Badis badis n. yacm-cmp
bag n. munaa
Bagarius bagarius n. orik
bake vt. baanam
bake (in earth) vt. `ybum
bake (in parcel) vt. pamc
balance vi. pennam (1)
balanced banana leaf
329
balanced vi. `kuudaa hinam
balcony n. `koodaa
n. `nuugaa
bald adj. tubbin
bald spot adj. tuptar
ballad n. tom
balloon n. `pumpaa
balls-up n. `rmur-`rkee
bamboo n. `
bamboo (feathered)
n. `tajr-`jrlk
bamboo (fermented, diced) n. iikuu
bamboo (fermented, powdered)
n. `iiyup
bamboo (fermented, sliced)
n. `iipee
bamboo (immature) n. iipaa
bamboo (inner flesh) n. `ahee
bamboo (mature) n. `tor
bamboo (middle-aged) n. `paa
bamboo (old) n. `ko
bamboo (variety) n. `so
n. `n
n. `taok
n. `boj
n. tabo
n. `jo
n. `tajr
n. tabum
n. `bum
n. `po
bamboo barrier (thick) n. cr
bamboo chips (fermented, dried)
n. `iip
bamboo container n. `duutup
n. duukam
bamboo container (variety)
n. `hilk
n. `duukii
bamboo fragment n. `rtak
bamboo fragments
n:expr. `apuk-`aluk
bamboo grove n. `luu
n. `t
n. `r
bamboo husk n. `-akuk
bamboo mug n. trkak
bamboo pith n:expr. `apuk-`aluk
bamboo plate n. `paakuu
bamboo section n. uduu
bamboo section (including knot)
n. `at
n. at
bamboo shoot (sliced) n. `kuupee
bamboo strip n. tar
n. `peec-tar
bamboo strips n. `drci
Bambusa khasiana n. tabum
Bambusa pallida n. `so
Bambusa tulda n. `jo
Bamrusa tulda (grove) n. `jot
banana n. `kopak
banana (variety) n. koluu
n. `kodum
banana flower n. `paapuk
banana grove n. `pagluu
banana leaf n. `pagn
banana tree (heart) be
330
banana tree (heart) n. `koee
bang onom. tkk
bang! expr. bugrak
bangs n. `dumpii
bank n. ryr
bank (of a river) n. luuyr
n. `buuyr
banyan n. `hrek
banyan (large) n. `rett
banyan (variety) n. `remmin
banyan grove n. `rellum
baptism n. `nr
bare vs:adv. -puu
vs:adv. -bin
adj. `ain
barely vs:adv. -`hik
barf vt. banam
barge vt. tubnam
Barilius bendelisis n. `orpuu
bark vi. `pnam
n. `hkuk
bark (bamboo, outer) n. `alik
bark (barking deer) vi. `umnam
bark (of tree) n. akuk
barking deer n. `hodum
barking deer buck n. `dumbo
barking deer doe n. `dumn
barking deer skin n. `dumpin
barrel (of gun) n. nolii
barren vi. `rugnam
adj. `npoo
barricade vt. `rumnam
barricade (result) vs:adv. -ck
barrier n. `hotam
n. `arum
barrier (to hand extension) n. iitup
Basar name. Baahar
base (of a pole) n. `nr
base (of heap/hill) n. `ltk
base of a road n. `bkoo
basement n. namp-`rikoo
bask vi. iinam
basket (large, conical,
densely-woven) n. `igin
basket (variety) n. `oci
n. eken
n. dohi-`gici
n. bar
n. `barci
n. `cuucak
n. kuul
n. `maci
n. paapee
n. `cuukaa
n. `poa
n. `gici
basket (variety, winnowing) n. opo
bastard n. `ikii-hobee
n. `uii
bat n. tapen
Batasio n. ord-gaaloo
batcave n. tapen-penruu
bathe vt. hunam
baton n:clf. apaa
Bauhinia blakeana n. `ogok
be vi. rnam
be careful! belch
331
cop.
be careful! int. ycu
be there (attached) vi. `dagnam
be there (contained) vi. `dagnam
be there (human, permanent)
vi. doonam
be there (human, temporary)
vi. `duunam
be there (non-human) vi. doonam
be there (sitting) vi. `duunam
bead n. `tadok
bead (variety) n. `dogmin
n. `dogn
beak n. iibuu
beam (roofing) n. msr
n. rob
beam (supporting) n. `pajoo
n. `kt
bean (long) n. peeren
bear n. hottum
vt. bnam
bear (child) v:inc.arg.O. `ao bnam
vt. `onam
vi. `garnam
bear (fruit) vi. gubnam
vi. `heenam
bear (variety) n. `tumcik
bear den n. hottum-tumruu
beard n. `namm
bearing n. bduu-`opoo
bearskin n. `tumpin
beat vt. pnam
adj. `a-`alaa
vi. pognam
vt. dmnam
beating stick n. `klak
beautiful adj. `kaaken
because n:rel. `lgaa `b
cnj. `mlaa
beckon vs:adv. -yap
vt. gaayap
beckon (animal) vt. oonam
bed n. doop
n. `doog
bedbug n. tabaa
bedroom n. `yupko
bedtime n. `yubd ~ `yubd
bee n. taik-tao
bee (variety) n. `it
n. tao
n. `oi-gmaa
n. `tar
n. ilo-`pumpaa
bee (varity) n. hitum-`gaalum
beehive n. ilo-`pumpaa
n. `pumpaa
beeswax n. `yrken
beetle n. `eepik-cunik
beetle (variety) n. cuui
n. tkom-`ptk
before vs:adv. -goo
adv. `mroo-`kenloo
befriend vt. `ajen
beg vt. `konam
behalf vs:adv. -raa
belch vi. `dr
belief bird (variety)
332
belief vs:adv. -tin
believable adj. `acen
believe vt. `tajinam
belittle vt. `meyoo
bellows tube n. midduu
belly n. akii
belly button n. kiin
belonging n. `yaraa
belongings n. bnam-gnam
below n:rel. compk
belt (bronze disc) n. ugii
belt (variety) n. uuk
n. `paak
n. teelo
belt (variety, brass discs) n. `oop
bench n. `duug
bend vt. krnam
bend (knees) vi. `nuunam
beneath n:rel. compk
Benefactive suffix vs:val. -ji
benefit n. `lgaa
bent adj. pakr
vs:adv. -`kuu
adj. `pakup
adj. `paguu
adj. `pakuu
bent out of shape
adj:expr. `pordr-`porci
berry n. `ahee
beseech vt. `cnam
best adj. `phr
betelnut n. tamul
betelnut husk n. tamul-mulkuk
betelnut mixture n. `halii
betrothed (woman) n. agoo
between n:rel. `pekoo
n. `lpaa
beyond vs:adv. -pok
bias n. mpee
big adj:mono. -`t
adj. `att
adj. kai
big cat n. homen
big game n. `hodum-hor
big toe n. `ln
bind vt. ognam
vt. leenam
vt. eenam
vt. ygnam
vt. gamnam
bind (skirt) vt. cgnam
bird n. ptaa
bird (variety) n. `phik
n. `pilam
n. dookoo-`koocik
n. prk
n. `picik
n. pr
n. ptin
n. apoo-jrjoo
n. dookoo
n. `culluu-kaguu
n. abo-kornoo
n. `krci
n. dc-ptaa
n. pjk
n. doolo-taaci
n. `pudur
birth pains blade handle
333
n. `gaaree
n. `rgbin-`taak
n. pgaa
n. taakuu
n. `pum
n. `klum
n. cuurii
n. hojuu
n. lgoo
n. kar
n. pkam
n. `prsin
n. `kji
n. takoo-paapuk
nce. takoo
n. `kookek
n. `t-`tt
n. `pmuu
n. bet-curum
n. `pokok
n. `belloo
n. yamd-pol
n. `puruu
n. nanoo-`piiroo
n. `kaabee
n. bettum
n. `kkoo
n. `moodii-bekko
n. poduu-pomoo
n. crum-nabbuu
n. pm
birth pains n. `oci
bit n:clfq. ajek
n:qual. aii
bit by bit vs:advsr. -nii...-naa
adjs:der. -gam
bitch n. `kiin
bite vt. tiinam
vt. `amnam
vt. `gamnam
bits and pieces n. ajji-arii
bits-and-pieces n. aii-acci
bitter adj. `cakku
adj. `kaacak
blab vt. `menkee `menee
blabber vi. jnam
black adj. `yakaa
adj. `mrk
adj. `kayaa
v:c.arg. `kaanam
adj. `yak
black (deep) adj. `yak
black hair n. `dumk
black panther n. homen-`ok
blackbird n. `tt-`been
blackbreasted sunbird
n. apoo-jrjoo
blackbrowed tree pie n. `pokok
blackcrested yellow bulbul
n. `moodii-bekko
blackened adj. `mrk
blackheaded shrike n. dc-ptaa
blackie name. `Mekk
name. Tukkaa
blackmouth n. acaa-`kayaa
bladder n. `hurup
n. `hurpo
blade (blunt side) n. `ag
blade (flat side) n. `rogbar
blade anchor n. `lkoo
blade handle n. `rog
blame both
334
blame vt. `menna
vt. `megaa
bland adj. `harcek
blanket n. `eemu
blaze n. `mgu
bleed (nose) v:c.arg. `dnam
blind adj. gmaa
blind person n. `kpam
blink vi. gyap
vi. ktap-pootap
blistered adj. `buu
bloat vi. goonam
block vs:adv. -tup
blood n. `ii
bloom vi. puunam
blow vt. minnam (2)
vi. minnam (2)
blow out vt. `mippak
bludgeon vt. `dnam
blue n. `jee
adj. `yajee
blueheaded redstart
n. nanoo-`piiroo
blunt vs:adv. -`pur
n. `nappur
adj. `nappur
blunt (by smashing) vt. `ppur
boar n. hor
boar (male) n. irom
boar sow n. `ran
boast vi. cnam
boastful adj. adk-ako
boat n. `uluu
bob (head) vt. baanam
bob (knees) vi. `nuunam
bobbin n. `tapin
body n. a
body (animal) n. ador
body odor n. `nakr
boil vi. unam
n. l
n:expr. `abuk-`aruk
boil (to cook) vt. `umnam
boil over vi. `piipok
vi. `piinam
boil up vi. `piicaa
boil water vt. crnam
bold vi. mck
boldly vs:adv. -ck
bond with vt. `ajen
bone n. aloo
bonnet n. nappaa
booger n. `pumkam
boom! expr. puhuu
boost (someones spirits)
vt. jognam
border (of an object) n. iyk
border of a rice field n. `hip
bore vt. pinnam (2)
Bori name. `Borii
boring adj. loobak
borrow vt. narnam
Bos gaurus n. `baamin
both n:qual. `ai-bup`p
both sides breeding fowl
335
n:qual. `ai
n:qual. `ai-bup`paa
both sides n. cl-chak
bother vs:advsr. -dik...-ik
bother (someone) vt. `mendik
`menik
bottle n. botor
bottle gourd n. `cugrii
boulder n. `ltak
n. `lt
n. `ln
bounce vi. tnam
vi. pognam
boundary n. `ar
bovine n. ho
bow n. r
bow-and-arrow n. r-`upuk
bow-armed adj. laggoo
bowlegged adj. `lgoo
bowstring n. raek
boxing (sport) vt. nkkaa hinam
boy n. yaamee
boyhood n. yaamee
brace vt. trnam
bracelet (thread) n. `lagmen
Brahmaputra name. `Aan
braid vt. `panam
vs:adv. -yk
brain n. `pinii
branch n. agb
n. akc
n. `hcoo
brand vs:adv. -`r
brand (livestock) vt. `eruu
`monam
brass bowl (variety) n. `malo
brass platter (variety) n. amee
brass platters n:expr. amee-ayee
brave adj. `pukt
bravery n. `pukt
breach v:c.arg. gognam
vs:adv. -bk
n. deegok
breadth n. atak
n. ap
n. apoo
breadthwise adj. apoo
break vt. `mopk
vt. trnam
break (down) vi. drnam
break (large, long) vt. drnam
break (long) vi. drnam
break (off) vt. `pennam (1)
break (rest) vs:adv. -`nu
break down vi. `anam
break off (piece) vt. cgnam
break open vt. `pekok
breakfast n. `aro-dobek
breast n. `aco
breath n. door
breathe vi. hagnam
breeder n. alii
breeding cow n. lii
breeding duck n. `jablii
breeding fowl n. roglii
breeding goat buffoon
336
breeding goat n. `binlii
breeding horse n. reelii
breeding mithun n. holii
breeding pig n. rglii
breeze nce. dooyap
brew vt. nennam (1)
brew (white rice beer) vt. cinnam
(2)
bridal gifts n. dork-trk
bride price n. guu
n. ar
bridge n. doloo
bridge (hanging) n. hoom
bridge (of the nose) n. `pug
bridge (rudimentary) n. `lgo
brief vs:advs. -r...-o
brim (of a hat) n. `lubr
bring vs:val. -g
brink adj. `akck
brittle adj. `urum
vi. `ramnam
vs:advs. -`kuu...-r
broad adj. `takt
broken (stick) vs:adv. -tr
broken down adj. `ain-`apak
brook n. koc-kor
n. kor
broom (fan palm) n. hampk
broth n. alaa
brother n:poet. cibo
brother (elder) n:kin. aci
brother (eldest) n. aci-kai
brother (younger)
n:kin. `abr-yaamee
brother elder n:poet. `bt
brother-in-law n:kin. `makt
n:kin. `rgo
brother-in-law (elder)
n:kin. magbo-kai
brother-in-law (younger)
n:kin. magbo-ayaa
brothers wife (first) n:kin. `nt
brothers wife (fourth) n:kin. `nd
brothers wife (last) n:kin. `nii
brothers wife (second) n:kin. `nroo
brothers wife (third) n:kin. `nkoo
brow n. ktm
browbeat vt. mekam
brown adj. `yamar
brown hair n. duml
bubble n. `apik
Bubo nipalensis n. ptin
Buceros bicornis n. pgaa
buck n. crbo
buck (barking deer) n. `dumbo
bucktoothed adj. iitor
bud n. arin
budge vi. `rn-`rb
buffalo n. `mijik
buffalo (wild) n. `jglee
buffalo cow n. `jgn
buffoon n. peccaa-caadr
n. peccaa
n. `yao-ootar
build bye
337
build vt. `monam
bulbul n. bekko
bulge vi. goonam
bull (old) n. `boko
bullet n. gulii
bumblebee (variety)
n. itum-`gaalum
bump vt. tubnam
vt. `crnam
bump into vs:adv. -tup
bunch n. `tkpum
n. agak
bunch (of bananas) n:clfq. apee
bunch (of leaves) n:clf. adap
bundle (of 20 sticks) n. `ilap
bundle (of 40, sticks) n:clfq. `aro
bundle (of sticks, e.g.) n:clfq. ark
burn vi. `gunam
vt. `runam
burn (general) vt. `motee
burn (with fire, causing injury)
vt. `gutee
burned vi. rinnam (1)
burned (result) vs:adv. -tee
burning adj. `adup
n. `aluk
burning sensation adj. lugluk
burnt vs:adv. -`ru
burp vi. `dr
burst vi. pinnam (2)
vi. dennam (2)
vs:adv. -pik
vs:adv. -`buk

vi. bukpik
vi. `bugnam
burst apart vi. bukci (-bugii)
burst open vi. `bukkoo
bury vt. runam
bush n. yagam
bushel (bunch of bunches) n. peetr
bushel (of large leaves) n:clfq. atik
busy adj. `moomaa
butt n. `koo
butte n. `diicum
butterfly n. yapr-`poomr
buttock cleavage adj. `koobik
buttocks n. naanii-`koot
buttocks (monkey)
n. hobee-`kootar
button n. `teemaa
vt. `karnam
vt. `karnam
button up vt. `karcup
buy vt. rnam
buy the farm vi. `binnam (1)
by vs:val. -`ko
by (means of) pos. `g
by (way of) pos. `g
by comparison pcl. `den
by oneself vs:val. -hi
by way of vs:val. -naa
by what means pro:int. `yoolok
pro:int. `yoog
bye int. `k
cacophonous carry (lengthwise)
338
C - c
cacophonous adj. `tanek
calabash n. `cugrii
calf (adolescent, male) n. bodii
calf (female, adolescent) n. `nbuk
n. `buk
calf (female, young) n. `njr
calf (of leg) n. `lt
calflet n. `lk
call vie. mnam
vt. bonam
call (someone) vt. gognam
call (soul) vt. yalo-gognam
calm adj. `ram
n. `ram
campaign vt. knam
can n. `ptup
vs:adv. -`laa
cane (stick) n. `baii
cane (rope) n. ohoo
cane (variety) n. `tacin
n. roc
n. `homee
n. `tar
n. `takek
n. jy
cane tendril n. maamo
canopy (of climber bush) n. hopo
canopy (of tree) n. `hbo
canvass vt. knam
cap (variety) n. `luptuu
capable vs:adv. -`lak
Capra n. `hobin
Caprimulgus indicus
n. abo-kornoo
Capsicum n. `yaluk
car n. gaarii
cardamom n. tal
cardamom (variety) n. `beelak
n. ppaa
n. `beebo
care n. `dici
care about vt. ayaa
vt. pagnam
care for (something)
vt. `kaac-`tac
careful adj. `accoo
adj. knk
carefully adv. `accoo
careless adj:expr. ahk-amk
adj. `mum
carelessly vs:adv. -mum
vs:adv. -bee
vs:advs. -puk...-ree
caretaker n. hgr-dolom
careworthy adj. `dici
carouse v. `janam-`gamnam
carp n. opii
carry vt. bnam
vt. grk
carry (lengthwise) vt. urnam
carry after chant (variety)
339
carry after vt. grk
carve out vs:adv. -pk
cascade vi. yagnam
vi. `dnam
cash n. `ajr
n. `ain-`murkoo
cassava n. `hj-iin
n. `hn-iin
cast off vt. `pagnam
casual vie. `mum
adj. `accoo
adj. `mum
casually vs:adv. -mum
pcl. `mum
adv. `accoo
vs:adv. -`mm
cat n. `kurii
n. mimi-`kurii
catapult vt. bennam (2)
cataract adj. glo
catch vt. `mici
vt. gagnam
caterpillar (variety) n. `tayup
catfish (variety) n. `taek
n. tam
cattle n. ho
cattle cow n. `n
cattle herd n. t
caught vs:adv. -`yek
Causative suffix vs:val. -`mo
cause n. `lg-`lgaa
vt. `monam
cease vs:adv. -`tuu
ceiling n. `mloo
n. naakaa
centre n. `lpaa
Centropus toulou bengalis
n. yamd-pol
Cephalotachyum fuschlanum
n. `taok
ceremonial preparations n. `jgr
ceremony (variety) n. tago
certain (that) pcl. ino
certainly vs:adv. -`ruu
pcl. `mooree
Ceylon ironwood tree n. nahor
chafed vi. rinnam (1)
chaff n. `pmk
chafing adj. `adup
Chalcophaps n. `kji
Chalcophaps indica n. `krci
chalky adj. `keebek
chameleon n. `hooj
n. `hoopen
chance (be/have a) vs:adv. -`dee
change n. `ajr
vs:adv. -`den
change (do differently) vt. `modk
vt. `rdk
Change of State aspectual suffix
vs:asp. -`dak
Channa n. talo
channel n. koc
chant vt. barnam
vt. beenam
v. `cnam-beenam
chant (variety) vi. dnam
chant to chop
340
n. `ogaa
v. `guup yornam
vt. `gaanam
v. `anoo `dnam
n. `it
vt. yornam
nce. `guup
vi. `garnam
chant to vt. `mennam
chanterelle n. aatar
chaotic adj. ahup
adj. ahup-ayap
char vt. mnam
vt. baanam
character (symbol) n. `akor
chase vt. minnam (1)
vt. mig
vt. mig
chase away vt. `minaa
cheap (in price) adj. hom
cheat vt. mnam
cheat (on ones husband) vi. im
jugnam
cheek n. `mooro
chef n. `ahaa
chest n. `aak
chew vt. jamnam
vt. cennam (2)
chick n. pipi-`roo
n. `roo
chicken n. porok
chicken carrier n. ptr
chicken feather n. `rogm
chicken feed n. `rokp
chicken flea nce. pilii
chicken liver n. roksin
chicken louse n. pilii-`pk
chicken skin n. `rokpin
child n. `ao
child (eldest) n. `ao-kai
child (firstborn) n. bto
child (last) n:kin. `oii
n. `taaa
childhood n. `omee-`ogo
childish adj:expr. `omee-`oree
children n. `om-`or
childs spouses father
n:kin. `kimbo
childs spouses mother
n:kin. `kinn
chili pepper n. `yaluk
chili pepper (variety) n. `lukc
chili powder n. `luktr
chili seed n. `lugm
chill vi. cnam
Chimonobambusa griffithiana
n. `boj
chin n. `cokko
chip n. pack
chip (of wood) n:clfq. atk
chipmunk n. kooc
Chiroptera n. tapen
chirp vi. `cubnam
chirp (insect) vi. gognam
choose vt. gagnam
chop vt. tnam
chop down (a tree) Classifier for days
341
vt. poonam
vt. krnam
vt. panam
chop down (a tree) vt. tmap
chop in two vt. pootuu
chop into pieces
vt. pootuu-pooyuu
chopping block n. dimpaa
Christian n. kristan
Chrysocolaptes lucidus n. `kaabee
chuck vt. `nam-`pak
churn vi. gurnam
cicada n. aai
Cimex n. tabaa
cingle n. pason
cinnamon n. riiraa
circle vt. paagoo hinam
n. pgoo
circle of friends n. `ajen-arum
circling adj. yeggoo
circular adj. `ap-`liilum
adj. pgoo
circumference (of an object)
n. iyk
circumscribe vi. iyk
vs:adv. -yk
vi. yggoo
Circus melanoleucos
n. dookoo-`koocik
citrus (variety) n. `hpin
n. tah
civet n. hoin
n. hol-`taso
claim vt. `monam
clan n. alii
n. rumtum-alii
clap vt. cnam
clap (hands) vi. `cpok
clap (of the hands) n. `yapop
class n:clf. adap
classical language n. `goku
Classifier for `igin baskets
clfqr. `gin-
Classifier for bar baskets
clfqr. bar-
Classifier for a grindings worth of
paddy n:clfq. apar
clfr. par-
Classifier for bamboo sections
n:clf. aduu
Classifier for batons clfr. paa-
n:clf. apaa
Classifier for birds clfr. p-
Classifier for books n:clf. adap
Classifier for bottles clfr. tor-
Classifier for bound bunches of
leaves n:clf. adap
Classifier for bunches clfqr. pee-
Classifier for bundles clfqr. `ro-
clfqr. rk-
Classifier for bushels clfqr. tiK-
Classifier for classes n:clf. adap
Classifier for clumps clfqr. `tum-
Classifier for clusters clfqr. `lum-
Classifier for cords clfr. `g-
Classifier for days clfr. loo-
Classifier for discs Classifier for trunks
342
Classifier for discs n:clf. `abar
clfr. `bar-
Classifier for edges clfr. b-
Classifier for eggs clfr. p-
Classifier for fields clfr. rk-
Classifier for fingers clfr. c-
Classifier for fish n:clf. `an
clfr. `n-
Classifier for flat pieces clfqr. tak-
Classifier for flat surfaces clfr. `tam-
Classifier for grains clfr. `cr-
Classifier for granaries clfr. huu-
Classifier for grasped handfuls
clfqr. ok-
Classifier for groups of ten
clfqr. cam-
Classifier for hacked-off items
n:clfq. atk
Classifier for handfuls clfqr. `yum-
Classifier for handspans clfqr. gop-
Classifier for heaps clfqr. `pum-
Classifier for herds clfr. t-
clfr. tr-
Classifier for higher animals
n:clf. ador
clfr. dor-
Classifier for homes clfr. `pin-
Classifier for houses clfr. nam-
Classifier for ladles clfqr. `huk-
Classifier for lengths clfqr. `yar-
Classifier for long, thin things
n:clf. ahoo
clfr. hoo-
Classifier for mountain ranges
clfr. yor-
Classifier for mouthfuls clfqr. `um-
Classifier for nights n:clf. `ayup
clfr. `yup-
clfr. rum-
Classifier for paces clfqr. kor-
Classifier for pipes n:clf. abuu
clfr. buu-
Classifier for plants n:clf. an
Classifier for plates clfr. lii-
Classifier for pods clfr. `buk-
n:clf. `abuk
Classifier for rice fields clfr. p-
Classifier for sections of a length
clfqr. tk-
Classifier for sections of bamboo
clfqr. duu-
Classifier for sections of bamboo,
including knot clfqr. `t-
Classifier for sets of four clfqr. hu-
Classifier for sheets clfr. bor-
n:clf. abor
Classifier for slices clfqr. jek-
Classifier for sounds clfqr. du-
Classifier for staffs n:clf. `ar
clfr. r-
Classifier for stems n:clf. `an
clfr. `n-
Classifier for sticks clfr. daa-
n:clf. adaa
Classifier for teams clfqr. par-
Classifier for trunks n:clf. apoo
clfr. poo-
Classifier for types close-up
343
Classifier for types n:clf. `abaa
clfr. baa-
Classifier for vocal durations
clfr. `baa-
Classifier for vocalisms clfr. gom-
Classifier for volumes clfr. dap-
Classifier for years clfr. `-
claw n. laksin
clay n. takam
clean adj. drk
vs:adv. -kak
vs:advs. -bin...-kak
clean (something) vt. `mokak
clean(arch.) ace. akak
clear adj. brok
adj. `paabak
adj:expr. `apk-`ark
vs:advs. -bin...-kak
adj. `apk
adj. `pbk
vs:adv. -puu
clear (a path) vt. `peenam
clear (of obstructions)
adj. `moomen
cleared adj. abin
clearing n. `moomen
n. abin
clearly vs:adv. -`pk
pcl. `maab
vs:adv. -bk
cleavage (buttock) adj. `koobik
cleave vt. tagnam
cleft palate adj. nabjak
clench vt. pagap
Clerodendrum colebrookianum
n. `oin
n. `oin-`taapin
clever vt. mkii
adj. ard
cliff n. arak
n. `isi-`rob
cliff (sloping) n. ttam
cliff (steep) n. rak
cliff edge n. `rob
climate n. mooko-`isi
n. door-dooyap
n. tal-kodee
climb vt. hennam (1)
vie. ganam
clitoris n. `tcr
clock n. goorii
close adj. `nci-koonii
adj. `nci
close (door) vt. cktum
close (eyes) vt. kc
close (near) vs:adv. -mk
close (the mouth) vt. `gomjup
close (to target) adj. baayr
close off vt. tumnam
closed vs:adv. -tum
vs:adv. -`jup
vs:adv. -cup
closed (door) vi. cktum
closed (eyes) adj. kc
closed (mouth) adj. `gomjup
adj. `naptum
n. `naptum
close-up adj. `nci-koonii
cloth (fragment) come off (part)
344
cloth (fragment) n. `jecek
clothesline n. `jegaa
clothing n. `ej
clothing (festival) n. `jeci-`kooree
clothing (old) n. `jeku
clothing (red) n. `jel
clothing (variety) n. `jeraa
cloud n. `doom
clouded leopard n. `hbo-`oree
cluck vi. `pjaa
vi. tognam
cluck (mouth) vi. dotak
clump n. `alum
n. `atum
clump (of grass) n. `nm-`alum
cluster n. `alum
n. `tkpum
n. apom
n. `apum
coagulated smoke n. `rakik
coal n. `mree
coat n. `jepee
n. `tago
cob (of corn/maize) n. pkoo
cobble n. `lkap
cobra n. bk-br
cobra (variety) n. bk
n. br
cock n:poet. pol
cock-a-doodle-doo int. kokorko!
cockfeathers n. `gl
cockroach n. `takci-bree
n. `oin-dossoo
cockscrow n. porok-lugo
code language n. gomraa
coil vt. `lumnam
coin n. `ajr
Coix lachryma n. `tak
cold v:c.arg. `rgnam
adj. `aik
adj. `ark
n. `ark
cold (feeling) n. `hkr
adj. `hkr
cold (illness) n. hgyaa
collapse vi. `gmnam
collar n. `lyaa
vt. giinam
collared scops owl n. ptin
collect vt. `urnam
collect (and store) vt. `tkum
collectively vs:adv. -pom
collide vt. tubnam
colour n. `amr
coloured ace. yagoo
Columba hodgsonii n. kar
comb n. looboo
vt. tubnam
comb (fanned bamboo) n. loohap
combined vs:adv. -yom
come vie. aanam
come apart vi. bgnam
come close vi. aank
come off vs:adv. -`pen
come off (part) vi. `bennam
come on continue
345
come on int. `kajuu
communicable disease n. `rlii
compare vt. `koor
comparison n. `pnam
competitively vs:adv. -kaahi
complain vt. dgnam
Complementizer of purpose/
intention vs:nf. -`lap
complete vs:adv. -`roo
vs:adv. -`pin
completely vs:adv. -am
vs:adv. -den
completion vs:nzr. -`roo
completion (point of) vs:nzr. -`pin
Completive suffix vs:asp. -ku
complexion n. `amr
compulsion n. muugo
conceal vs:adv. -`hum
vi. `kahi
concede vt. `tonam
concentrate vt. mgap
concentrate (on what one hears)
vt. `tagap
conciliate vt. labnam
conclusion n. `rgaa
Concurrent suffix vs:nf. -kop
concurrently vs:nf. -`l
condemned man n. `ilee
condition n. `amr
n. amoo-`alap
conditions n. mooko-`isi
conduct n. `rii-`docaa
confidence vs:adv. -tin
confluence n. `padum
confused vi. onam
vs:adv. -`kin
adj:expr. `akin-`amin
adj. `dkin-`bogmin
vi. `mkin-`momin
congested adj. `adak
Conjunct perfective suffix vs:asp. -to
conjunctivitis n. `kci
n. `kci-`rlii
conserve vt. ruunam
consider (as among) vt. habnam
considerably adjs:der. -`jaa
considerate adj. knk
constantly vs:adv. -`b
vs:adv. -`yap
n:qual. `ttt
vs:adv. -`yar
constipated adj. `eeh
contagion vt. `ognam
container n. `ptup
n. `ptup-pr
container (bamboo) n. `duutup
n. duukam
container (bamboo, large)
n. duuhin
container (bamboo, variety)
n. `hilk
n. `duukii
container (variety) n. udum
Content question marker pcl. `laa
continually vs:adv. -b
continue vs:adv. -b
Continuous aspect cover
346
Continuous aspect vs:asp. -`tuu
continuously vs:adv. -ap
vs:advsr. -d...-d
vs:adv. -`l
vs:adv. -ap
vs:adv. -`yap
vs:adv. -d
vs:adv. -b
contract n. tk
contrarian adj. ac
contrarily vs:advsr. -c...-r
vs:adv. -c
controlled adj. `ram
converged adj. `padum
convulse vs:adv. -den
convulsively vs:advsr. -den...-ren
cook n. `ahaa
cook (by boiling) vt. knam
cooked vs:adv. -`nu
vi. `nunam
cooked rice n. acin
cool adj. ry
cool down vs:adv. -`kaa
cooperatively vs:adv. -`kr
copiously vs:adv. -kek
copy vs:adv. -y
cord (of wood) n. `g
core n. `hguu
n. `lpaa
coriander (wild) n. orii-riitak
n. orii
corn n. tp
corn (brown) n. `pmar
corn (yellow) n. pji
corner n. `ckoo
n. ab
n. cr
corner (of a space) n. `keeuu
cornered vs:adv. -cen
cornsilk n. `pmu
corpse n. himaa
corral vt. rnam
correct adj. tark
correct (an error) vt. `menten
corrode vt. donam
cost vt. `laanam
cot n. doop
n. `doog
cotton n. `tacak
cough v:c.arg. hgnam
n. hk
n. hgyaa
count vt. `k
vt. habnam
countenance n. `ip
Counterexpective pcl. oo
counting stick n. kootr
countlessly adv. anin-`jaab
adv. anin-`maab
courage n. `pukt
courageous adj. `pukt
vs:adv. -`poo
cousin (maternal) n. `o
n. `o
cover vt. `poonam
vt. purnam
cover up creep
347
vt. `morup
vt. `poorup
vt. mamnam
cover up vs:adv. -`lup
vt. `pootum
vs:adv. -`poo
covered vi. `lijjup
vs:adv. -pop
covetous adj. yarok
vt. nnam
covetously vs:adv. -bo
cow n. `n
coward n. pjk
cowhide n. `pin
cowrie shell n. taen
crab n. `taci
crab (jungle) n. `mooci
crab (variety) n. `celaa
n. hobee-`ceram
crack vi. dennam (2)
onom. grk
vt. tagnam
onom. tkk
v:c.arg. gognam
crack (in floor) n. `uugee
crack (in voice) n. `lhk
crack (knuckles, joints) vt. pksi
crack (knuckles, joints)
vt. `pgnam
crack (large, in surface) n. deegok
crack (large, long, in surface)
n. deegok-talok
crack (leg) n. `ldek
crack (small, in surface) n. deggok
crack in the foot n. `lgok
cracked vs:adv. -tak
vi. tagnam
cracked (large, in surface)
adj. deegok
cracked (result) vs:adv. -gok
cracking (voice) adj. `lhk
cradle vt. `gaanam
craft vt. `pnam
cramp (arm) n. `lakpee
cramp (leg) n. `lpee
cramped adj. `apee
cramped (arm) adj. `lakpee
cramped (leg) adj. `lpee
crank vt. grnam
cranny n. `ckoo
crawdad n. tahum
crawl vi. nam
vi. mnam
vi. urnam
vi. omnam
crayfish n. tahum
crazed vs:adv. -`lee
crazed (with aggression)
vi. `leenam
crazy vi. `munam
create vt. `pnam
vt. `plen
v:c.arg. `minnam (1)
vt. `plen
creep vi. mnam
vi. maanam
vi. omnam
creeper curse
348
creeper n. amaa
nce. tamaa
n. tar-tamaa
crest n. `dumrk
crisped rice n. `cikam
crocodile n. `hormen
crooked adj. pagr
adj. pakr
crop field n. `amdaa
cropped adj. naptuu
crops n. `amo-tamii
cross vt. `boonam
vt. rabnam
cross (on foot) vi. `koonam
cross a threshhold vt. `impek
cross hatch vt. `peenam
crossbeam n. turg
crossbeam (breadthwise) n. urpoo
crossbeam (lengthwise) n. `uryar
crossed (legs) adj. pakoo-`lpek
adj. `lko-`lpek
cross-legged adj. pakoo-`lpek
crossroad n. `bdum
crow vi. kognam
n. `agbee
crow (flock of) n. `akt
crowd v:c.arg. luunam
n. it
n:qual. at
n. iluu
n. luutr
crowd (of monkeys) n. beet
n. beeluu
cruel adj. ilo-hodoo
cruise vi. `dbnam
crumble vi. yagnam
crunch onom. grk
crush vt. `mk
crush (by pressing) vt. nemmk
crux n. `pecp
cry vi. kabnam
vt. kabnam
cucumber n. `mkuu
Cucumis n. `mkuu
cuisine n. acin-oo
cultivate vt. oonam
cultivated area n. `rgm
cumulatively vs:adv. -`l
cup vt. `gaanam
n. ptak
n. pt
cup (for measuring) n. `duutup
curate adj. akii-arii
cure vt. `mopo
vs:adv. -`po
cured vi. `ponam
curled vs:advsr. -`kum...-`um
adj:expr. `akum-aum
curling adj. pakr
adj:expr. tkr-tmr
ace. tkr
curly (hair) adj. dumpr
curry n. oo
curse v. `cnam-beenam
vt. `cnam
n. `abur
cursed daughter-in-law
349
vt. beenam
cursed adj. `abur-ae
adj. `abur
adj. `yabur
curved adj. `tguu
cut (by sliding across fixed blade)
vt. `innam (1)
cut (by striking) vt. panam
cut (glancing off) vt. `parek
cut (in two) vt. peeci
cut (result) vs:adv. -pee
cut (side to side) vt. knam
cut (small with knife) vt. peenam
cut (to sharpen) vt. parek
cut (with great force and little aim)
vt. jennam (2)
cut (with sweeping sidearm
motion) vt. nagnam
cut off vt. parik
cut out vt. `peelen
cute adj. ayaa
cyclonic adj. `pooci
D - d
dab vt. `tiggap
dam n. `hibok
dam (base) n. `bokko
dam (element) n. bai
n. `lg
n. kodap
n. `baan
n. `gob
n. `yamn
n. `gog
dam (head) n. `bogdum
dam up vt. ptum
damage vs:adv. -`pk
damp adj. jj-ryaa
adj. `juujaa-ryaa
adj. `kuucuk
adj. tayum
dance vt. hoonam
dance (line) n. `poonuu
dance (of war) n. `pajuk
dance (variety) n. `poopr
n. gree
dandruff n. `tapar
Danio n. `tapoo
dao n. `orok
dao (antique) n. `rokko
dare vs:adv. -ak
vs:adv. -`poo
dark adj. kan
dark moon n. `poolo-`lorup
n. `poolo-`lorup
darkness n. kan
Dative pros. -`p
pos. `b
daughter n:kin. `om
daughter (last) n. `yai
daughter in laws sibling n:kin. `a
daughter-in-law n:kin. am
daughter-in-law (first) Dendrocalamus giganteus
350
daughter-in-law (first)
n:kin. `amt
daughter-in-law (fourth)
n:kin. `akoo
daughter-in-law (last) n:kin. amii
daughter-in-law (second)
n:kin. amroo
daughter-in-law (third)
n:kin. amd
daughters husband n:kin. magbo
dawn adj. paa
n:time. paa
n:time. paa-`tootii-`roorii
n:time. `rokkom
day n:time. aloo
day after tomorrow n:time. `ro
day before yesterday
n:time. `kenloo
daybreak
n:time. paa-`tootii-`roorii
dazed vi. onam
dazzling adj:expr. lglk-laglak
adj. `kaayum-`kaaam
dead vs:adv. -`k
deaf adj. ruuji
dear name. `Kaal
dearie name. `yapii
debt-clearing n. `kalor
decant vt. `pnam
vt. nam
decant (solid) vt. dinnam (1)
deceive vt. kubnam
vt. `muur
December n:time. `rat
decide adj:expr. `acen-`aren
vt. `mpk
decked-out adj. `buum
adj. `buum-`raar
decrepit adj. `ain-`apak
vi. `anam
deep adj. `uur
deer (wild) n. `crlee
deer herd n. crluu
n. crt
deerskin n. `hodum-`apin
defeat vs:adv. -`pak
vt. `mopak
defecate vi. `eenam
defecate improperly vt. `eegom
definitely pcl. `ruu
vs:adv. -`ruu
deform vt. `mopor
deformed (face) adj. `moodr
de-handle vs:adv. -huk
delicious (to drink or smoke)
adj. `tken
delicious (to eat) adj. `doken
Delonix brachycarpa n. `taakee
demarcate vt. `diir
demolish vs:adv. -yak
demon n. yapom
demonstrate vs:val. -tom
den (bear) n. hottum-tumruu
den (of a porcupine) n. hiruu
den (tiger) n. homen-menruu
Dendrocalamus giganteus n. `bum
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii dig (overhand)
351
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii n. `n
Dendrocitta frontalis n. `pokok
dense adj. `jcam
dense (jungle) n. `tumraa
n. yamd
dented adj:expr. `akop-`arop
adj. `akop
dented (result) vs:adv. -`kop
vs:advsr. -`kop...-`rop
depend (on something) vt. `mg
depend on vs:val. -`g
depressed adj. `aluk
depression n. `aluk
descend vi. `tog
vie. `iinam
vi. tognam
descend (lineage) vi. nennam (1)
desert n. `moohen
desiccated adj. `pt
design vt. `pnam
designation nce. `nmin
desire vs:adv. -`l
vs:adv. -`ll
despise vt. m
despite pcl. -`dakkom
vs:nf. -`dakkom
cnj. daram
vs:nf. -`laacin
despondent adj:expr. `aaa-`araa
destroy vs:adv. -`yaa
vt. `moyaa
vt. `mojaa
destroyed vs:adv. -`jaa
detach vi. jagnam
detect vt. gagnam
determination
vt. `ennam-kaanam
detour n. bgur
dew n. arsi
de-weed v:c.arg. `gnam
de-weeder n. `k
de-weeding n. j
dhole n. hocaa
dialect n. `gomuk
diarrhea adj. `eejik
vi. akii-binnam (2)
vi. akii-jugnam
vi. binnam (2)
die vi. hinam
vi. eenam
die out vi. `trnam
difference n. ao
n. adk
different adj. ao
n. ao
vs:adv. -dk
adj. adk
adj. `bdk
differently vs:adv. -`dek
dig (by scooping away dirt)
vt. `konam
dig (by scraping) vt. ognam
vt. `dunam
dig (by thrusting directly)
vt. `arnam
dig (from surface) vt. jagnam
dig (overhand) vt. tagnam
diligent disturbed
352
diligent adj. knk
adj:expr. `apk-`ark
Dillenia indica n. `campak
dim vi. uuc-uul
adj. uuc-uul
int. `y-`bree
dim (time of day)
adj. kan-pp-mam
dimly vs:adv. -c
Dioscorea composita n. iin-takee
Dioscoria alata n. iin
Direct perfective aspectual suffix
vs:asp. -baa
dirt n. kodee
dirty adj. alum-ay
adj. alum-a
ace. alum
adj. aum-ah
vs:adv. -`gek
dirty (water) adj. `higik
disable vs:adv. -cek
disapprove vt. kaa
vs:adv. -`k
disaster n. `rmur-`rkee
disc n:clf. `abar
discard vt. `pak
disclose vs:advsr. -kak...-lak
vt. `mekak `menlak
discover (that) pcl. `ii
disease v. `cinam-ramnam
disease (variety) n. `kebbuk
n. `polee
n. `lhok
disembowel v:c.arg. kiinam
vt. arnam
disgusting (of food) adj. `donek
dish n. oo
Disjunct coordinator pcl. maa
Disjunct perfective suffix
vs:asp. -gee
dislocate vt. `mok
disordered vs:adv. -por
disorderly adj. ahup
adj. ahup-ayap
vs:adv. -hup
disorganized adj. ahup
adj. aj
adj. ahup-ayap
disparagingly vs:adv. -
dispense with vt. `pagnam
disperse vs:advsr. -cik...-ik
vs:adv. -cik
dispersed vs:adv. -j
displace vs:adv. -k
dispose of vt. `pagnam
disposed vi. gnam
disrobe vt. `pinnam (2)
distance n. `oodoo
n. `adoo
distant adj. `adoo
adj. `oodoo
adj. `odoo
distorted adj. `adr
distribute vt. ornam
disturb vs:advsr. -jik...-mik
disturbed vs:adv. -jik
adj:expr. tkp-takap
disturbing drape leg across
353
disturbing adj. ajik-aak
adj. atup-apen
ditch n. koroo
dive vi. cinnam (2)
vt. `tuunam
diversion (point, of a river)
n. `bogb
diversion (riverine) n. pji-pm
divert vt. pnam
divert (course of river) vt. py
vt. `plk
divide vt. parnam
divide (on width) vs:adv. -tuu
divide along length (result)
vs:adv. -ci
divide amongst oneselves
vi. `laapen hinam
divine vt. `cinam
divorce vt. `pak
divvy vt. parnam
dizzy vi. yennam (2)
adj:expr. `dmik-`dmk
do vt. inam
vt. `rnam
vt. `monam
doe n. `crn
doe (barking deer) n. `dumn
dog n. `ikii
dog (female) n. `kiin
dog (hunting) n. `kiimen
dog (male) n. `kiibo
dog (sacrificial) n. `kiilee
dog-calling sound int. `cu!
dogskin n. `kiipin
dont (do that)! vs:mod. -yoo
Donyi Polo n. Dooi-`Poolo
door n. rap
n. `eyap
doorjamb n. rabgur
doorway n. `rabgo
dorsum n. nako
doubtlessly pcl. `ruu
dough n. `ataa
douse vt. `cokkap
dove n. `taak
down vs:adv. -`loo
down (result) vs:adv. -map
downward vs:adv. -`loo
vs:adv. -bok
dowry n. ar
drag vt. ranam
vt. hnam
vt. `henam
drag up vt. `racaa
dragonfly
n. `aakii-taaii-`taaree
nce. `taaree
n. hob-taaii-taaii
n. `isi-taai-`taaree
dragonfly (larva) n. paagap
drape vt. rnam
vt. `tornam
vt. `crnam
drape (a leg over another)
vt. `pag
drape leg across vt. `papoo
dream dynamic
354
dream n. `yumii-`yumaa
n. `yumaa
v:c.arg. `maanam
dressed-up adj. `buum
adj. `buum-`raar
dried vs:adv. -`p
drill vt. arnam
drink vt. tnam
n. `isi-`opoo
drinking buddy n. `tjen
drip vi. `dnam
drive vt. dugnam
vt. prnam
drive (animal) vt. goonam
drive (something away) vt. mig
vt. mig
drive (something into ground)
vt. gnam
drive away (animal) vt. `mimpak
vt. `mimpak
drongo n. `oocoo
drool n. `nabbee
v:c.arg. beenam
drop vt. `tonam
Drosophilia n. tahuu-tayaa
drought n. `hiruk-`moohen
n. `hiruk
drug n. `nn-`poon
drum n. dumdum
drunk adj. tkum
vs:adv. -kum
drunk (from liquor) adj. tkum
dry adj. `pt
dry (using smoke) vt. `aahen
dry land n. `tump
dry out vi. `hennam (1)
vi. ornam
dry out (wound) vi. `caruk
dry up vi. `hennam (1)
dry-fry vt. anam
Dubitative pcl. `laree
duck n. `pjap
duck (female) n. `jabn
duck (male) n. `jappo
duck (wild) n. `isi-`pjap
Ducula badia n. `klum
dumb adj. gommaa
dung n. `eepik
durability n. `add
durable adj. `add
during vs:adv. -oohi
vs:nf. -`mopaala
adv. `rmo `paala
vs:nf. -kop
dusk n:time. arum-`roorii
n:time. kan-popr-momr
n:time. jmr-jmar
n:time. popr-momr
dust n. pmr
dustpile n. mrlum
dusty adj. mrlum
dusty (result) vs:adv. -bum
Dwarf chameleon fish
n. yacm-cmp
dwelling n. `namc
dynamic vi. jnam
dysentery elder sister
355
dysentery n. tak
E - e
each (one) n:qual. aken-aken
each (time) n:qual. `dk
eager beaver n. `yrn
ear n. `eruu
ear (left) n. `ruuci
ear (right) n. `ruubk
ear disease (variety) n. `ruuci
ear hair n. `ruum
ear water n. `ruuci-tal
ear wax n. `ruupuk
early adv. komci-tanii
early (morning) n:time. kom`cii
adj. komci
adv. komci-tanii
early morning n:time. `aro-komci
earn vt. `laanam
earring n. raaji-`bl
earring (variety) n. raaji
n. `bl
n. `kentuu
earth n. kodee
n:poet. hci
earthquake n. mood-moob
earthworm n. `tador
n. `dorkaa
earthworm (footlong)
n. `dorkaa-laabuu
easily done vs:advs. -`ken...-`paa
east n:rel. `caagoo
easy vs:adv. -`ken
easy (to do) adj. `rken
easy (to say) adj. `meken
eat vt. donam
eclipse n. `tam
economize vt. `cbnam
vt. ruunam
edge n. ab
n:rel. `cuu
edges (of an object) n. iyk
eel n. ob
effortlessly vs:adv. -`mm
egg n. `pp
egg white n. pdin
egg yolk n. `pmr
eggplant n. `baayom
eggplant (variety) n. kop
n. baak
n. ptaa-`baak
eggshell n. pkuk
eh? pcl. `i
eight n:num. `piin
eighth month n:time. `ho
elastic vi. `jinnam (1)
elbow n. lagduu-kuur
elder adj. `ab
elder brother n:kin. aci
elder sister n:kin. ai
elder sisters husband entranced
356
elder sisters husband n:kin. `makt
elders n. aci-`ab
eldest brother n. aci-kai
eldest child n. `ao-kai
eldest maternal uncle n:kin. `kt
eldest sister n. ai-kai
n. ai-ab
elephant n. `hot
elephant (small) n. `tcuu
elephant (wild) n. `tlee
elephant apple n. `campak
elephant apple (variety) n. `pagyoo
elephant bull n. `tbo
elephant calf n. `to
elephant cow n. `tn
elephant herd n. `tt
elephant skin n. `hot-`tpin
elephant tusk n. `tr
Elephas maximus n. `hot
eleventh month n:time. lub
else n:qual. `kb
emaciated adj:expr. akk-ark
emanate (light) vi. `louu
ember n. `mree
ember (matchlike) n. `mc
embrace vt. `gomnam
emerald dove n. `krci
emerge vi. karnam
vi. `nennam (1)
vi. `bugnam
emission n. `doohuk
emote vi. `janam
empty vt. hugnam
empty (feeling) adj:expr. akak-alak
empty result vs:adv. -`aa
en route vs:adv. -pek
enclose vt. `purbum
vt. purnam
vt. `humnam
enclosure n. luugoo
enclothe vt. koonam
encounter vt. kaark hinam
encourage vt. `moh
end n:rel. `kook
vs:adv. -tr
n. tuur
end (to a task) n. `rtr
endanger vt. `muur
endpoint vs:nzr. -tr
endpoint (of a journey) n. intr
enemy n. `imak
engage (someone in marriage)
vt. `tagak
engagement n. `laayap
enjoy vs:adv. -cem
enlarge vs:adv. -`bor
vi. `tnam
enormous adj. `kay
enough vi. pnam
entangled vs:advs. -tup...-ci
enter vie. aanam
entrance n. `aako
entranced vi. `runam
entryway exaggerate
357
entryway n. aalam
enumerate vt. `k
vt. habnam
enviously vs:adv. -bo
epidemic n. cilii-ramlii
n. `rlii
epilepsy n. himek
adj. himek
epistle n. sitii
equally vs:adv. -`daa
equidistant adj. `gar
erase vt. `mrrup
erect vt. `lagdaa
vt. gnam
erect (a platform) vt. `gonam
erect (penis) vi. `raanam
erode vs:adv. -pk
vi. jagnam
eroded area n. `kopk
erroneously vs:adv. -`mur
Eryngium foetidum n. orii-riitak
n. orii
escape vi. kennam (2)
especially pcl. `ruu
pcl. `yaaruu
esteem adj:expr. adk-ahk
etcetera n:qual. `yooyoo
dem. `bulu
n:qual. `yoo
v. pa-
Eupatorium odoratum n. `daglin
even pcl. -`dakkom
vs:nf. -`laacin
pcl. `cin
cnj. daram
pcl. -`laacin
even (numbered) n. `pumsi
even (though) cnj. daram
vs:nf. -`dakkom
even more vs:adv. -`yaayaa
even up to pos. golo `b
evening adj. arum
n:time. arum
evenly vs:adv. -rum
ever vs:asp. -bee
every (kind) n:qual. `ng
every (one) n:qual. `takam
every (time) n:qual. `dk
every day adv. `loodak
every morning n. `rodak
every night n. `rumdak
everybody pro. `bupp
n. `idum
everyone n:qual. `naruu
pro. `bupp
n. `idum
everything vs:adv. -am
n:qual. `naruu
everywhere vs:advsr. -kk...-rk
evildoer n. ilo-hodoo
exact adj. tark
exactly vs:adv. -`c
n:qual. `daadii
pcl. `ruu
exactly (like) n:qual. `c
exaggerate vi. `mejok
vt. `membor
example eye
358
example n:clf. `abaa
excellent adj. `gai
excessively vs:adv. -r
exchange (gifts) vt. `jiko-jipek
exclusively vs:adv. -c
excrement n. `ee
excrete vi. `eenam
exert (strength/force) vi. tornam
exhale vi. `haglen
exhange vs:advs. -`ko...-pek
exhaust n. `doohuk
vs:advsr. -den...-ren
exhausted vs:advsr. -dr...-mr
adj. `a-`alaa
adj:expr. adr-amr
adj. `rak
adj. adr
vs:adv. -dr
exhaustively vs:adv. -in
Exhortative pcl. `dei
exist vi. kaanam
vi. rnam
exit vi. `nennam (1)
n. `nenlam
n. `nenko
expand vi. goonam
expand (by blowing) vt. `mibbor
expand (range) vi. coonam
expeditious vt. `rhor-`ryor
expensive adj. dam
Experiential perfect aspectual suffix
vs:asp. -bee
expert n. ikok
n. `ajek
expertly vs:advs. -`jek...-paa
vs:adv. -kii
vs:advsr. -kii...-rii
explain vt. `meji
explode vi. `bugnam
express oneself vi. `janam
extend (range) vi. coonam
extend (the hand) vt. iinam
extended adj. `ahoo
adj. `yarsoo
extension n. `ahoo
n. ac
Extensive pos. `b
extensively vs:adv. -kuu
vs:adv. -`k
extent n. `ahoo
exterior n. `agum
extinct vi. `trnam
extinguish vs:val. -ik
vt. miik
extinguish (by blowing) vt. miik
extinguish (due to boiling over)
vt. `piiik
extinguished vi. innam (2)
vi. `trnam
extra vi. ennam (2)
extract vt. hugnam
vt. `brnam
extreme adj. maa`jii
extremely adv. `yakkaa!
extremist n. ilo-hodoo
eye n. ak
eye (left) eyes (non-folded)
359
eye (left) n. `kci
eye (right) n. `gbk
eye crap n. gjak-baayak
eye disease n. `kci
eye white n. kpuu
eyebrow n. `gm
eyeglasses n. ak-taluu
eyelash n. `gm
eyelid n. `kpin
eyelid deformity adj. gjk-brk
eyes (coloured) n. `glor
eyes (non-folded) n. `gbum
fabric fasten
360
F - f
fabric n. `gal
face n. `umoo
vs:val. -rk
face (something or someone)
vt. grk
face down vs:adv. -kup
facial hair n. `namm
fail vt. `moram
vt. `rram
vs:adv. -ram
fail (crop) vi. hugnam
fail (of rice) adj. `amsuk
fairie n. yapom
faith vs:adv. -tin
fall vi. onam
fall (down) vi. `onam
fall (face down) vi. `daakup
fall (of tree) vi. `urnam
fall (off) vi. runam
fall (out) vi. runam
fall (over) vi. `ynam
vi. `ob
vi. kubnam
fall apart vi. `anam
fall apart (structure) vi. yagnam
fall down vi. `oloo
fall into water (result) vs:adv. -`jaa
fall off (part) vi. `bennam
fall over vi. tabnam
vi. `ytap
fallowing field n. `moobii
n. mooroo
n. biij
n. biiro
n. kamro
n. biikam
false solomons seal n. acin-paarin
family n. nam-rumtum
n. rumtum
famine n. dr
n. hicin-domaa
fan vt. yabnam
n. taayap
fan palm n. tak
fan palm grove n. `gluu
fan palm powder n. `gmik
far adj. `odoo
adj. `oodoo
far away vs:adv. -`hoo
fart n. `pp
v:c.arg. pnam
fashion vt. `pnam
fashionable v. `janam-`gamnam
fast vs:adv. -baa
vs:adv. -baa
adj. aen
adj. bbaa
adj. rcc
adj. rc
fasten vt. gamnam
fasten (to) field (upper side)
361
fasten (to) vt. `puulk
fat n. au
vi. jnam
father n:kin. abo
n:poet. paabo
father-in-law n:kin. `ato
fathers sister n:kin. abo
n:kin. abo-`ijr
fatigued adj. adr
adj. `apee
fatten vt. jg
fattened vs:adv. -j
fatty adj. au
fawn vt. `jark
fawn over vi. `janam
fawning adj. `ajar
fear vt. boho
feather (chicken) n. `rogm
February n:time. `aglo
fed up vt. `ensup
adj. `a-`alaa
feed (for livestock) n. `hodo
feel vt. `ennam (1)
vt. mamnam
feel (using foot) vi. danam
feel (using hands) vt. ubnam
feel good vi. `gken
feel hardship vt. endr
Felis marmorata n. `taso
fell (tree) vt. `ynam
female n. `an
fence vt. ragnam
n. holuu
fence around vt. `peggoo
fence in vt. raggoo
fencepost n. luug
fermentation starter n. `opop
fermented rice n. `poon
fermented soybeans n. `agyaa
fern nce. takaa
fern (edible) n. oo-takaa
fern (variety) n. `rugdk
festival n. `mooji
n. `toguu
fetch (water) vt. `gaanam
fever vi. ramnam
n. ramnam
few adj:expr. `aken-`aren
fibre n. `tacak
Ficus hispida n. kukcoo-`looloo
fiddle vt. `monam
fiddlehead fern n. oo-takaa
fidget vs:advsr. -`dam...-`ram
field n. `hip
n. rk
n. `hip
field (cleared) n. `rgbin
field (interior) n. `rgraa
field (lower side) n. `rkkoo
field (main crop) n. `amdaa
field (mountain) n. `moodii-rk
field (second-use) n. rgaa
field (third use) n. `aab
field (upper side) n. rgdum
field (virgin) fish
362
field (virgin) n. rgmam
field (wet) n. `isi-rk
field border n. `hip
field boundary (lower) n. `rgii
field debris (after burning)
n. rgrom
field levelling n. `moi
fifth month n:time. lucr
fig n. kukcoo-`looloo
fig (variety) n. `takuk
figure n. `imaa
figure out vt. gagnam
figure out (that) pcl. `ii
file vt. `tarnam
fill vt. `pb
fill (with) vt. `gaanam
filter vt. nennam (1)
filter (for rice beer) n. `poopur
filter (rice beer, large) n. `poobor
filth n. `takek
filthy adj. alum-ay
adj. aum-ah
fin n. oii-alap
finally vs:asp. -ku
fine n. aj
fine (large) n. guu-`guut
finger n. lakc
fingernail n. laksin
fingertip n. lakc-`tt
finish vt. `ram
vs:adv. -`pin
vt. `rpin
finish off vs:adv. -`roo
finished vs:adv. -am
fire n. `m
n:poet. `koojum
fire (as iron) vt. `bar
fire-dry vt. pamnam
firefly n. `ukc-`baal
firelight n. `m-`louu
fireplace n. `miram
n. `imik
fireplace (primary) n. `pint-`imik
fireplace (secondary)
n. `pimmee-`imik
fireplace border n. guluu
fireplace shelf (lower) n. `kaat
fireplace shelf (lowest) n. kaamee
n. `kao
fireplace shelf (upper) n. `kaan
fireplace shelf (uppermost) n. kak
fireplace shelving n. `rapko
firewood n. `h
firewood (bamboo) n. `or
firewood (burnt) n. `mtuu
firm adj. attor
vi. kamnam
firm (reault) vs:adv. -h
firmament n. `jiimi
first vs:adv. -`coo
first month n:time. deec
first time vs:adv. -to
vs:advs. -to...-k
fish n. oii
fish (boiled, liquified) flareup
363
fish (boiled, liquified) n. olum
fish (fermented) n. oyaa
fish (fermented, boiled, liquified)
n. oyaa-olum
fish (using basket trap) vt. kunam
fish (using pole) vt. rnam
fish (variety) n. naar
n. `op-pree
n. `yrcoo
n. oruu
n. otup
n. oyoo
n. `htuu-rakik
n. ord-gaaloo
n. `og
n. tacap-buugap
n. opii
nce. `oraa
n. `oraa-`pakkaa
n. orik
n. tadoo
n. `riibo
n. ocr
n. `apee
n. ob
n. tr
n. `riihor
n. `taek
n. or
n. `gahee
n. `orpuu
n. `tapoo
n. `omuk
n. `orc
n. talo
n. `riium
n. tam
n. oco
n. `op
n. yacm-cmp
fish innards n. okii
fisherman n. `isi-igam
fishhook n. `krcr
fishing line n. kren
fishing pole n. kr
fishing pole (body) n. krm
fishtail n. `olap
fishtrap n. `takom
fishtrap (variety) n. `dr
fist n. `laktum
fit vt. `jubnam
vs:adv. -`lin
five numr. -o
n:num. ao
five days ago n:time. kekur-aloo
five days hence n:time. `tenee
five times n:time. lo
five years ago n:time. kekur
five years hence n:time. `tenee
fix vt. gamnam
vs:adv. -`ten
vt. `moten
fix (skirt) vt. cgnam
flailingly vs:advsr. -tik...-rik
flake n. `mibbo
n. ahk
flame n. `mgum
flap vi. jarnam
v:c.arg. labnam
flareup n:expr. `abuk-`aruk
flash (lightning) fly (variety)
364
flash (lightning) v:c.arg. `ragnam
flash flood n. `puumii
flat adj. atak
flat (flavour) adj. bumb-`lumlik
flat (mouth) adj. `nabjap
flat (nose) adj. `pumjap
flat (surface) n. `ajap
flat (terrain) adj. rjoo
flatland n. kodee-deer
n. ar
flatten vs:advs. -`jin...-`taa
vt. rennam (2)
flatten (by smashing)
vt. `pjap-`pyap
flatten (field) vt. nrnam
flatten (underfoot) vt. `tujap
flatten (with weight) vt. `mejap
flattened vs:adv. -`jap
flatter vt. jognam
vt. `menjoo
flavourless adj. `harcek
flay vt. dnam
flea n. talii
fleas nest n. talii-liihup
nce. liihup
flee vi. kennam (2)
fleeting vs:advs. -r...-o
flesh n. adin
n. diyek
flex vi. `yuunam
vs:advs. -`yuu...-`y
flexible vi. `yuunam
flick vt. `lnam
vt. bennam (2)
vt. `pagnam
flick (using tool) vt. pornam
flick off vt. `pakpak
flick off (water, food) vt. `pagj
flights (of an arrow) n. poroo
flint n. `mci
flirt vi. `mejar
vi. `rjar
flit adj:expr. ajr-amr
float vi. jaanam
vie. `jaanam
vi. runam
flock (of ravens) n. `akt
flog vt. `dnam
flood vt. `tumnam
n. `hipuu
nce. `bdk
flooring n. `batak
flour n. `ataa
flow vi. binnam (2)
flower n. apuu
fluid n. alaa
flute n. tapuu
fly nce. tay
vi. `dnam
vt. `dnam
n. tay-tamaa
vi. jarnam
fly (disc) vi. `tbnam
fly (variety) n. tahuu-tayaa
n. `yp-roodoo
nce. `tacup
flying fox four
365
n. `ypii
n. `tacup-`taup
n. `tacup-`reeup
flying fox n. tapen
flying squirrel n. `hojoo
foam n. `apik
fodder n. dokee
fog n. aapam
fog (dense) n. `mukpuu
fold vt. `tumnam
fold (clothing) vt. `crnam
folded (arms) adj. pakoo-`lakpek
folded (legs) adj. `ltum
food (prepared) n. acin-oo
foodstuffs n. acin-ji-oo
fool n. `otar
n. peccaa
n. `yao-ootar
ace. `maaa
n. yao
foolish adj. peccaa
foolish (man) adj. `taaa-`taraa
foot n. `al
foot (of mountain) n. `ltk
foot crack n. `lgok
foot.mortar n. dkii
foot-and-mouth disease n. `lbok
footprint n. `al
for n:rel. `lgaa `b
pros. -`p
for (purpose of) pos. `b
for (some purpose) pos. `b
for (the n-th time) pos. `naab
for heavens sake pcl. `maab
force vs:adv. -kam
force (out excrement) vi. haanam
forceful adj. `akum
forcibly vs:adv. -kam
forearm n. lagdaa
forearm span n:clfq. adu
forebears n:kin. `an-abo
forehead n. tupko
n. tukko
foreleg n. `al
forepaw n. al
n. `al
forest n. `mootum
forest eagle-owl n. ptin
forget (a fact) vt. `mpaa maa.
forget (to bring something)
vt. `open
forgotten vi. eenam
fork (in a tree) n. `gorbak
formless adj. `adr-abar
fornicate vt. yonam
vt. harnam
fortunate vs:adv. -gam
fortune n. agam
forward vs:adv. -in
foul (smelling) adj. `namsuu
fouled up vi. `rmur-`rkee
fouled-up vi. krnam
four n:num. appii
numr. -pii
four days ago fully
366
four days ago n:time. `kendaloo
four days hence n:time. `roten
four times n:time. lppii
four years ago n:time. `kenda
fours (as a counting unit) n:clfq. ahu
fourth month n:time. luk
fox n. `mansuruu
n. `manruu
n:poet. `mandruu
fraction nce. acci
free (not busy) vi. `harsuk
vi. `harsuk
freely vs:adv. -`huk
freezing adj. ac
frenzied adj. hiduk
frenzy n. hiduk
frequently vs:adv. -`yar
vs:adv. -ben
fresh adj. `leelak
adj. `leelak
friend n. `ajen
friends v:c.arg. `jennam (1)
n. `ajen-arum
frighten vs:val. -`lom
frightened adj. `hoak
frog n. tatk
from pos. `lokk
pos. `lok
from (a present or future time
onwards) pos. `g `lok
from (downward) dem.pos. `bolo
`k
pos. `bokk
from (here) dem.pos. `hok
from (near addressee) pos. `okk
from (near speaker) pos. `hokk
from (same level) dem.pos. `alok
pos. `akk
from (something currently under
discussion) pos. `hokk
from (something just mentioned)
dem. `k
dem. `ok
from (this time) pos. `hokk
from (upward) pos. `tokk
dem.pos. `tolo `k
front n:rel. aaboo
fruit vi. liinam
vi. `heenam
n. `ap-`ahee
n. `ap
fruit (variety) n. `taktr
n. bulum
n. taguu
fruiting adj. `ap
frustrated adj. `aluk
vi. `enluk
frustration n. `aluk
fuck vt. `arnam
full vs:adv. -b
vi. bnam
vs:adv. -cr
full (moon) adj. yrb
full (stomach) adj. doji
fully vs:advsr. -ik...-ek
vs:advsr. -k...-ek
adjs:der. -totii
fun get rid of
367
fun adj. `rgaa
function vt. `jubnam
funds n. `ain-`murkoo
fungus (variety) n. tain-ind
funny adj. `mr
funny (to see) adj. `kaahr
furious adj. hiduk
vt. `agnam
further (a lineage) vt. nennam (1)
furthermore vs:nf. -gr
fury n. hiduk
fuschia n. jaajin
future adv. `alloo-`rt
n:time. `kojo-`allo
future (near) n:time. `hrum-`allo
G - g
gag vi. `baom
gallop vi. `coonam
vi. `yoonam
Gallus gallus n. `prsin
Galo name. `Galoo
game n. hor-`mootum
game bird n. prk-taakuu
gap n. `agee
gape vt. `ceepor
garbage fly n. yji
garden n. luupaa
n. luugoo
garland vt. `tunam
Garra gotyla n. otup
Garra sp. n. oyoo
Garra spp. n. oruu
Garrulax leucolophus n. `puruu
Garrulax squamatus n. hursak
n. cupcak
gas n. `amuk
gate n. luurap
gather vs:advsr. -`kum...-`rum
vi. pumnam
vt. hnam
vt. `laac
vi. `pukr
gather (something semi-solid)
vt. ognam
gathered together vs:adv. -`kum
gaur n. `baamin
gaze vt. `kaaak
gecko n. `hooj-`hoopen
n. `bent-`hobuk
generation n. alii-aoo
Genitive case postposition pos. `g
Genitive case suffix pros. -`k
gentleman n. ii-hob
geological depression
n. koroo-`komam
germinate vi. `garnam
get vt. `paanam
adjs:rcom. -rp
get rid of vt. `laapak
get to gotcha
368
get to vs:adv. -`paa
get up vi. grp
ghost n. `uii
n. `orom
gibberish n. `uii-agom
gift n. jinam
n. `amen
n. `lagmen
gigantic adj. `kay
gigolo n. `taloo
gill n. `cmsap
gimme int. `heloo
ginger n. takee
girl n:poet. taam
n. `ijr
give vte. jinam
give up vt. `pagnam
glance vi. arnam
glance off vs:adv. -`rek
glance off (beating) vt. `prek
glasses n. `gor
n. ak-taluu
glide vi. jaanam
glimmering adj:expr. lglk-laglak
glimpse n. `m-ii
glittering adj:expr. lglk-laglak
globe n. `ap
globular adj. `ap
adj. `ap-`liilum
glow vi. rc
vi. `rnam
glowing ace. uuc
glowingly vs:adv. -c
gluttonous vs:adv. -rak
adj. yarok
Glyptothorax n. ocr
gnaw vt. nagnam
vt. `rgnam
go vie. innam (1)
vt. innam (1)
vt. `gnam
go (home) vie. aanam
go back vt. `ikur
go to (a house) vie. `caanam
goat n. `hobin
goat (wild) n. bbo
goatskin n. `binpin
God n. `yrn
go-getter n. `yrn
going to vs:adv. -`ta
goiter n. gp
golden langur n. `beehor
good vi. `ponam
adj:poet. abaa
adj. al
vs:adv. -`po
n. al
vs:adv. -`ken
good old days n:time. `omor
good-for-nothing vi. yaanam
goods n. `yaraa
goose n. pg-poyoo
gorgeous adj. `kaayum-`kaaam
goshawk n. dookoo-`koocik
gotcha int. `kloo
gourd group
369
gourd n. `cugrii-`pumpaa
grab vt. gagnam
grade n:clf. adap
gradual adj. al-al
adj. `ram-ram
gradually vs:adv. -`l
grainy adj. hiik
adj. `iik
granary n. `naahuu
grandchild n:kin. `okur
grandfather n:kin. j
n. j
n:kin. `ato
grandmother n:kin. `ayo
n:kin. ikam
n:kin. `kakam
n. ikam
grandparents n. `ato-`ayo
grasp vt. hnam
vt. `grnam
vt. gagnam
vt. `yumnam
grasp (with claws) vt. `cumnam
grasp (with pincers) vt. habnam
grass n. `nm
n. `tapii-tamaa
grass (variety) n. `tasi
n. `tapop
n. `taji
n. tapii
grass stalk (variety) n. piikoo
grasshopper n. takom
grasshopper (variety) n. mrbo
n. tamii-`jesi
n. `yap-rn
n. `komci
n. `komlee
n. takom-dummaa
grave n. ibuu
gravel n. `lmk
gray hair n. dumpuu
graze vt. nagnam
grease n. au
greasy adj. au
great barbet n. `pudur
great pied hornbill n. pgaa
greedy adj. yarok
green n. `jee
adj. `yajee
green (dark) n. kan-`jee
green (light) n. `louu-`jee
green bee-eater (bird)
n. crum-nabbuu
green vegetable n. `om
greenish-blue n. `jee
grind vt. `kennam (2)
vt. `rgnam
grind (into bits) vt. `kemmk
grope vt. mamnam
vt. ubnam
ground cover n. nhk-`nm
ground squirrel n. kooc
group n:qual. atr
n. `gad
n:qual. at
n. apar
n. apom
group (of people) handful (grasped)
370
group (of people) n. luutr
grove n. `hluu
grove (of plaintains) n. luur
grow vi. goonam
grow (larger) vi. `tnam
grow (of plant) vie. `caanam
grow up v:c.arg. inam
grumble stomach vi. gurnam
grunt vi. `umnam
vi. `ugnam
guava n. `mudorii
guess pcl. `com
guest n. ibo
gum (vegetable) n. `abak
gums n. iir
gun n. `abbuk
n. `mbuk
gun barrel n. nolii
gusto vs:adv. -`j
guts n. akii
H - h
habit vs:nzr. -pee
n. `rpee
habitually vs:adv. -oo
habitually use vs:adv. -pee
hack vt. krnam
vt. tgnam
vt. kobnam
vt. panam
hag n. kamgo-riiloo
hail n. ta
hair (babys) n. dumluk
hair (body) n. `am
hair (ear) n. `ruum
hair (head) n. adum
hair (leg) n. `lm
hair (of the arm) n. `lagm
hair beads n. dumjen
hair clip n. `ksap
hairband n. bekkap
half n. takci
half kilogram n. puaa
half moon n. `poolo-`ao
halfheartedly vs:advsr. -bee...-lee
vs:adv. -bee
half-legged adj. `ltuu
half-mad vi. `musi-`mulee
hall n. dr
hallucinate vt. `kaaro-`tamo
hammer vt. pnam
n. gtum
n. `martum
hand n. alak
hand (left) n. `lakci
hand (of bananas) n:clfq. apee
hand (right) n. `lagbk
handclap n. `yapop
handful n. `ayum
handful (grasped) n:clfq. aok
handful (one hand) head (of a river)
371
handful (one hand) n. lakp
handful (two-handed) n. `bcum
handicapped person n. idam
handle n. aguu
n. akoo
handle (blade) n. `rog
handle (of a fishing net) n. `habree
handle (umbrella) n. tiikoo
hand-me-down n. `jeku
handspan n:clfq. agop
hang vt. `tamnam
vi. `bnam
vt. ognam
vt. tennam
vt. pagnam
vt. agnam
vt. `oksr
hanging bridge n. hoom
hangover n. tr
haphazardly vs:adv. -`jik
happen vie. `rnam
happy new year adv. `gam `b
harass vt. `menrik
hard adj. `aci
adj. `akum
adj. `add
adj. attor
vi. tornam
hard stone n. `ltor
hardness n. `add
hardship vt. endr
harm vt. `monam
harrier n. dookoo
harsh adj. `aci
harvest (cane) vt. `pinnam
harvest (rice) v:c.arg. eenam
harvest festival n. moopin
harvest time n. `laad
n. `laad ~ `laad
has/have (been) vs:asp. -`tuu
hassle vs:advsr. -dik...-ik
vt. `mendik `menik
hasty adj:expr. apuk-aluk
adj. apuk-aree
adj. apuk
adj. apuk-anak
hat n. `boolup
hat brim n. `lubr
hatch vi. `garnam
hate n. `anek
haunch n. arpoo
n. arbaa
haunch (of the arm) n. lagbaa
have vi. kaanam
vt. bnam
have (a disease) vt. grk
have to vs:adv. -ken
v:mod. lagi
hawk n. dookoo
n. mkom
haywire adj. tarak
he/she pro. `b
head n. dumpoo
head (base) n. `koogak
head (of a pond) n. `hil-`ldum
head (of a river) n. `ah
head (of a stream) hilarious
372
head (of a stream) n. `koh
head (of cattle, e.g.) n:clf. ador
head louse n. `tak
headache n. `dumci
head-butt vt. tubnam
headdress (bridal) n. dumboo
headfirst (move) vi. durnam
headless adj. dummaa
headman n. gam
headress (variety) n. baal
headscarf n. `dumpuk
headstrap n. `hee
head-to-toe n. tukko-`lpaa
heal vt. `mopo
vs:adv. -`po
vi. geenam
heal over vt. `geerup
healthy vi. jnam
heap n. `apum
vt. `pumnam
heap (of stones) n. `lpom
hear vt. `tapaa
vt. `tanam
heart n. `aapuk
hearth n. `imik
n. `m-`iiko
n. `miram
heat vt. amnam
n. `ago
heat lightning n. `dookoo-`okik
heavens n. dooi-tal
heavy adj. `aii
heedful vi. darnam
heel n. `ldo
heft vt. `joonam
helicopter n. `pumpaa-rood
hell n. mooraa
helmet n. `luptuu
help vt. `rdum
vs:adv. -gur
helpfully vs:adv. -`dum
helter skelter vs:advs. -kup...-lek
hen n. `rogn
her/him pro. `bm
her/his pro. `bk
herb n. j
herd of cattle n. t
here dem.pos. `hogo
heritage n. alii
herself n:qual. a
hew vt. tagnam
hey pcl. a
hey fellas! int. `bul
hey! pcl. `
hiccup n. `jkk
hide vi. `kahi
higglety-pigglety vi:expr. aj-ay
high adj. oodom
adj. oen
adj. `oodoo
high priest n. gree
high-step vi. daanam
hilarious adj. `mr
hill hot water
373
hill n. `adii
n. `diicum
hill-tribal n. `im
hilt n. takor
him/her pro. `bm
Himalayan jungle nightjar
n. abo-kornoo
Himalayan screw pine n. `tako
Himalayan slatyheaded parakeet
n. pbee
himself n:qual. a
hind legs n. aar
n. arbaa
Hindi n. `Hindii
hip n. `koo
his/her pro. `bk
hit vt. dmnam
vt. pnam
hit (with stick) vt. hinnam (2)
hitchhiker seed n. tagam
hoard vt. `rinnam (1)
vs:adv. -rak
hodgepodge adj:expr. `akin-`amin
hog deer n. `dumcuu
hoi! int. hoi!
hold vt. bnam
hold (in cupped receptacle)
vt. `gaanam
hold (in mouth) vt. `umnam
hold out vs:adv. -`y
hole vi. uunam
n. aruu
hole (in stone) n. `lruu
hole (result) vs:adv. -`koo
hollow vs:adv. -pk
hollowed vi. `kopk
holy moly! int. abbaa!
int. ablaa!
home n. `ipin
homestead n. gdaa-`isi
n. `ipin
Homo sapiens n. tanii
honey n. tao-atii
n. atii
n. illaa
n. `yrken
honeybee n. taik
hood n. nappaa
hook vt. agnam
n. tooko
hook (of a fishing line) n. `krcr
hop vi. pognam
horn n. rbuu
hornbill n. `phik-pgaa
hornbill (wreathed) n. `gaaree
horned beetle n. cuui
horned owl (variety)
n. uduu.`buduu
n. `ugjii-`birii
horny vi. `yol
horse n. guree
n. hok
hot adj. `ago
hot (chili taste) adj. `au
hot (result) vs:adv. -`go
hot water n. `higo
house Hystrix indica
374
house n. nam
house (breadth) n. nampoo
n. namp
house (cluster) n. `nampom
house (decrepit) n. namyaa
house (length) n. `namyar
house (small) n. `namc
house lizard n. `bent-`hobuk
housefly n. tay-tamaa
hover vi. paanam
vi. rlii-cnam
hover (of eagle) vi. cnam
how pro:int. `yoob
pro:int. `yomb
how (many) pro:int. `yad
how (much) pro:int. `yad
how lovely! int. a`tii!
however vs:nf. -gr
vs:nf. -`laacin
pcl. `den
however many pro:int. `yad go
huddled (arms) adj. pakk-lalk
hue n. `amr-`amo
n. `amr
hug vt. `gomnam
huge adj. `kay
hulk n. `apum
human n:poet. ia
human being n. ii
n. ii-tanii
n. tanii
human flesh n. idin
humanity n. tanii
humid vi. umnam
hump n. `lcuu
hunchback n. uugr
hundred n:num. camr
n:num. `al
hungry adj. `kanoo
hunk (of bone) n. loob
hunky adj. `kaahr
hunter n. igam
hunter (dry land/plains)
n. `tump-igam
hunter (jungle)
n. `mootum-igam
hunting n. hor-`mootum
hunting dog n. `kiimen
hunting party n. `kiirup
hurl vt. gnam
vt. `lnam
hurried adj. apuk-anak
adj. apuk
adj:expr. apuk-aluk
hurry n. jugnam-pognam
hurt vt. `mod
vt. `mod
husband n:kin. `iloo
hyperactive vi. ragnam
adj. tarak
hypnotize vt. `aamik
Hystrix indica n. hosi
I in the future
375
I - i
I pro. o
ice n. tapam
idea n. mnam
identical adj. lyy
identify vt. `kaapk
identity n. `ip
idiot n. `otar
n. peccaa
idiot (female) n. `yaaa
idiot (male) n. `taaa
idiotic adj. peccaa
if vs:nf. -boolo
pcl. -boolo
igneous stone n. `lkaa
ignore vt. `ynam
ill vs:adv. -ram
illness n. `aci
imbibe vt. tnam
immature adj:expr. `omee-`oree
immediately vs:adv. -gor
immobilize vt. `aamik
impaled vs:adv. -gk
impaling stake (small) n. `oor
impede vi. gci-gten
impeded vs:adv. -`kin
vs:adv. -jik
vs:advs. -jik...-ak
Imperative suffix (light)
vs:mod. -`tolaa
Imperative suffix (non-speaker-
directed) vs:mod. -to
Imperative suffix (non-speaker-
directed, insistent) vs:mod. -tok
Imperative suffix (polite)
vs:mod. -`laa
Imperative suffix (speaker-directed)
vs:mod. -`laa
Imperfective aspectual suffix
vs:asp. -`duu
implore vt. `cnam
impose vs:adv. -ten
impose (oneself) vt. `menten
imprecisely vs:adv. -koo
impressive vs:adv. -`hr
imprison vt. tumnam
improve vs:adv. -`den
impure adj. `abur-ae
in pos. lo
in (a time span) pos. `m
in (some hypothetical time) pos. `ne
in (some way) pos. `b
in (the) pos. `b
in any case cnj. mb-rnam
in fact vs:adv. -jaa
in person adj. `ib
in that case cnj. mrm
in the end vs:asp. -ku
in the future adv. `alloo-`rt
incantation insouciant
376
incantation v. `cnam-beenam
inch vi. omnam
incinerate vt. romnam
vt. `rompak
incite vs:adv. -`r
vt. `rr
inclined vi. `onam
Inclusive pcl. `ju
incorrectly vs:adv. -`mur
incorrectly targeted vs:adv. -gaa
increase vi. mnam
increase (in size) vi. `tnam
incredible adj. `d
incredible! int. ayaa-maab
incubate vt. gubnam
indeed adjs:der. -`jaa
indeed! int. `com
India n. indiyaa
Indian n. indiyan
Indian mottled eel n. ob
Indian myna n. `pilam
Indian nightingale n. bekko
indiscriminately vs:adv. -kek
vs:advsr. -`kee...-`ee
ineffective vs:adv. -c
infant n. `uaa
infect vt. `ognam
infection (skin) n. `tao donam
inferior vs:adv. -ree
vi. mree hinam
inferno n. `mgu
inflate vi. goonam
infuriated vi. `leenam
inhale vi. `haglk
inhospitable terrain n. `moodr
n. `moodr-`moocoo
initiate vs:adv. -kok
vs:adv. -rp
initiate (an activity) vt. `rkok
injudicious vi. goonam
injure vs:adv. -t
injury nce. tar
n. uun-tar
inkling n. mmo-molap
innards n. akii
insane vi. `munam
insanity n. `munam-rumnam
insect n. tapum-`taloo
insect (terrestrial) n. tapum
insect (variety) n. `tapik
n. `tacaa
n. tam
n. tai
n. tagik
n. paagap
n. `goe
n. `tar
n. tao-`tarii
n. tado-molek
n. taii
n. `tarik
n. `taek
n. takom-yam
insert vt. `lgnam
inside n:rel. `araa
insouciant vi. goonam
inspect itself
377
inspect vt. `kaakee `kaee
instance n:clf. `abaa
instead vs:val. -naa
vs:adv. -raa
instead (of) vs:adv. -`yaa
insult vt. `meyoo
vs:adv. -yoo
vt. `ryoo
intelligent adj. ard
adj:expr. `apk-`ark
intensely vs:adv. -`ak
intently vs:adv. -`ak
interactions n. kaanam-`tanam
interesting adj. `rgaa
vs:adv. -`hr
interior (of a house) n. `namraa
intermediate n. `pekoo
intermittently vs:advsr. -nii...-naa
intestine (large) n. `kiiro
intestine (small) n. kiij
into pos. lo
vs:val. -`lk
into (a hole) vs:adv. -`ruu
into (a space) vs:adv. -buu
into (a substance) vs:adv. -`buk
into (something else) pos. `b
into chunks (result) vs:adv. -jek
into small pieces (result) vs:adv. -`jr
intonation n. `gomuk
intone vt. barnam
inundation n. `puumii
invade someones space
vs:adv. -bum
vt. `rbum
invite vt. bonam
invite (reciprocally) vt. bolk
(-boak)
invite over (to ones house) vt. boaa
invoke vt. `monam
vt. beenam
iron n. `rogdin
n. `rogdr
irratating adj. `adup
Irrealis nominalizer vs:nzr. -ha
Irrealis suffix vs:asp. -r
irritate vs:adv. -dk
vs:adv. -`luk
vt. dgnam
irritated (eyes) adj. `kci-pol
irritated (of eyes) adj. gl
is vi. rnam
cop.
island (riverine) n. `bokpen
isnt it pcl. `maad
pcl. `maaco
pcl. `maab
pcl. `i
isolated vs:adv. -raa
it dem. `g
it (Accusative form) pro. `m
itch n. `aak
vt. ognam
itchy adj. `aak
iteration vs:nzr. -rp
itself n:qual. a
jackfruit just (now)
378
J - j
jackfruit n. `blaa
jackfruit seed n. `laam
jail n. pahii-patk
nce. patk
jam vt. trnam
January n:time. deec
n:time. hlo
jar n. kiil
jawbone n. `cogbee
jealous adj. `anek
vt. nnam
jerk vt. tgnam
jerk upward vt. `cagnam
jerkingly vs:adv. -tk
vs:advsr. -jr...-mr
jet n. doogum-rood
jewelery n. `gmen
jews harp n. guugaa
jhum field n. `moodii-rk
job n. ager
Jobs tear millet n. `tak
join vs:val. -min
join (as co-participant) vs:adv. -`ii
join (long things) vs:adv. -hik
join (by pushing) vt. nksik
joint (on bamboo) n. `aat
jokingly vs:adv. -laa
juice n. alaa
n. paalaa
julienne vt. `gajr
July n:time. `tenloo
jumbled vi:expr. aj-ay
jump vi. `yobnam
vi. `jobnam
jump (in place) vt. cumnam
jump down vi. `yobloo
jump over vt. `yobboo
jump up vi. `yobduu
June n:time. `ilo
jungle n. `mootum
jungle (dense) n. yamd
n. `tumraa
just vs:adv. -`mm
pcl. `um
vs:adv. -mum
pcl. `mum
vs:adv. -`c
just (like) n:qual. `c
just (now) vs:adv. -piK
kaleej pheasant knuckle (of the hand)
379
K - k
kaleej pheasant n. prk
keel vi. `ynam
vi. `rnam
keel over vi. tabnam
keep vt. anam
vt. `lnam
keep (on) vs:adv. -b
keep a relationship vt. gaksi
keep safely vs:adv. -`c
kernel (of corn/maize) n. `pcr
kettle n. tks
kettle handle n. aguu
kick vt. tunam
kick the bucket vi. `binnam (1)
kickstart vt. tubek
kid n. `omee
kid (baby goat) n. `bicuu
kidnap (a woman) vt. im
`henam
kidney n. `akek
kill vt. panam
kindling n. tako-ramc
king cobra n. `bt
kingfish n. `orc
kingfisher n. deb-curum
n. bet-curum
kiss vt. `muupuk
kiss.and.cluck.mouth
vi. `muupuk-dotak
kitchen n. `doko
kite n. dookoo
knead vt. gaaom
knead (large) vt. nunam
knead (small) vt. nonam
vt. nennam (2)
knee n. `lb
kneecap n. `lb-tatk
n. `taci-`poolo
knife n. `occik
n. `rokcik
knit vt. koonam
vt. `tunam
knock (on a door) vt. cn-cb
knock-kneed adj. `ljuu
knot (concave, on a tree)
n. `guucup
knot (convex, on a tree) n. `guuk
knot (on bamboo) n. `aat
know vt. `cennam (1)
know (someone) vt. `kaacen
knowingly vs:adv. -`cen
knuckle n. `aat
knuckle (of the hand)
n. lakc-`baat
Labeo dero leaf (dried)
380
L - l
Labeo dero n. opii
Labeo devdevi n. `apee
Labeo pangusia n. tr
labour (reciprocal) n. rgee
lack v. maanam
ladder n. `koobaa
ladder (large) n. `baat
ladder (small) n. `baacak
ladle vt. `hugnam
n. `ujuk
lake n. `isi-`hil
lame adj. `ldr
n. `lj
adj. `lj
lament vt. `cnam
land (of plane, bird) vi. `dtuu
landslide n. racek
language n. `gomuk
n. agom
langur n. `beehor
Lanius schach tricolor
n. dc-ptaa
Lare name. `Laree
large amount n. `hm
large intestine n. `kiiro
larger goldenbacked woodpecker
n. `kaabee
larva (variety) n. tahuu-miibuu
lasso n. pogoo
last child n:kin. `oii
last daughter n. `yai
last evening n:time. `mrum
last night n:time. `myo
n:time. `mrum
last year n:time. `m
late adj. `nr
late afternoon n:time. `roorii
lately n:time. `hrum-`hro
latrine n. `eeko
laugh vi. rnam
laughable vs:adv. -`r
laughing thrush n. cupcak
n. hursak
lay (fencing) vt. `pennam (2)
lay (on something) vt. `pamten
lay bare vs:advsr. -kak...-lak
lay out vt. `reenam
layer vt. agnam
laze vi. `pubnam
lazy-eyed adj. grm
lead vt. bonam
vs:val. -g
n. ra
lead (a person) vt. ig
lead (animal) vt. goonam
leaf n. an
vt. lgnam
leaf (dried) n. `henn
leaf (rotten) lie (in a particular position)
381
leaf (rotten) n. nyaa
lean vi. gubnam
leaning pillar (mens)
n. abo-gtuu
leaning pillar (womens)
n. `an-gtuu
leap vi. pognam
leather n. `pin
leave vt. `pak
vi. `nennam (1)
vt. `tonam
leave behind vt. `open
leech n. `tapek
leech (jungle) n. `perro
leech (variety) n. pettak
left ear n. `ruuci
left hand n. `lakci
left leg/foot n. `lci
leftovers n. dooo
leg n. `al
leg hair n. `lm
leg/foot (left) n. `lci
leg/foot (right) n. `lbk
leg-locked adj. `kojup
legs (hind) n. arbaa
leisurely vs:advsr. -`jik...-`mik
lemme see int. `helom
lemon (variety) n. tah
lend vt. narnam
length n. `ayar
n. `ahor
length (of beads, e.g.) n:clfq. atk
length (of rope, e.g.) n:clf. ahoo
lengthwise adj. `ayar
leopard n. homen-takar
leopard (clouded)
n. `hbo-`oree
leprosy n. taik
lesion n. uun
lesser coucal n. yamd-pol
let vs:val. -`ko
let me (do this) vs:mod. -`hoo
lethargic vi. nam
adj:expr. adm-amm
lets pcl. `ju
lets go int. `kajuu
letter n. potaa
letter (epistle) n. sitii
letter (of alphabet) n. `akor
level n:clf. adap
level best vs:advs. -tr...-gaa
levy (fine) vt. guu-`monam
license n. `pot
lichen n. tam
lick vt. ragnam
lid (of a kettle) n. puktum
lie vt. mnam
lie (chest-down) vi. babum
vi. pogbum
lie (down) vi. gennam (2)
vi. doonam
lie (face-down) vi. bamnam
vi. bumnam
lie (in a particular position)
lie (on back) lively
382
vi. knam
lie (on back) vi. klek
lie (on ones side) vi. kdr
vi. `kdr
lie (prostrate) vi. gennam (2)
lie down vi. `bumlk
lie down (as when sick) vi. knam
lie facing downward vi. gekkup
lie facing upward vi. gellek
lifeless vi. `rugnam
lifestyle n. rnam-`duunam
n. ry
lift vt. `joonam
light vt. `runam
n. `louu
n. `mdor
light (electric) n. elektri-`louu
light green n. `louu-`jee
lightning n. `doorak
lightning (earthbound) n. `mugl
lightweight adj. `aajup
like vt. mcem
vt. mnam
vt. `emm
vt. pagnam
vt. `enlk
like (someone) vt. `kaal
like (that one, on same/unknown
level) pro. `amb
like (to do something) vs:adv. -cem
like that (downward) pro. `bmb
like that (nearer to hearer than to
speaker) pro. `mb
like that (thing previously
mentioned) pro. `mb
like that (upward) pro. `tmb
like this (nearer to speaker than
hearer) pro. `hmb
like this (thing currently under
discussion) pro. `hmb
lime n. `tano
limp vi. jnam
line (fishing) n. kren
line (in genealogy) n. `ng
line (of individuals) n. `horii
line (straightness of direction)
n. horii
line dance n. `poonuu
lineage n. alii
n. `nenko
lion n. `ot
lip (of a pot) n. pc-ab
lips (fat) n. `nabber
liquor n. `opoo
lisp v. rojam
n. rojam
listen vt. `tanam
little adj. ajjii
adj. aii
little rascal n. yapci
live vi. gnam-hnam
vi. hnam
vt. hnam
vi. rnam
vi. gnam
livelihood n. `pnam-paanam
lively adj:expr. r-r
liver lost
383
liver n. ahin
liver (chicken) n. roksin
livestock n. hok-holar
n. hob-ho
Livistona jenkinsiana n. tak
lizard (variety)
n. dooi-kessoo-kelloo
n. idoo-kessoo-kelloo
n. kessoo-kelloo
Locative case marker pos. lo
Locative nominalizer vs:nzr. -`ko
lock (via crossbar) vt. kootum
log n. `hpoo
loincloth n. `hab
Lonchura punctulata n. `picik
loneliness n. `jimii
lonely adj. `jimii
adj:expr. `aaa-`araa
long adj. `ahoo
adj. `ahor
adj. `yarsoo
adj. `ayar
long (bamboo) adj:mono. -`hoo
long (dam) adj. `bogyar
adj. `boksoo
long ago n:time. `mro-`kenluu
adv. kojjuu
adv. `mroo-`kenloo
long bean n. peeren
long since adv. kojjuu
look vt. kaanam
look (as though) vie. kaanam
look (downward) vt. kaabok
look after vt. it-homen
vt. kaaraa
vt. `kaac-`tac
vt. pagnam
look down (on someone) vt. kaaree
look for vt. manam
look into (a space) vi. kaabuu
look out! int. ycu
look under vt. kak
loom (element) n. `loot
n. `taap
n. gurn-`naan
n. loomee
n. kobdaa
n. `rubuu
n. `ikoo
n. `niikoo
n. `gkoo
n. `tai
n. gen
n. `itam
loony vi. `musi-`mulee
loose adj. aur
adj. ahur
loose motion/bowels adj. `eejik
vi. akii-jugnam
vi. binnam (2)
loosen vs:adv. -`hor
Lophura leucomelana n. prk
lopped adj. naptuu
lord n:kin. `ato
loris n. hobee-rii
lose (way) vt. `aanam
lose way vt. `agnam
lost vi. eenam
lot man (mature)
384
vi. `aanam
vi. `agnam
lot vs:adv. -ben
loud (sound) adj. `dut
n. `dut
lounge vi. `pubnam
louse (baby) n. `kci
louse (body) n. `tak
louse (chicken) n. pilii-`pk
louse (head) n. `tak
louse (mature) n. `gn
louse (medium-sized) n. `kpen
louse egg n. `kp
lovable adj. ayaa
love vt. mnam
n. ayaa
vt. ayaa
vt. pagnam
lovey name. `Kaal
low vs:adv. -`
adj. `o
lower side n:rel. `tuukoo
lower village n. `ckoo
luck n. agam
n. ai-agam
lucky vs:adv. -gam
lullabye n. `nimii
lunch n. dpraa
n:time. `loogaa
lung n. `aaro
lure vt. bona(a)
M - m
macaque n. beed
machete n. `orok
mad vi. `munam
magician n. `uii-`ao
mahasheer n. `og
n. oco
mahseer n. tadoo
main road n. `bn
maintain a gap vs:adv. -`gee
maize n. tp
maize (brown) n. `pmar
maize (yellow) n. pji
majority adj. `tuut
majority (of people) adj. `tt
make vs:val. -`mo
vt. `monam
make (a train) vt. impo
make a mistake vt. `rmur
make noise vi. harnam
male n:poet. igam
male (animal) n. apo
malformed (mouth) adj. nappor
n. nappor
mammary gland n. `aco
man n. ii
man (mature) n. aci-abo
manage to measure (in handspans)
385
manage to vt. `pagnam
vs:adv. -`paa
vs:advs. -`paa...-`laa
manageable adj. hom
manageable quantity n. anin
management nce. gdaa
mane n. `hpr
Manihot esculanta n. `hj-iin
Manis n. `hocik
manner n. `rkor-`mekor
n. `rii-`docaa
Mantis n. `hobin-taraa
many n:qual. yaakaa
vi. meenam
adj. yaakaa
marbled cat n. `taso
March n:time. lumii
mare n. `reen
mark vs:adv. -`r
market n. `bojar
maroon adj. `yamuk
adj:expr. `yamuk-`yaruk
maroonbacked imperial pigeon
n. `klum
marriage n. idaa
married woman n. `an-am
marrow n. loonii
marry vt. `laanam
marry (a man) vie. aanam
marry (woman) v:inc.arg.O. im
`laanam
marsh n. paataa
master n:kin. `ato
masticate vt. amnam
mat (bamboo) n. `peec
mat (sitting) n. `up
mate vt. mennam (2)
mate vt. `meenam
maternal aunt (elder) n:kin. `mot
maternal aunt (second)
n:kin. moroo
maternal aunt (younger) n:kin. moii
maternal aunts daughter
n:kin. i
n:kin. moii
maternal aunts son n:kin. `b
maternal uncle n:kin. ak
maternal uncle (eldest) n:kin. `kt
maternal uncle (second) n:kin. kroo
maternal uncle (third) n:kin. kd
maternal uncle (younger) n:kin. kii
matter n. agom
mattress n. doop
n. `doog
mature vi. kamnam
mature man n. aci-abo
mature woman n. ai-abo
May n:time. lucr
may pcl. `p
vs:adv. -`dee
mayfly n. taaii
me (obj.) pro. `om
measure vt. knam
measure (in handspans)
vi. gobnam
meat minority
386
meat n. adin
meat (dry) n. `dinsen
meat (fresh) n. `dinlee
meat (hunk, for distributing)
n. dintk
meat (hunk, large) n. rb
median n. `lpaa
Mediative pos. `lok
mediator n. lampo
medicine n. kusuri
n. `nn
n. `dn-`poon
n. `nn-`poon
meet vt. kaark hinam
vt. kaark
vs:val. -rk
meet (along way) vt. inrk
meet (for a meeting)
v:c.arg. baanam
meeting n. kbaa
megafauna n. `hot-`hoo
Megalaima virens n. `pudur
melancholy n. `ddoo
Melastoma n. acaa-`kayaa
melon n. mb
melon (ripe) n. bain
melt vs:adv. -jik
vi. jinnam (2)
memento n. `rroo-`duuroo
memorize vt. mgap
mens balcony n. `iloo-`koodaa
mens doorway n. `iloo-`rabgo
menstruation n. `agum-`parmoo
merged adj. `padum
merit n. al
Merops orientalis
n. crum-nabbuu
mess n. `rmur-`rkee
messed up adj:expr. `akin-`arin
messy vs:adv. -jee
adj. ahup-ayap
adj. aj
Mesua ferrea n. nahor
Method nominalizer vs:nzr. -`ko
methodical adj. `dom-`dl
microfauna n. ptaa-`kobuu
midday nce. `loopoo
middle n. `lpaa
adj. `lpaa
middle-aged woman
n. `an-am
midnight adj. `yoraa
n:time. `yoraa
midpoint vs:nzr. -tuu
midst n:rel. `pekoo
might pcl. `p
migrate vi. bagnam
mildew adj. tayum-tabar
milk n. `aco
millet n. tamii
millet (variety) n. `taek
mince vt. tgnam
mind vt. m
vs:advs. -...-co
minority adj. tuuyaa
minutely money
387
minutely vs:adv. -`mk
Minyong name. ioo
miracle n. ar
mirage n. `yy-paacaa
Mirative pcl. `laaka
Miri name. Mirii
mirror n. arsi
miser n. `hibin
miserly adj. `ramr
adj. `hibin
adj. rumram
vi. `dobin
vs:adv. -`bin
misguide vt. `menr
mishear vt. `tamur
Mising name. `Mis
miss vce. alak
vs:advsr. -lak...-cak
adj:expr. alak-aak
vs:advsr. -lak...-ak
adj:expr. alak-acak
miss (a step) vi. `hamaa
miss (a target) vs:adv. -lak
miss (fail to affect) vs:adv. -pen
miss (someone) adj:expr. akak-alak
miss (when shooting) vt. `ablak
miss (when throwing) vt. naalak
missed (item) vs:nzr. mpen
misspeak vt. `memmur
mist n. aapam
n. taar
mistake n. `rmur
mistakenly vs:adv. -`mur
misunderstand vt. `tamur
mithun n. hob
n:poet. aai
mithun (black) nce. `bokaa
mithun (red) nce. bol
mithun (wild) n. `horom
mithun bull n. `bot
mithun calf n. `hoo
n. `hocuu
mithun cow n. `hon
mithun herd n. hot
mithun pen n. `hpik
mithun skin n. `hopin
mix vs:adv. -`yr
mixed up vs:adv. -om
moan and groan vt. dgnam
mock vs:adv. -ek
vt. kaek
moist adj. `kuucuk
mojo n. amr-amo
n. amr
molar n. iigam
mold n. tapuu-`tapen
moldy adj. tapuu-`tapen
mole n. `uii-`mram
mole (skin, protruding) n. `tahk
moment n:time. `c
moment (ago) adv. `ijjaa
moment (in a) adv. `ijjaa
mommy n:mese. mami
money n. `ain-`murkoo
n. `murkoo
mongoose mountain carp (variety)
388
n. `pohaa
mongoose n. h-koo
monitor lizard n. `horkek
monkey n. hobee
monkey (baby) nce. `beo
monkey (bachelor) n. beetum
monkey (crowd) n. beeluu
n. beet
monkey (variety) n. `beo-`kool
month (eighth) n:time. `ho
month (eleventh) n:time. lub
month (fifth) n:time. lucr
month (first) n:time. deec
month (fourth) n:time. luk
month (ninth) n:time. `ht
month (second) n:time. `aglo
month (seventh) n:time. `tenloo
month (sixth) n:time. `ilo
month (tenth) n:time. praa
month (third) n:time. lumii
month (twelfth) n:time. `rat
moo vi. nunam
expr. paa
moon n. `poolo
moon (dark) n. `poolo-`lorup
nce. `lorup
moon (half) n. `poolo-`ao
moonlight n. `poolo-`louu
n. `karcaa
Moopin n. moopin
more (than) vs:adv. -`yaa
moreover vs:nf. -gr
mori n. opii
mori minnow n. opii-piilik
morning adv. komci-tanii
adj. `aro
n:time. `aro
morning (early) n:time. `rokkom
n:time. `aro-komci
n:time. komci
n:time. kom`cii
morning (late)
n:time. `caato-`caaaa
moron n. peccaa
n. peccaa-caadr
morpheme n. `gomcr
mortar (large) n. cpar
mosquito n. taruu
mosquito (variety) n. `umr
moss n. tam
moss (variety) n:expr. tap-tam
most pcl. `ruu
most (people) adj. `tt
moth n. `uii-yapr-`poomr
moth (small) n. prci-pri
mother n:kin. `an
n:poet. `an-indum
mother-in-law n:kin. `ayo
Motion modal suffix vs:mod. -`taa
motorcycle n. tuktuk
mountain n:poet. `yordii
n. `adii
n. `moodii
mountain (cultivated) n. `moobii
mountain carp (variety)
mountain field mustard (variety)
389
n. `oraa-`pakkaa
n. `op-pree
nce. `oraa
n. `op
mountain field n. `moodii-rk
mouse n. `kobuu
mouse (baby) n. `buo
n. `buucuu
mouse (variety) n. paac-rodo
moustache n. `namm
mouth n. nappaa
mouth (protruding) n. naptor
mouth harp n. guugaa
mouthful n:clfq. `aum
move vs:advsr. -n...-b
vi. gnam
vi. `rn-`rb
move (head) vi. baanam
vt. baanam
move (headfirst) vi. durnam
move (on same level) vie. aanam
move (ones home) vi. bagnam
move in vt. `baglk
move out vi. `baglen
much pcl. yaa
pcl. `jaa
much too much adjs:rcom. -kuu
mud n. hitum
muddle through vi. `binnam (2)
vs:adv. -`bik
muddle through (a task)
vt. `mobik-`molik
muddle through (ones life)
vt. `rbik-`dolik
muddled ace. `akin
vs:adv. -`kin
vs:advsr. -`kin...-`min
adj:expr. `akin-`amin
muddy adj. `giccii
adj. `jiccii
muddy water n. `hijik
mug n. `koob
n. ptak
mug (bamboo) n. trkak
multicoloured adj. `yaree
Multiplicative pos. `b
multiplicity n. mee
n. yaakaa
multiply vi. mnam
Muntiacus var. n. `hodum
muntjac n. `hodum
murderer n. `ilee pana
murmur onom. bd-`bod
muscle n. adin
mushroom n. tain
mushroom (variety)
n. `htuu-tain
n. `uii-tain
n. `eepik-tain
n. bugluk
n. `hupsi
mushy adj. `juujaa-ryaa
must v:mod. lagi
vt. `lagee
vs:adv. -ken
mustard (variety) n. `pto
n. oo-gy
musty odor nice
390
musty odor n. `namee
mute adj. gommaa
my pro. `ok
myna n. `pilam
myself pro. `
n:qual. a
Mystus spp. n. naar
N - n
nag vt. bmmee
nail (for hammering) n. kilii
naked adj. `ain
vs:adv. -bin
naked (feeling) adj:expr. akak-alak
name n. `amin
v:c.arg. `minnam (1)
narrate vt. nam
narrow adj. `adak
adj. tagyaa
nauseous vi. `bal
navel n. kiin
navel (protruding) n. `kiipok
near future n:time. `hrum-`allo
nearby adj. `nci
nearby (result) vs:adv. -nk
neck n. `lgoo
n. `lpoo
nectar n. atii
need vt. lagi
need to v:mod. lagi
needle n. `beeji
n. `pisi
Negative vs:asp. -maa
neglectfully vs:adv. -bee
neighbour n. namdum
n. `duur
Neofelis nebulosa
n. `hbo-`oree
n. hol
Neolissochilus hexagonolepis
n. `og
Neolissochilus spp. n. `gahee
nerve n. apr
nervous adj. boso-`kanoo
nest n. ahup
net (for trapping) n. `hap
netherworld n. `uii-mooraa
nettle n. `ma
nettle (variety) n. `rt
never pro:int. `yad `locin
new adj:mono. -`lii
adj. `alii
newborn babe nce. cilii
newly vs:adv. -piK
next dem.pos. `ogo
next (time) pos. `gona
next year n:time. `luu
nice adj. al-al
adj. `ram-ram
vs:adv. -`ken
night nostalgia
391
night adj. `ayo
n:time. `ayo
nightingale (variety) n. `belloo
nighttime n:time. `ayo
nincompoop n. peccaa-caadr
nine n:num. `keaa
ninth month n:time. `ht
nipple n. `cuucr
no int. maa
no mans land
n. `moodr-`moocoo
n. `moodr
no result vs:advsr. -`aa...-`raa
noise n. ado
Nominalizer (Action, realis)
vs:nzr. -nam
Nominalizer (Action, Irrealis)
vs:nzr. -ha
Nominalizer (Dative) vs:nzr. -`ko
Nominalizer (Locative) vs:nzr. -`ko
Nominalizer (Method) vs:nzr. -`ko
Nominalizer (Non-subject core,
Irrealis) vs:nzr. -ha
Nominalizer (Non-subject core,
Realis) vs:nzr. -nam
Nominalizer (Oblique) vs:nzr. -`ko
Nominalizer (Process) vs:nzr. -`ko
Nominalizer (Reason) vs:nzr. -`ko
Nominalizer (Subject) vs:nzr. -`na
Non-Agentive marker pos. `ne
none n:qual. `bupp
none other than n:qual. `daadii
non-hill-tribal n. `ipak
non-kin n. ibo
Non-subject core realis nominalizer
vs:nzr. -nam
Non-subject core irrealis
nominalizer vs:nzr. -ha
non-uniform adj. `kogdr-`kogbar
adj:expr. `tkoo-`tloo
non-uniform (colour) ace. `taree
nook n. `ckoo
noon n:time. aloo-`loopoo
n:time. `loogaa
noose n. pogoo
noose (of a small animal trap)
n. `lagyaa
nope int. ma!
int. -h!
northern side n:rel. tuudum
northward vs:adv. -duu
northward (to goal) vs:adv. -`caa
nose n. `epum
nose (flat) n. `pumjap
nose (pointy) n. pukii
nose (short) n. pumtuu
nose (tip) n. pumtup
nose (upturned) n. pumduu
nose bridge n. `pug
nose piercing n. `pukoo
nose water n. `pumsi-pumlaa
noseache n. `pumci
nosebleed n. `id
nosehair n. `pumm
nostalgia n. muugo-`aluk
nostril (left) of (same level)
392
nostril (left) n. `pumci
nostril (right) n. `pumbk
not vs:asp. -maa
pcl. moo
notch (in an arrow) n. gark
nothing but adv. `oob
notwithstanding pcl. -`dakkom
noun n. `amin
n. `nmin-`gomcr
novelty n. `alii
November n:time. lub
now vs:asp. -ku
adv. `ijjaa
n:time. `iji
nowadays n:time. `hiloo-`mroo
adv. `ijjaa
nude adj. `ain
nudge vt. `nnam
numb (in mouth) adj. dokum
numb (teeth) adj. iikum
nurture vt. `honam
nut (variety) n. tapr
Nycticebus n. hobee-rii
Nyishi name. `h
O - o
o pcl. a
O! pcl. go
obdurate adj. `l-`aapuk
obese adj. ta
obey vt. `tanam
object n. `yaraa
object (to something)
vs:advs. -...-co
Oblique nominalizer vs:nzr. -`ko
obscured vs:adv. -`rup
observation vt. `ennam-kaanam
observations n. kaanam-`tanam
observe (a religion) vt. `kumnam
obstinate adj. `l-`aapuk
obstruct (vision) vi. kaack
obviously pcl. `maab
occupy vt. gagnam
oclock n. baji
October n:time. praa
odd adj. ao
odd (number) n. `pumpek
adj. `pumpek
odd (one out) n. `pumpen
v. `pumpen
ode n. tom
odiferous adj. boob
odour n. ar
n. boob
of pos. `lok
of (a quantity) pos. na
of (doing something) vs:nf. -`lap
of (downward) pos. `bok
of (here) dem.pos. `hok
of (same level) pos. `ak
of (something just mentioned) open (an umbrella)
393
of (something just mentioned)
dem. `ok
dem. `k
of (upward) pos. `tok
of course pcl. `maab
off vs:adv. -`aa
off (food) adj. `yaapak
off (result) vs:adv. -`pak
officer n. igom
officiate (as priest) adj. `ibo
off-season n. drii
offshoot n. ac
n. `hdii
offspring n. `om-`or
often vs:adv. -ben
vs:adv. -`yar
oh int. o
oh my! int. a`tii!
oi! int. ai!
oil n. au
oily adj. au
okay int. `kloo
int. `k
old adj. `ab
adj. `ako
old (man) n. j-hokam
n. j
adj. j
old (non-living) adj:mono. -`ko
old (people) n. j-ikam
adj. j-ikam
old (woman) adj. ikam
n. ikam-horam
n. ikam
old age n:poet. gy
omelette n. `pp-`t
omen (at marriage time)
n. agam-gakoo
omit (from thoughts) vt. mpen
omit (when writing) vt. eppen
on vs:val. -`g
pos. lo
vs:val. -kaa
on (some hypothetical date) pos. `ne
on the other hand pcl. da
pcl. `den
on time vt. impo
once n:time. `lken
once (at) adv. `lken `
one numr. -`ken
n:qual. `lken
n:num. `aken
one another n:qual. aken-aken
one by one n:qual. `aken-`aken
one of pos. gonna
one or two adj:expr. `aken-`aren
one way or another vs:adv. -`bik
oneself n:qual. a
onion (wild) n. `talap
only n:qual. `ttt
pcl. `um
pcl. `mum
onto vs:adv. -ten
oops! int. `ka!
open vi. ckkok
open (an umbrella) vt. `libbor
open (area) overlseep
394
open (area) adj. `moomen
open (door) vt. ckkok
open (eyes) vt. `kpoo
adj. `kpoo
open (result) vs:adv. -kok
open-mouthed adj. gok
n. gok
operate (a lever) vt. koonam
opium n. kaanii
opposite (side) n. tagd
opposite side n. cl-`gona
or (else/if not) pcl. maa
or (something else) pcl. baa
or (something) pcl. baa
orange n. umtraa
n. untraa
orator n. ikok
orchid n. `ukpaa-`pendaa
order vt. `kanam
Ordinal postposition pos. `naab
organize vt. `nam
origin n. `ah
ornament n. `ain
n. `gmen
ornament (variety)
n. `takaa-lagbuu
n. gart
n. aar
n. `curgen
n. tkom-aar
n. koobuu
n. garop
n. tatk
n. koopuu-laggoo
ornaments n. koobuu-`curgen
orphan n. `open
other n:qual. `kb
otter n. horam
otter skin n. `rampin
Otus bakkamoena n. ptin
ourselves n:qual. a-a
out vs:adv. -`len
out (of a fire) vi. innam (2)
out (result) vs:adv. -`pak
vs:adv. -hek
out of (a quantity) dem. `ok
out-drink vt. `tpak
outlook n. mpee
out-of-control vs:advsr. -rak...-cak
vi. ragnam
outside n:rel. `agum
over vs:adv. -`boo
over (limit) vs:adv. -pok
over (side) vs:adv. -pok
overbake vt. baaek
overcook vt. `nuek
overcook (by baking) vt. baaek
overcooked vi. `agek
overcooked (rice) adj. aek
overdo it vs:adv. -kik
overflow vs:adv. -pik
overheard directly adj. `gomb
overinflate vi. goonam
overjoyed adj. `ajar
overlseep vi. `yuppo
overly parakeet
395
overly vs:advs. -hup...-yap
vs:adv. -`boo
overpopulated adj. `adak
overpour vt. ppik
overshadow vt. yubnam
overturn vi. kubnam
vt. tabnam
vi. tabnam
overturned vs:adv. -tap
overwhelmed vi. pumnam
Ovis n. holar
owing to n:rel. `lgaa `b
owl n. `pup
owl (variety) n. ptin
own vt. bnam
n:qual. a-a
n:qual. a
owner n:kin. `ato
ox n. bo
P - p
pace n. `lkor
pace (step) n:clfq. akor
pack vt. prnam
vt. pamnam
pack (of dogs) n. `kiitr
package n. `puc
packet n:poet. `akin
packet (variety) n. `puc
n. `pohum
n. kopr
Padam name. Paadam
paddy n. `dolo
n. `amo
pain n. `aci
v:c.arg. `cinam
painful adj. `aci
painful (result) vs:adv. -`d
paint vt. rnam
vt. `tiggap
pairwise vs:adv. -`bi
palate n. `t-`kabduu
palm (of the hand) n. `laktam
n. lagbor
palm (variety) n. `tamak
pan n. paen
pancreas n. bagren
pandanus n. korsik
n. `tako
pangolin n. `hocik
pant vi. `anam
panther (black) n. `ok
n. homen-`ok
Panthera pardus n. homen-takar
Panthera tigris n. homen-`ot
n. `hoo
papaya n. umbitaa
paper n. potaa
parakeet n. pbee
paralyze peel
396
paralyze vt. `aamik
parcel (of leaves, for baking)
n. pamc
parch vt. anam
pare vt. ganam
parents n:kin. `an-abo
parrot n. pbee
part vt. `peeci
vt. `peenam
particle n. `apuk
particles n:expr. `apuk-`aluk
partition vt. `cpen
vt. `pennam (2)
vt. `cpen
Partitive pos. `lok
Partitive indefinite pos. `lok
partner vs:nzr. -`jen
vs:nzr. -y
pass vt. rnam
n. `geekoo
vs:adv. -po
vi. `binnam (2)
pass (time) vi. `goonam
pass (year) v:c.arg. `nam
pass away vi. eenam
pass on vi. eenam
past vs:adv. -`boo
pasty adj. `keebek
pate n. `dumrk
paternal aunt n:kin. abo
n:kin. abo-`ijr
paternal aunts daughter n:kin. `mo
paternal aunts husband n:kin. `kt
paternal aunts son n:kin. `yao
paternal uncle n:kin. `aaaa
path n. bdaa
n. inlam
path (cow) n. paa
patient n. `ici
patronizingly vs:adv. -`ok
pauper n. ymaa
paw (rear) n. aar
pay vte. dornam
pay (for work) vt. joonam
peace n. `ram
peaceful adj. `ram
peach n. `komp
peacock n. pokoo
peak n. `kogdr
pearl millet n. `taek
pear-shaped n. `rmur-`rkee
pebble n. `lcak
n. `lcak-bree
n. `lyaa-bree
n. `lyaa
n. `lci-bree
n. `lcuu
n. `lci
n. `lk
peculiar adj. ao
Pediculus humanus capitis n. `tak
peel vt. `karnam
vi. liiluk
vt. linnam (2)
vt. dkak
vt. dnam
vi. linnam (2)
peel (a fruit) piggyback
397
peel (a fruit) vt. `lippak
peel (skin) vi. bagnam
peep vt. `kaaro
peep (of baby bird) vi. `cubnam
peer vi. `tar
pellet n. `acr
pelvic bone (female) n. `tloo
penalty n. guu
n. aj
penalty (large) n. guu-`guut
penetrate vs:adv. -bk
penis n. `makcuu
n. `mak
n. `maccuu
penis (tip, exposed) n. ill
penis buncher n. `magyum
penis shield n. `makkup
penis tip n. littk
Pennisetum glaucum n. `taek
perenially vs:adv. -`b
perfect adj:expr. `apk-`ark
adj. `apk
Perfect aspectual suffix vs:asp. -kaa
perfect! int. lak kaamaa
Perfective aspectual suffix vs:asp. -to
perfectly vs:adv. -`pk
perform ceremony vt. `jurnam
perilla n. namduu
perilla (black) n. duukaa
perilla (white) n. duupuu
Permissive imperative vs:mod. -gee
Permissive suffix vs:mod. -`hoo
perseverant adj. `apek
adj:expr. `apek-`arek
persevere vs:adv. -kam
vt. rkam
person n. ii
pestle n. `ciii
pet vt. mrnam
Petaurista n. `hojoo
pharmaceuticals n. `dn-`poon
phlegm n. `takak
Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus
n. nanoo-`piiroo
photograph n. `imaa
phrasing n. `gomuk
Phyllostachys manii n. tabo
pick vt. cinnam (1)
vt. tnam
pick (using two fingers)
vt. `darnam
pick up vt. `laarp
vt. `tcaa
vt. `laacaa
picture n. `imaa
piece (of a flat-sided object)
n:clfq. atak
pied harrier n. dookoo-`koocik
pierce (ear) vt. `ruukoo
pig n. rk
pig latin n. gomraa
pig-calling sound int. acuaa
pigeon n. proo
pigeon (variety) n. `kji
piggyback vt. bnam
piglet plant (variety)
398
piglet n. `rkcuu
pigpen n. `gumr
pigpen (ground-based)
n. `gumpaa
pigskin n. `rkpin
pile vt. `pumnam
vt. karnam
n. apom
n. `apum
piledrive vt. diinam
pillar n. gtuu
pillar (ceremonial)
n. pogo-kaagoo
pillar (main) n. dumg
pillow n. dumpaa
pimple n:expr. `abuk-`aruk
n. ik-tao
pinch n. `cijep
vt. `cbnam
vt. habnam
vt. innam
pinched (result) vs:adv. -`cp
pine (for something) vt. mgaa
pineapple n. `tako-`blaa
pinky (toe) n. `lc-`ci
pinky finger n. `cii
pipe n:clf. abuu
pipe (smoking) n. `hilum
pit n. am
pith (bamboo) n:expr. `apuk-`aluk
pity n. ayaa
placatingly vs:adv. -`ok
place n. mooko
vt. tnam
vt. anam
placenta n. nmam
plague n. `rlii
n. hilii
plague (of rats) n. `buulii
plain n. ar
plains n. kodee-deer
n. deer
plait vt. `peenam
plait (large) vt. ragnam
plait (small) vt. `ponam
plan vt. ruunam
vi. `pinnam (1)
plan to vs:mod. -`lap
plane n. rood
plank n. taluu
plant n. `hn
n. `hn-`hbo
vt. `lnam
plant (directly into ground)
vt. gnam
plant (variety) n. acin-paarin
n. kampk
n. `daglin
n. kokam
n. kutur-kumur
n. `hpin
n. tooko
n. `paak-`iip
n. `taakee
nce. gy
n. raml
n. `jaakr
n. `poso
plant (variety, edible) pointy (chin)
399
n. `jaayoo
n. -`namyaa
n. oko
n. `p-`tar
n. `doraa
n. `ogok
n. tam
n. `kobuu-`mkuu
n. talee
n. jooko
n. `hkaa
plant (variety, edible) n. `oin
n. marsaa
n. `oik
n. `ohik
n. `pto
n. `raar
n. `so
n. `olap
n. `oin-`taapin
n. okuu
plant (with planting stick)
vt. cinnam (2)
plantain grove n. luur
planting stick n. `ciii
plastic (bag) n. huruk-harak
plate n:clf. `abar
n. taalii
plate (bamboo) n. `paakuu
plateau n. `moobaa
n. moor
platform (for ambush-hunting)
n. `hr
platform (for fishing) n. `higo
platform (observation) n. `gor
platform (resting) n. `gojoo
platter (variety) n. `ngjok
n. `boree
play vi. harnam
vs:adv. -`men
play around (man)
vi. am-`gnam
plaything n. `amen
please pcl. `kee
pcl. `jaa
pcl. ke
please (someone) vs:adv. -joo
pliable vi. `agnam
plot vi. `pinnam (1)
plow vt. `gnam
pluck vt. cinnam (1)
vt. onam
pluck off vt. nennam (2)
plug vt. `htum
plumbers butt adj. `koobik
plump vi. jnam
plunge vt. `buk
vi. `dnam
plunk (oneself down) vi. tnam
pockmark n. `acr-`abuk
n:expr. `abuk-`aruk
pockmarked adj. tagam-`taree
pod n:clf. `abuk
point (at something) vt. cinnam
(2)
point (in an argument) n. agom
point (of something sharp) n. potii
pointed adj. nakii
pointy (chin) n. `napkap
pointy (nose) precisely
400
pointy (nose) adj. pukii
pointy-chinned adj. `napkap
poison n. `dgna-`koona
vt. `moru
poison (variety) n. moyaa
poisoned vs:adv. -ru
Polar question marker pcl. `ree
pole (wooden) n. `htak
pomelo n. rbap
pond n. `isi-`hil
n. `hil
poop n. `ee
poor adj. imaa
pop vt. pugnam
vi. `bugnam
vs:adv. -`puk
popcorn n. `ambuk
n. tp-buluu
popping beetle n. tkom-`ptk
popping corn/maize n. `pdii
population n. ilum
porcupine n. hosi
porcupine den n. hiruu
porcupine needle n. hosi-`boobii
portion n. atuu
n. acam
portion (smaller) adj. tuuyaa
position vt. `pamnam
positioned vi. gnam
possess vt. `laanam
possess (of spirit or devil)
vt. `cinam
possession n. `yaraa
possessions n. bnam-gnam
possible vs:adv. -`lak
Posttacula alexandri n. pbee
pot n. pc
pot (broken) n. ctuu
potent vi. rnam
pound vt. `dnam
vt. pinnam (2)
vt. nam
vt. kinnam (2)
pound (using tool) vt. kgnam
pour vt. `pnam
pour (to brim) vt. `pb
pour into vt. `plk
pout vi. `kopr
powder n. `amk
powdery adj. `amk
power n. `habro
practice (doing something)
vs:adv. -oo
praise vt. `mejok
vt. `koik
vt. `iik
prawn n. tahum
pray vt. `kumnam
prayer v. `cnam-beenam
n. `yb
praying mantis n. `hobin-taraa
precious adj. `dici
precise adj. tark
n. tark
precisely pcl. `ruu
precisely (like) pry
401
vs:adv. -`c
n:qual. `daadii
precisely (like) n:qual. `c
predecessors n:kin. `an-abo
predict (that) pcl. -`lap
preen vi. `janam
prefix n. `aacoo
pregnant vt. `ao gnam
prepare vi. gnam
vt. `monam
vs:adv. -noo
prepare (loom) vt. `poonam
prepare (materials for a task)
v. `coo-`loocoo
prepare (materials) vt. `nam
presence n. `amr-`amo
present adv. `ijjaa
press vt. `cbnam
vt. `hnam
pressure (someone) vt. mekam
pretty adj. `kaaken
price n. dam
n. ar
prick vt. piinam
prickly heat n. `rbuk
pridefulb adj. `aj
priest n. `ibo
proceed vie. innam (1)
vi. `moin
Process nominalizer vs:nzr. -`ko
procreate vi. mnam
produce vt. `pnam
vt. `monam
profession n. ager
progenerate vt. nennam (1)
progress (time) vi. loonam
Prohibitive suffix vs:mod. -yoo
promiscuous adj. `yaloo-`loodr
adj. `yaloo
prompt vt. `rhor-`ryor
prop vt. `tuunam
vt. turnam
propagate vt. liinam
properly vs:adv. -`pk
property n. `yaraa
proposal (of marriage) n. `tagak
Propositional modal suffix
vs:mod. -`dee
pros and cons n. al-`pomaa
prosperous adj. `gdin-`hbaa
protrude vs:adv. -`koo
protruding vs:adv. -tek
protruding (forehead) adj. tuppk
protruding (mouth) adj. nabdoo
n. nabdoo
proud adj. adk
adj. `aj
adj. adk-ako
provide (provisions for a labor
event) vt. loonam
provide for vt. `rmk-`memmk
providence n. agam
provoke vt. `menkek
prune vt. jennam (2)
pry vt. ennam (2)
Pseudostachyum polymusphum Question marker (assumptive)
402
Pseudostachyum polymusphum
n. tador
Psilorhynchus spp.
n. `oraa-`pakkaa
n. `op-pree
n. `op
Psittacula himalayana n. pbee
Pterocryptis afghana n. `taek
Pteromyinae n. `hojoo
pubic hair (anal) n. `yuum
pubic hair (female) n. `tm
pubic hair (male) n. `magm
public n. kbaa
puke vt. banam
pull vt. `henam
vt. hnam
pull (out) vt. `brnam
pull off vt. `pgnam
pull off (completely) vt. `pkpuu
pull out vt. hennam (2)
vt. hessek
vt. `hellen
vt. `pglen
pull up vt. `hecaa
pulse n. lagaa
pulverize vt. kgmk
vt. `pmk-`pmak
vs:adv. -`min
vs:adv. -`mk
pumpkin n. talar
n. tap
punch vt. ngnam
punch (non-direct) vt. kinnam (2)
punch (open-fisted) vt. tnam
puncture vi. bukpik
punish vs:adv. -`rik
vt. `morik
pupil (of the eye) n. gji
puppy (dog) n. `kiicuu
purchase vt. rnam
purpose n. `lgaa
purposefully vs:adv. -dum
pus n. `tao
push vt. `nnam
push (out of the way) vt. `ny
push (using tool) vt. `arnam
push aside vt. ny
push with force vt. `tuunam
put vt. tnam
put (into) vt. `lgnam
put to sleep vt. mennam (1)
Puugoo name. Puugoo
puzzled vi. `mkin-`momin
python n. brm
Q - q
queasy adj. m-m
vi. `bal
Question marker (assumptive)
pcl. `rem
Question marker (content) reach
403
Question marker (content) pcl. `laa
Question marker (polar) pcl. `ree
quick adj. bbaa
adj. cc
adj. aen
adj. rcc
adj. ard
quickly vs:adv. -baa
vs:adv. -gor
vs:adv. -baa
adv. `ll
quiet adj. acc-`accoo
adj. `accoo
quietly adv. `accoo `b
quill n. hosi-`boobii
quit vt. `pak
vt. `tonam
vi. `agnam
quite adjs:der. -`jaa
quiver (arrow container)
n. gebbuu
R - r
rabbit n. khuu
race (of heart) vi. pokkik
racing-striped adj. `bissok
radiate vi. `louu
raft n. hip
rag n. `jein
rail n. `ragree
rain n. idoo
rainbow n. agree-`googee
rainy adj. idoo
rainy season n:time. `lobo
raise vt. oonam
vs:adv. -en
vt. `honam
raise (platform) vt. `gonam
randomly vs:advsr. -poo...-yoo
range vs:nzr. -`do
range (of mountains) n:clf. ayor
ranger n. `tump-igam
rapscallion n. yapci
raptor n. dookoo
raptor (variety) n. pm
rat n. `kobuu
n:poet. `buin
rat (variety) n. `uii-`kobuu
n. krt-pumpaa
n. pii-nabbuu
n. `buupii
rather (than) vs:adv. -`yaa
ratskin n. `buupin
raven n. `paak
raven (flock of) n. `akt
raw vi. rinnam (1)
adj. `leelak
raw (skin) vi. bagnam
razed adj. abin-akak
adj. abin
reach vt. `pnam
vi. `cinam
reach (something by stretching for it) release
404
vi. `pci
vs:adv. -`p
vs:adv. -`ci
reach (something by stretching for
it) vt. comci
read vt. ponam
vt. `pori
readily vs:adv. -t
ready (of food) vi. `nunam
ready oneself vi. gnam
real adj. aj`jaa
n:qual. `jaa
adj. `majjaa
adj. aljaa
really adj. `jijjaa
vs:adv. -jaa
adj. `majjaa
adjs:der. -`jaa
reason vs:nzr. -din
n. `lgaa
n. `lg-`lgaa
Reason nominalizer vs:nzr. -`ko
reasonable (in price) adj. hom
reborn vi. liiluk
rebuke vt. `roorik
receding (hairline) adj. `tublok
recently n:time. `hiloo-`mroo
n:time. `hrum-`hro
reciprocal labor n. rgee
reciprocally vs:advs. -`ko...-pek
vs:adv. -lk
recklessly vs:adv. -rak
vs:advsr. -rak...-cak
recognize (someone) vt. `kaacen
rectangular adj. `adr
red adj. lc
v:c.arg. lnam
adj. yal
adj. mrl
red hair n. duml
red jungle fowl n. `prsin
red jungle fowl cock n. himpo
red jungle fowl hen n. `hinn
red rice n. `baal
red squirrel n. kl
redbreasted parakeet n. pbee
reddened adj. mrl
reddish adj. yal-yabo
adj:expr. `yamuk-`yaruk
red-eyed adj. gl
redwhiskered bulbul n. bekko
reed (variety) n. tador
refer (to) vie. mnam
refill vt. `ptm
reflect vt. `mdii
reflection n. `yy-paacaa
n. `imaa
Reflexive suffix vs:val. -hi
regard vt. al
region n. `ayap
regularly vs:adv. -`b
vs:adv. -oo
reimburse vt. joonam
reject vt. ar
relatively largest portion adj. `tuut
release vi. bennam (2)
release (something under tension) rice (bridal, ceremonial)
405
vt. `taanam
vt. `tonam
vs:adv. -bek
release (something under tension)
vt. `mobek
release (water) vs:adv. -jum
religion n. ai-agam
remain vs:adv. -b
vs:adv. -`y
remainder vs:adv. -oo
n. `ahik-`akek
n:qual. aken-aren
remember vt. `mpaa
remit vte. dornam
remove (part from whole)
vt. `bennam
rend vt. `bnam
render vt. arnam
renegade adj. `yaloo
renounce vt. `pagnam
repair vs:adv. -`ten
vt. `moten
repay vt. joonam
repeat vt. `mendii
reply vt. gogrk
request vt. `konam
resemble vt. grk
adj. `gar
resent vt. m
resin n. `abak
resolutely adjs:der. -`jaa
Resolutive pcl. -`m
resolved vt. `jubnam
respond vt. `menrk
vs:val. -rk
rest vi. anr
vi. `nam
resting area (elders/guests)
n. ood
resting area (female guests)
n. dtuu
resting area (unmarried people)
n. uduu
resting area (womens) n. `oosi
n. `oosi-`pekoo
restless adj. akr-doomr
adj:expr. ajr-amr
resume vs:adv. -b
retaliate vs:val. -rk
retch vt. banam
return vt. `aakur
vs:adv. -`kur
reveal vt. `mekak `menlak
vs:advsr. -kak...-lak
Reversive (passive) suffix
vs:val. -`ko
revolting vs:advs. -lum...-y
rheume n. hgyaa
rhinoceros n. horak
Rhyticeros undulatus n. `gaaree
rib n. aup
riband n. pason
ribcage n. aup
ribs n. aup
rice (bridal, ceremonial)
n. aaam-acin
rice (cooked) ritual object (variety)
406
rice (cooked) n. acin
rice (crisped) n. `cikam
rice (dud) n. `amyaa
rice (failed) n. `amsuk
rice (fermented) n. `poon
rice (flattened) n. `amci
rice (for planting) n. `amkoo
rice (new) n. `amlii
rice (red) n. `baal
rice (ripe) n. `amee
rice (scraps) n. ciar
rice (sticky) n. `ampee
rice (surface starch) n. cimpk
rice (uncooked) n. `ambin
rice beer n. `opoo
rice beer (black) n. `pooro
n. `pookaa
rice beer (prime) n. odaa
n. `poodaa
rice beer (second) n. or
n. `poor
rice beer (white) n. `ogrin
rice flour n. `t
rice husk n. `amp
rice packet n. kopen
rice powder n. `amin
rice stalk (post-harvest) n. `amroo
rich n. `it
adj. `it
rich (person) n. `irm
rid vs:adv. -`pak
vt. `pagnam
vt. `laapak
ride vt. jugnam
right pos. `m
right ear n. `ruubk
right hand n. `lagbk
right leg/foot n. `lbk
rightside up vs:adv. -lek
ring n. lakcup
ring (ears) adj. ruugok
ring finger n. cyr
ringworm n. `tamor
Rinoceros unicornis n. horak
rip vi. `jennam (2)
vt. `jennam (2)
rip (in two) vt. `jettuu
rip (result) vs:adv. -`cek
rip up vt. `pemmk-`pemmak
ripe vi. innam (1)
vi. kamnam
ripple vi. bnam
rise vie. `caanam
vi. goonam
rise (steam) vi. `huunam
rise (sun) vi. `uucaa
rising slope n. `caatuu
rising sun n. `caato-dooi
ritual (variety)
n. pombek-`beppak
n. `laayap
ritual chant (variety) n. `kaat
ritual object (variety)
n. dumci-rlek
ritual objects rotten odor
407
n. `murkoo-goodaa
n. `lubr
n. dumci
n. `bak
n. `r
n. `luppee
n. pap
n. bootuu
n. `luppii
ritual objects n. dp
river n. `hibuu
n. abuu
riverbank n. `buuyr
riverine island n. `bokpen
road n. bdaa
road (base) n. `bkoo
road (main) n. `bn
road (old) n. `bko
roam vi. `agnam
vi. `agmen
vi. `hornam
rock n. `l
rodent n. `kobuu
rodent (jungle-dwelling)
n. tak-kooc
roll vt. `rgnam
vt. rennam (2)
vt. `tiggap
roll (ball) vt. urnam
vi. dugnam
roll (over, in bed) vi. knam
roll (wheel) vt. loonam
vi. loonam
roll around vi. bogoo
roll into packet
vt. `pohum-`humnam
roll up vt. `ponam
vi. tinnam (2)
vt. kokr
roll up (mat) vt. tinnam (2)
roll wheel vt. bonam
rolled up adj:expr. `potum-`polek
roof n. `mloo
roof (of a grave) n. tai-`boojup
roofing beam (horizontal)
n. kaajam
n. `kabjen
roofpost n. turg
roomy adj. horoo
roost n. `pr
rooster n. `rokpo
root n. `hguu
n. `hpr-`hmaa
nce. `hmaa
n. `hpr
n. raapr
n. raapr-raamaa
n. apr
n. apr-amaa
rope n. ohoo
rope (length) n. `hoaa
n. pogaa
rot vi. yaanam
rotate vi. prnam
vt. prnam
vt. jrnam
rotten adj. `yaapak
rotten odor n. `namyaa
rotten wood satiated (by eating)
408
rotten wood n. `hyaa
rotund adj. `atum
roughly vs:adv. -koo
vs:advsr. -koo...-loo
round ace. `liilum
adj. `ap-`liilum
adj. pgoo
adj. `ap
row n. `horii
vt. koonam
rub vt. mrnam
vt. nennam (2)
vt. nrnam
rub (clean) vt. mrkak
rub (something onto body)
vt. rnam
rub (with tool) vt. `kennam (2)
vt. nrnam
rub off vt. nrpuu
rufous turtle dove n. `taak
rufousfnecked hornbill n. `phik
rufousthroated hill partridge
n. `pmuu
rugged (terrain) adj. `moodr
ruin vt. `moyaa
rumble v:c.arg. gumnam
run vi. jugnam
run (at the mouth) vi. jnam
run (away) vi. kennam (2)
run over vt. `rgnam
rust n. `mamor
rustle adj. ribii-roboo
S - s
sacrifice vt. `palk
sacrificial animal n. `ydum
sage n. ikok
salad days n:time. `omor
salinity n. `kck
saliva n. tacur
salt n. alo
salt cellar n. loduu
salt deposit n. hoi
saltiness n. `kck
salty adj. `kck
Sambar n. hocr
same adj. lyy
same one n:qual. `aken
sand n. `hilii
n. `balii
n. `lmk
sandal n. `korom
sap n. `abak
sarong n. bck
sash n. pason
satiate vt. `mon
satiated vs:adv. -nm
satiated (by eating) vi. donm
satisfied scurry
409
satisfied vt. mp
adj. mp
vs:adv. -n
satisfy vs:adv. -p
vt. pnam
satisfying adj. amuaa
savage vi. `leenam
saw vt. `henam
vt. nam
n. tuu
say vie. mnam
vie. `mennam
vt. `mennam
scale vie. ganam
scale (for weighing) n. `kuun
`naana
scales n. ahk
scallion n. `talap
scaly anteater n. `hocik
scan vt. tuunam
scan (in all directions) vt. `kaakee
`kaee
scare off vt. `denlom
vt. looden
scat! int. ase!
scatter vt. `pagnam
vi. pokcik pogik
vs:adv. -par
scattered vs:advsr. -ck...-yk
vs:adv. -j
adj. aj
scent n. `ahuk
scheme vi. `pinnam (1)
Schistura n. `riibo
Schizothorax spp. n. or
scold vt. buunam
vt. roonam
scoop vt. `hugnam
vt. `yumnam
scoop (by hand) vt. `cumnam
scoop (measurement) n. `paakii
scoop (rice) vt. toonam
scoop (using stick) vt. ennam (2)
scoop liquid vt. agnam
scoot vi. `nam
vi. gnam
score vt. `bgnam
score (length) vt. `hognam
scorpion n. `tarum
scrap (of wood)
n:expr. pack-park
scrape vt. rennam (2)
vt. ognam
vt. `labnam
vt. kanam
vt. `ginnam (2)
vt. gaanam
scrape (with tool) vt. nrnam
scraps (resulting from stripping
bark) n. hrjek
scratch vt. gaanam
scream vi. `kunam
screwed up vi. `rmur-`rkee
scrotum n. ttum
scrub vt. `kennam (2)
scum n. `apik
scurry vs:advsr. -dik...-ik
scuttle sequester
410
scuttle vs:advsr. -dik...-ik
seal vi. geenam
sealed vs:adv. -kap
search vt. manam
season vt. nnam
season (dish) vt. ciyom
seasoned (wood) adj. `r
seat n. `jokii
n. `jokii-muraa
second maternal aunt n:kin. moroo
second maternal uncle n:kin. kroo
second month n:time. `aglo
secret away vt. `kahi
section vs:nzr. gajek
section (of bamboo) n:clf. aduu
secure vt. `tuunam
sediment (in rice beer) n. `pookik
see vt. `kaapaa
see (clearly) vt. `kaapk
see (how it goes) vs:adv. -kaa
seed n. `acr
n. alii
n. ampr
n. am
seed (heirloom) n. alii
seed (of a chili pepper) n. `lugm
seed corn/maize n. plii
seed grains n. `amkoo
seed holes n. `dree
seeds n. alii-an
seem vs:adv. -`lin
seems pcl. `ben
segregate vt. `darnam
select vt. gagnam
self n:qual. a
selfish vs:adv. -`bin
vi. mjin
adj:expr. akee-aree
sell vt. `pugnam
selves n:qual. a-a
Semblative pos. `b
semen n. `maglaa
n. yolaa
Semiplotus semiplotus n. `orc
send vt. `kanam
vte. `jilk
sense vt. `ennam (1)
senseless vs:adv. -kum
sentence n. `gomuk
separate vs:adv. -`pen
adj. ac
vs:adv. -`mee
adj. anr
vt. `tarnam
separate (from a group)
v. `pumpen
separate (inner and outer layers of a
stalk) vt. innam (2)
separate (inner and outer layers of
stalk) vs:adv. -`ik
separate (part from whole)
vt. `bennam
September n:time. `ht
sequence n. `horii
sequential adj. `trum
sequester vt. adk
serve shave (with razor)
411
serve vt. `rmk-`memmk
serve (as servant) vt. `rraa-doraa
sesame n. `duujap
sesame (white) n. `namji
set vt. anam
vt. `pamnam
set (of twenty) n. `ilap
set (sun) vie. aanam
set down vt. `ttuu
set fire to (a house) vt. `romlk
set out vi. `inlen
set up vt. `reenam
setting sun n. `ppok-dooi
settle vt. `mejup
settle (dispute) vt. `mejup
settled vs:adv. -`jup
seven n:num. `kan
seventh month n:time. `tenloo
sew vt. omnam
shack n. `naakum
shade n. `amr-`amo
n. `dooum
shadow n. `yy-paacaa
n. `imaa
shady (side of a mountain)
n. mooyum
n. mooyaa
shaft (of a headed arrow)
n. `pukkoo
shaft (of a headless arrow)
n. `pugjr
shaft (of a tipped arrow) n. mokoo
shake vt. gnam
shake (result) vs:adv. -den
shake ones head vi. `baapak
shall I vs:mod. -`dee
shallow adj. uujii
adj. uuyaa
adj. ryaa
shallow (point of a stream)
n. bj-reer
shaman n. `ibo
shame n. `a
shapeless adj. `adr-abar
vs:adv. -por
shard n. tagjek
share vt. ornam
sharp vi. rennam (2)
vs:adv. -rek
adj:expr. `apk-`ark
sharp (blade) adj. arek
sharp (point) adj. nakii
sharp (result) vs:adv. -kii
sharpen vt. amnam
vt. `pnam
vt. `prek
vt. `prek
vt. `morek
sharpen (by striking) vt. pakii
sharpen (by whittling) vt. nakkii
sharpening stone n. `lp
shatter vt. `moup
shave vt. nam
vt. rennam (2)
shave (with razor) vt. `puu
shavings shuttle
412
shavings n. hrjek
shavings (wood) n. `riipuu
she/he pro. `b
sheath vt. `lijjup
vt. `ijjup
sheath (hardcover) n. buktak
sheath (softcover) n. `hobuk
sheathed vi. `lijjup
vi. `ijjup
shed vi. liiluk
sheep n. holar
sheer adj. rak
adj. `ragd
sheet (of paper, e.g.) n:clf. abor
sheet (of wall, e.g.) n:clfq. apee
shelf (hanging) n. `poobo
shelf (suspended) n. bjo
n. `brap
n. `brak
shellfish n. tahum
shield n. `hotam
shield (the eyes) vt. tck hinam
shift (position) vi. `nam
shift position vs:adv. -`ci
shimmy vi. urnam
shin n. `lpaa
shine vt. `dornam
vt. tuunam
vi. `louu
vi. uunam
shine (result) vs:adv. -`dor
shingle vt. kabnam
shining downward adj. `uuloo
shiny adj:expr. lglk-laglak
shirt n. lalk
shit n. `ee
vi. `eenam
shock vt. buunam
vs:val. -`lom
vi. `lomnam
shoe n. jamtak
shoo! int. us!
shoot vt. `abnam
shop n. dukan
shore n. ayr
n. ryr
short adj. ad
short (bamboo) adj:mono. -d
short (leg) adj. `ld
short (mouth) adj. naptuu
short (nose) adj. pumtuu
shortcut n. icek bdaa
shortened vs:adv. -cek
should pcl. `pna
shoulder n. lb
shoulder strap n. aen
shout vi. `ugnam
vi. jnam
vi. rumnam
shovel vt. tubnam
show vte. kaatom
shrub n. yagam
shrug (lips) adj. `nabbik
n. `nabbik
shuttle n. `tapin
shy six years ago
413
shy adj. `a-`aso
adj. `a
Siang name. Hiaa
sibling (younger) n:kin. `abr
siblings (younger) n. aci-`abr
Sichuan pepper n. oor
sickly (of fowl) vi. dinnam (1)
side n:rel. `peel
n. kalam
n:clfq. atak
n. clam
nce. cl
n. kalam
side (flat) n. `atam
side road n. bgur
sideburn n. `himoo
sidesaddle vi. `dr
sideways vs:adv. -`dr
sigh vi. `hag
sightless adj. gmaa
silence n. `jimii
silent adj. `jimii
silver n. `murkoo
similar adj. lyy
similar to vs:adv. -`r
simply pcl. `um
pcl. `tg
pcl. `mum
vs:adv. -mum
vs:adv. -`mm
simultaneously vs:nf. -`l
since (a past time) pos. `g `lok
sine (wave) adj. `tguu
sinew n. `ap-remmo
sing vi. gognam
sing (kaben) vt. kabnam
sing (bird) vi. kabnam
sing (lullabye) v:c.arg. miinam
singe vt. baanam
single n:qual. `aken
sink vi. `jlk
vi. jnam
sip vt. tkaa
Siphonaptera n. talii
sister (elder) n:kin. ai
sister (eldest) n. ai-kai
n. ai-ab
sister (younger) n:kin. `abr-`ijr
sister-in-law n:kin. `brn
sisters daughter n:kin. `mo
sisters husband (eldest)
n:kin. `makt
sisters husbands younger brother
n:kin. magii
sisters son n:kin. `yao
sit vi. `duunam
vi. tnam
sit up(right) vi. `duen
sitting area (fathers) n. `baago
six numr. -k
n:num. akk
six days ago n:time. kejur-aloo
six days hence n:time. `tekur
six times n:time. lkk
six years ago n:time. kejur
six years hence slow
414
six years hence n:time. `tekur
n:time. `tejur
six-angled weave n. `poik
sixth month n:time. `ilo
skeleton n. aloo-pookoo
n. pookoo
skewer vt. riinam
n. `koo
skewer (metal) n. hootii
skewer (wood) n. `hkoo
skillfully vs:advsr. -kii...-rii
skin vt. dnam
n. `apin
skin (of fruit) n. akuk
skin (tiger) n. `opin
skirt n. `gal
vt. ygnam
n. b
n. bck
skirt (around edges) vs:adv. -yr
skirt (long, black) n. `bk
skirt (old) n. `bko
skirts (of a clearing) n. `jrji
skirts (of an object) n. iyk
skull n. dumpoo-aloo
sky n. tal
n:poet. mdo
slam vt. tubnam
slanted (eyes) adj. `gmii
slap vt. cnam
slap (on the back) vt. `cpop
slate n. `lyaa
slave (female) n. `pagn
slave (male) n. `pagbo
sleep vi. `yubnam
sleep (like a log) vi. `yupkik
sleep with vt. doog
sleepy adj. `yumii
sleeve n. lgbuu
slender (waist) n. `kiicik
slice n:clfq. ajek
vt. knam
slice off vt. peerik
slide vt. `lgnam
vi. runam
vi. `nam
slide down vi. `ruloo
slip vi. `lbnam
slip on (dirtying) vi. `hagek
slippery adj. `alap
slit (in floor) n. `uugee
slither vi. nam
slope n. rjoo
n. ttam
n. `iituu
slope (sheer) n. tagbaa
sloping adj. `pajom
sloping-mouthed adj. `nabjom
sloppily vs:advsr. -`jok...`yok
vs:advs. -puk...-ree
vs:adv. -`jok
slouch vi. knam
slow adj. `ram-ram
adj. al-al
adj. `dm
adj. `ram
slow (movement) sneak
415
slow (movement) adj. `dom
adj. `dom-`dl
sludge vt. hnam
slur n. rojam
v:expr. rojam-royam
slurp vt. buunam
slut (male) n. `taloo
small adj. ajjii
adj:mono. -yaa
adj. ammee
adj:mono. -i
adj:mono. -jii
adj. aii
adj. ayaa
small intestine n. kiij
smallpox n. `tabum
n. `rambuk
smart adj. ard
adj:expr. r-r
smash vt. pyak
vt. `moup
vt. tubnam
vt. panam
vt. kgnam
smash (glass) vt. `pup
smash up vt. ptuu-pyuu
smell vt. huunam
vi. huunam
vt. `namnam
smelly adj. boob
smile vi. rnam
n. rsum-pomum
n. rsum
smiling adj. rsum-pomum
adj. rsum
smoke vt. tnam
n. `mk
smoke-dry vt. `aahen
smoky adj. `mk
smoky (complexion) n. `mi
smoulder vi. rc
snack n. `domen
vt. `domen
n. dopak
n. tpak
snail n. `tano
n. `tahr-`tao
n. `tahr
snake n. tab
snake (small) n. `bci
snake (variety) n. bpk
n. br
n. bh
n. `isi-`bci
n. tab-dumii
n. brtaa
n. bk
n. bl
n. `bt
n. bdoo
n. `roor
snap vs:adv. -`pin
vi. `binnam (1)
vt. `binrik
vt. `binnam (1)
snap (by cutting) vt. peerik
snap (in two) vt. `bintuu
snatch vt. tgrek
vt. `laarek
sneak vi. `ronam
vt. `gnam
sneaky sort of
416
vi. `jinnam (1)
vi. `runam
vi. `jinnam-`runam
sneaky adj. acc-`accoo
sneeze n. `kaji
vi. `kaji
snore onom. arak
snot n. `talap
snout n. nabbuu
snow n. tapam
snow trout n. or
so cnj. mnam
dem. `g
so (that something would happen)
pos. `b
so then cnj. mb-rnam
soak vt. pomnam
soaked adj. `juujaa-ryaa
soap stone n. `niinii
soar vi. `dnam
sober adj. `paabak
adj:expr. `paabak-`tarak
soft adj. `rmap
adj. `rak
soft (rice) vi. `agnam
soft spot (near ear) n. ruuken
soil n. kodee
n. `jiimi
soil (animal/insect-discharged)
n. apik
Solanum indicum n. baak
Solanum sp. n. ptaa-`baak
sole (of foot) n. `ltam
solicit vt. bonam
solicit (reciprocal labour)
v:c.arg. eenam
some pos. `lok
n:qual. atuu
dem. `k
somebody pro. ii
someday adv. `lken `ne
somehow adj. dad-mur
vs:advsr. -`bik...-`lik
vs:adv. -`bik
someone pro. ii
something pro. `yoogo
sometime n:time. `lken-`lken
sometimes adv. `lken `ne
son n:kin. `or
son (youngest) n. `taii
song n. `gaan
song (variety) n. dloo
n. `yaan
n. kaben
son-in-law n:kin. magbo
son-in-law (elder)
n:kin. magbo-kai
son-in-law (younger)
n:kin. magbo-ayaa
soon n:time. `hrum-`allo
vs:adv. -daa
sophomore n. yao
sorcerer n. `ibo
sorghum n. tatii-naanii
sorry! int. s!
sort of dem. `hk
soul spindly
417
soul n. yalo
n. yaji-yalo
sound v:c.arg. dunam
n. ado
soup n. alaa
sour adj. `kuucuk
source pos. `lokk
sour-smelling adj. `nakuu
southern side n:rel. `tuukoo
southward vs:adv. -bok
sow vt. `pagnam
sow (boar) n. `ran
soybean n. `peyak
soybean (fermented) n. `agyaa
spacious vs:adv. -roo
adj. horoo
span (of a forearm) n:clfq. adu
spark n. `mci-`mree
sparrow n. `pucup
n. `pucup-pr
sparrow hawk
n. dookoo-`koocik
speak vi. `mennam
speak (a language) vt. `mennam
speak indiscriminately
vt. `mekek
speak ironically vt. `men
speak to vt. `mennam
spear n. nbuu
n. `dbuu
speckled wood pigeon n. kar
spectacles n. `gor
speech n. agom
speech-impaired
vi. `koaa-`koraa
speechless adj:expr. `koaa-`koraa
speed vi. `dbnam
speedy adj. rc
adj. aen
adj. bbaa
adj. cc
adj. rcc
spell n. romlee
n. `yb
sperm n. `maglaa
n. yolaa
sphere n. `ap
spherical adj. `ap
adj. `ap-`liilum
sphincter (anal) n. `eerin
spice up vt. nnam
spicy adj. `au
spider n. `tatum-`beelum
Spilanthes paniculata n. marsaa
spill vi. `hurnam
spill (result) vs:adv. -`hur
spill (while pouring) vt. `par
spilled (result) vs:adv. -ar
spin vi. jrnam
vi. yennam (2)
vt. jrnam
spin (cotton) v:c.arg. `cagnam
spinal sinew n. `gaahee
spindly adj:expr. `ahor-`ayor
adj:expr. akk-ark
spine (lower) squeeze
418
spine (lower) n. `oc
spinster n. `muku
spirit n. `uii
spirit (river) n. `bro
n. `biik
spirit (variety) n. pomji-kaaji
n. `gut-yapom
n. `bru
spit v:c.arg. curnam
spitefully vs:adv. -ken
spittle n. tacur
splashed (result) vs:adv. -ck
splay-legged adj. `kotaa
splinter n. ack-park
n:expr. ack-ark
n. tao
n. pack
splintered (result) vs:adv. -ck
split vt. tagnam
vt. `tarnam
split (along length) vt. ceenam
split (bamboo) vt. deenam
split (by pulling) vt. `giitar
split (ear) adj. ruujak
split (nose) adj. pumjak
split apart vt. pktak
split apart down middle (result)
vs:adv. -`tar
splitwise vs:adv. -`kok
Spondias pinnata n. `drgee
spoon n. `kotuu
spotted munia n. `picik
spray vi. `toonam
vt. `pennam (2)
vt. `toonam
spread vs:adv. -par
vt. `taanam
vi. geenam
vt. mrnam
vi. mnam
vt. punuam
vs:adv. -ck
spread (disease) vt. `ognam
spread (rhizome) vi. `nam
spread (the hands) vt. `gaanam
spread (with hand) vt. rnam
spread (to dry) vt. `lonam
spread-eagled vi. gellek
spring n. `higur
vi. bennam (2)
spring (of a small animal trap)
n. jugr
spring onion n. `talap
sprout vie. `caanam
vi. `bugnam
vi. puunam
vi. `rnam
spurn vt. ar
vt. `ynam
spy vs:adv. -`ro
spy (listening) vt. `taro
spy (looking) vt. `kaaro
squash n. tap
n. talar
squat adj. `atum-`alik
vi. `humtuu
squeeze vt. umnam
squirrel stew
419
squirrel n. tak
squirrel (red) n. kl
squirrel (variety) n. `kkoo
stab vt. ngnam
stab (underhand) vt. `aanam
stable vs:adv. -gap
vs:advs. -`c...-`bk
stack vt. `paanam
stack (long things) vt. `kumnam
staff (of bananas, e.g.) n:clf. `ar
stagger vi. `ynam
stairs n. `koobaa
stalk vt. `ronam
stallion n. reebo
stammer vt. `gokak
stand vi. `dagnam
standing (with knees locked)
adj. `dajup
standing (with legs splayed)
adj. `dataa
star name. Toopo
n. takar
starchy adj. `keebek
start adjs:rcom. -rp
vs:adv. -rp
start (an engine) vs:adv. -bek
startle vs:val. -`lom
vi. `lomnam
vi. `lomrp
starvation n. `yar
n. hicin-domaa
state n. amoo-`alap
Stative aspectual suffix vs:asp. -do
stay vi. `duunam
steal vt. coonam
vt. coorek
vt. donam
steal (someone elses wife)
n. agoo-rennam
stealthily adv. `accoo
stealthy vi. `jinnam-`runam
vi. `ruhi
adj. `accoo
steam n. `doohuk
vt. `mmnam
steam (in bamboo) vt. pnam
steep adj. `ragd
vs:adv. -tuu
adj. rak
steep (road) vi. `caatuu
stem n. `an
n. `agn
stem (lower portion) n. `nr
stem (of a chili pepper) n. `lukkoo
stench n. `namsuu
n. boob
step n. `lkor
vi. kornam
vt. hamnam
step (down) vi. korloo
step (high) vi. daanam
step (out) vi. korlen
step (up) vi. korcaa
step on vt. hamten
sternum n. `kcuu
stew vt. deenam
vt. `raanam
stick straight
420
stick vt. `yegnam
n. `hdaa
stick (to something) vt. `yeggap
stick out (from a surface)
vi. `caakoo
stick to (result) vs:adv. -`kap
sticky rice n. `ampee
still adv. kamb
vs:adv. -b
still more vs:adv. -`yaayaa
stillborn vi. jagnam
stilts n:expr. daakoo-daaloo
sting vt. ponam
stinger n. `ltk
stingy adj. `yacp
stink vi. huunam
stinky adj. `namsuu
stir vt. uunam
stirring stick n. pui
stoke vt. `middor
vt. `parnam
stomach n. akii
n. aek
stomp vt. cumnam
stone n. `l
n:poet. `pll
stone (black) n. `lk
stone (blue) n. `lkr
stone (green) n. `lcum
stone (hard) n. `ltor
stone (igneous) n. `lkaa
stone (sharpening) n. `lp
stone (soft) n. `lyaa
stone (variety) n. `lor
stone (white) n. `lpuu
stone heap n. `lpom
stoned vs:adv. -kum
stoned (from eating something)
adj. dokum
stoned (from inhaling something)
adj. tkum
stool n. kukee
n. keepaa
stool (seat) n. `duupr
stop by/off vt. impek
stop up (a container) vt. `htum
storage n. `ag
store vt. `ac
vt. ruunam
n. dukan
stored away vs:advs. -`kum...-c
storeroom n. `kagr
storm n. doogum-door
n. door-doogum
story n. `dooy
stout adj. `atum
adj. `atum-`alik
stow vt. `kac
vs:adv. -`c
straddling vs:adv. -`kok
straggle vi. `ry
vi. `duuy
straggler n:qual. aken-aren
straight adj. horii
adj. horii-pikii
straightened stumble
421
adj. loodaa
straightened vs:adv. -`jin
vs:adv. -`dam
strain (to hear) vt. `tajin
strange adj. ao
strap (infant-carrying) n. `epen
strap (shoulder, for a blade sheath)
n. aen
stream n. koc
strength n. `add
Streptopelia orientalis n. `taak
stretch vi. `kjin-`ktaa
vi. `kjin
vi. `jinnam (1)
vi. `aajin
vi. `aajin-aataa
stretch (body) vi. comnam
stretch (legs) adj. `tuhor-`lyor
stretch (of road, e.g.) n:clfq. atk
stretch out vs:advs. -`jin...-`taa
stretched (legs) adj. `ljin
stretched out vs:adv. -`jin
strike vt. panam
strike a pose vi. cnam
striking vs:adv. -`hr
string vt. riinam
string bean n. peeren
string of objects n. `horii
stringy adj:expr. `ahor-`ayor
strip vt. hrnam
vt. pgnam
strip (cane) vt. `pinnam
strip (of bamboo) n. `peec-tar
strip (of clothing) n. gajek
stripe n. `bissok
striped adj. yagoo-`yaree
striped (many)
adj:expr. `bissok-`bibbok
striped (single) adj. `bissok
striped big cat n. `oree
stripped clean (bone)
adj. aloo-pookoo
stroke vt. mrnam
stroll vi. `immen
strong vi. tornam
adj. `aci
adj. `add
strong (man) adj. `igaa
strongarm (someone into coming)
vt. bokam (-`boj)
strum vt. bennam (2)
stub (ones toe) vi. dktup hinam
stubborn adj. `l-`aapuk
stub-legged adj. `ltuu
stuck vs:adv. -`yek
vs:advs. -jik...-ak
stuck fast vs:adv. -gap
stud n. alii
stud (horse) n. reelii
studies n. `pori
study v:c.arg. `rinam
vt. `pori
stuff n. `yaraa
stumble vi. `daanam
stump (of a tree) support
422
stump (of a tree) n. `htuu
stun vs:adv. -nr
vt. dgnam
vt. `monr
stutter vt. `gokak
vi. `koak
n. `gokak
sty n. `kci
stylish v. `janam-`gamnam
vi. `janam
stymied vi. `mkin-`momin
Subansiri n. hiik
subdued adj. `ram
subject n. agom-ai
Subject nominalizer vs:nzr. -`na
subject to taboo vi. ar
Subjunctive pcl. `b
submerge vt. `lumnam
vt. `goolup
vs:adv. -`lup
submit vt. `tonam
Subsequential suffix vs:nf. -`lee
subset n. acam
n. apar
substance n. `hguu
succeed (in birth order) vt. ninnam
(2)
success n. agam
successful adj. `gdin-`hbaa
successfully vs:adv. -gam
such (that something happens)
pos. `b
suck vt. buunam
vt. `muunam
suck (nectar) vt. tiinam
suck dry vt. buujin
suckerfish n. tacap-buugap
suddenly adv. `lken `
suffice vi. pnam
vs:adv. -p
sufficient vi. pnam
suffix n. aatm
sugarcane n. `tab
suit vt. `jubnam
vt. `glin
vs:adv. -`lin
summarize vt. `mecek
summer n:time. `dgo
summit n. puutuu
n. `moodii-puutuu
sun n:poet. `jiit
n. dooi
sun (poetic) n. `jt-`taat
sun-dry vt. `lonam
sunken (checks)
adj. `mookop-`moorop
sunken (cheeks) adj. `mookop
adj:expr. `mookop-`moorop
sunken (mouth) n. `napkap
sunlight n. dooi-`louu
sunny adj. dooi
v:c.arg. inam
supplant vs:adv. -ten
supplicate vt. `cnam
supplication v. `cnam-beenam
support vs:adv. -h
support (blindly) sympathy
423
vt. rnam
support (blindly) vt. `gamnam
support (from the side) vt. trnam
suppose pcl. `bree
sure int. `kloo
sure (that) pcl. ino
surpass vs:adv. -`pak
vs:adv. -`koo
surplus vi. ennam (2)
surround (with fencing) vt. raggoo
vt. `peggoo
vt. raggoo
survey vt. tuunam
survive vi. turnam
Sus scrofa n. hor
suspend vt. tennam
vt. `rnam
vt. pagnam
suspended vi. `rnam
sustenance n. donam-tnam
swallow vt. `omnam
n. akr-doomr
swallow up vt. `goolup
swamp n. hijaa
swarm vi. paanam
vi. `paanam
n. `apum
swat vt. `ck
sway vi. `rnam
vi. `ynam
vi. `yemnam
sweat n. ar
vi. `rnam
sweep vt. pgnam
vt. pennam (2)
sweep away vt. `pegaa
sweep clean vt. pekkak
vt. peppuu
sweep foot vt. dgnam
sweet adj. tiihir
vi. tiinam
sweet potato (variety) n. maapuu
n. maal
sweet potato (white) n. `gooree
sweetie n. `apii
sweet-smelling adj. namtii
swell vi. goonam
swell (out) vi. bnam
swiftly vs:adv. -daa
swim vie. `jaanam
swim upstream vi. `jaacaa
swing vi. loonam
vt. `rnam
vi. `rnam
vt. lnam
n. taloo-`baaboo
vi. `bnam
swing arm vt. kuunam
swipe vt. pennam (2)
Switch-subject suffix vs:val. -`mo
swollen vs:adv. -jin
sword n. `roksi
symbol n. `akor
symbol (result) vs:adv. -`rk
sympathy n. ayaa
taboo teach
424
T - t
taboo n. ar
tadpole n. `tajuu
Tai(podia) name. Taii
tail n. `ebuu
n. `obuu
tail (of fish) n. `olap
tail joint n. `or
tailbone n. kdr
tailfin n. `hpr
tailless adj. `otuu
adj. `kootuu
take vs:val. -g
vt. `laanam
take after vt. grk
take an initiative
vi. `rkok-`mekok
take apart vt. `heenam
take away (from someone)
vt. `laarek
take care vt. it-homen
take care of vt. `honam
vt. pagnam
take turns vs:advs. -`ko...-pek
take up vt. `rhik
vs:adv. -hik
take up positions vi. cnam
takin n. bembo
talk vi. `mennam
vte. jabnam
talk down (to someone)
vt. `menree
tall adj. `ahoo
adj. `ayar
tamper vt. `monam
tangled adj:expr. `akin-`arin
vi. krnam
tangly vs:advsr. -c...b
tapioca (variety) n. iin-takee
n. rk
n. iin
tapioca grove n. `inluu
target vt. daanam
taro n. arum
taro (variety) n. `e
taro (wild) n. `erk
task n. `rsa
n. ager
taste vt. rokaa
vt. dokaa
tasteless adj. `harcek
taunt vt. `mennek
vt. `mennek
tea n. `haa
tea (black) n. aal
tea (plain) n. `aalok
tea (red) n. aal
tea (white) n. aapuu
tea leaf n. `aan
tea leaves (used) n. `aaruk
teach vt. potom
team there (far away, downward)
425
vt. potom
vt. `mentom
vt. `mentom
vt. `ritom
team n. apar
tear vt. `pennam (2)
vt. `jennam (2)
vt. innam
n. glaa
tear in two vt. `pettuu
tear into many pieces vt. `pecci
tease vt. `mennek
vt. `mennek
teeny adj. a`ii
adjs:rcom. -yaa...-caa
tell vie. mnam
tell (a story) vt. nam
ten numr. -r
n:num. r
ten times n:time. lr
tend vt. oonam
tender adj:expr. `jr-`joor
adj. `jr
adj. `rak
tendon (ankle) n. `lo
tendril n. amaa
tendril (of cane) n. maamo
tens place n:clfq. acam
tense (inner muscles) vi. haanam
tentacle (of an octopus) n. moomii
tenth month n:time. praa
terminus vs:nzr. `humtuu
termite (variety) n. `taain
n. tabin
n. `imb-koor
n. tabin-`koorin
terrain n. mooko-`isi
terrified adj. `hoak
terrorist n. ilo-hodoo
testicles n. ttum
thank you int. `kk-jaa
that (downward) dem. `b
that (far away, same level) dem. `a
that (just mentioned) dem. `g
that (nearer to you than to me)
dem. `g
that (person) dem. `bp
that (same level) dem. `aa
that (upward) dem. `t
that (very far away, same level)
dem. `a
that sort pro. `k-`pak
pro. `mb-pamb
that sort (downward) dem. `bk
that sort (just mentioned) dem. `k
that sort (nearer to you) dem. `k
that sort (upward) dem. `tk
the art.
theme n. agom-ai
themselves n:qual. a-a
then cnj. okk
cnj. mnam
dem.pos. `ogo
there (downward) dem.pos. `bolo
there (far away, downward)
dem.pos. `bollo
there (far away, same level) throw (something heavy)
426
there (far away, same level)
dem.pos. al`loo
there (far away, upward)
dem.pos. `tollo
there (nearer to you than me)
dem.pos. `ogo
there (same level) dem.pos. `alo
there (upward) dem.pos. `tolo
there (very far away, same level)
dem.pos. a`luu
there (very far, upward)
dem.pos. `toluu
these (nearer to me than to you or
currently being discussed)
dem. `hk
they (dl.) pro. `bui
they (pl.) pro. `bulu
thick adj. `jcam
thin vt. `piinam
vi. `kuunam
thin (cloth) adj. `bocor
thing n. `yaraa
think vt. mnam
vt. mnam
third maternal uncle n:kin. kd
thirsty adj. `tl
this dem. `hi
this evening n:time. `hrum
this morning n:time. `hro
this one (nearer to me than to you or
currently being discussed)
dem. `hg
this sort (nearer to me than to you or
currently being discussed)
dem. `hk
this year n:time. `h
thorn n. tao
thorn (huge)
n. taum-ukoo-podoo
those (just mentioned) dem. `k
those (near you) dem. `k
thought n. mnam
thousand n:num. `lr
n:num. `hajar
thrd month n:time. lumii
thread vt. riinam
n. ntuu
thread (a shuttle) vt. `pinnam (2)
three adj. aum
numr. -um
n:num. aum
three days ago n:time. `kekloo
three days hence n:time. `ror
three nights ago n:time. `kekyo
three years ago n:time. `kek
three years hence n:time. `ten
thresh vt. hgnam
thrice n:time. lum
throat n. `lgoo
throatpipe n. `dopuk-`lgoo
throng n. it
through (a hole) vs:adv. -`pek
throw (disc) vt. `tbnam
throw (overhand) vte. naanam
throw (sidearm) vt. `lnam
throw (something heavy)
throw (spear) to (same level)
427
vt. gnam
throw (spear) vt. cinnam (2)
throw (underhand) vt. rnam
throw away vt. `pak
throw into vt. `naalk
vt. `naabuk
thrust (pelvis) vt. `krnam
thumb n. cdaa
n. `cn
n. `lagn
thunder n. doogum
v:c.arg. gumnam
thus cnj. `mlaa
thwarted (of plot) vi. `pinraa
Tibetan n. imek
tick (flat) n. hor-tasi
tick (round) n. `hodum-talii
tie vt. puunam
tie up vt. ognam
vt. leenam
vt. rnam
tiger n. homen-`ot
n. `ot
n. `tao
n. `hoo
tiger den n. homen-menruu
tiger skin n. `opin
n. `menpin
tight adj. `adak
tightly vs:adv. -k
time vs:nzr. -d
vs:nzr. -rp
n:time. `d
timepiece n. goorii
times pos. `b
tin n. `ptup
n. tam
tinea n. `tamor
tingly (flavour) adj. moomoo
tinker vs:advsr. -`dam...-`ram
tiny adjs:rcom. -yaa...-caa
adj. a`ii
tiny amount n. aii-cakkoo
tip n. puutuu
n. potii
tip (of tail) n. `otup
tip (over) vi. kubnam
tip (pole) n. `miirii
tiptoe vi. `jinnam (1)
tired adj. adr
to pos. lo
pros. -`p
pos. `b
to (do some hypothetical activity)
vs:nzr2. `b
to (do something) vs:nf. -`lap
to (downward) dem.pos. `bolo
to (far away, downward)
dem.pos. `bollo
to (far away, same level)
dem.pos. al`loo
to (far away, upward)
dem.pos. `tollo
to (in order to) pos. `b
to (nearer to you than me)
dem.pos. `ogo
to (same level) dem.pos. `alo
to (the point that) toss
428
to (the point that) pos. `b
to (upward) dem.pos. `tolo
to (very far away, same level)
dem.pos. a`luu
to (very far, upward)
dem.pos. `toluu
to her/him pro. `bp
to him/her pro. `bp
to me pro. `op
to oneself vs:val. -hi
to the point that pos. `gob
to the side vs:adv. -y
to you pro. `nop
tobacco n. magoo
n. `mayum
n. `dum
tobacco leaf n. `mabor
today n:time. `hiloo
toe n. `lc
toe (big) n. `ln
toenail n. `lhin
toes n. `lpum
together vs:val. -bam
n:qual. `lken
vs:adv. -pom
adv. `lken `b
toilet n. `eeko
n. `hko
tolerate vs:advs. -`l...-pak
tomato n. `tump-luk
tomorrow n:time. `alloo
ton n. `hm
tongs n. koohap
tongue n. aro
tonight n:time. `hrum
n:time. `hoo
tonsils n. `roo-jejen
too pcl. `cin
too (much) vs:adv. -ek
vs:adv. -ben
adjs:rcom. -`boo
tooth n. iijuu
n. aii
tooth (front) n. iijuu
tooth decay n. tac-donam
toothless adj. iituu
top n:rel. `taayoo
topic n. agom-ai
Topic marker art.
topknot n. `dump
topple vt. `ynam
vi. `ynam
topple (and cause contents to spill
out) vs:adv. -too
topple (of tree) vi. `urnam
Tor putitora n. tadoo
Tor tor n. oco
torch n. `mro
n. `mor
torso n. poo
torso (corner) n. aek-cr
tortoise n. khuu
n. `raakop
torture vt. `morik
vs:adv. -`rik
toss vt. `lnam
toss (liquid) tree (variety)
429
vt. rnam
toss (liquid) vt. cognam
toss over (the shoulder) vt. rnam
touch vt. tnam
vt. `mog
vs:val. -`g
toward vs:adv. -aa
toward (downward) dem.pos. `bolo
toward (far away, downward)
dem.pos. `bollo
toward (far away, same level)
dem.pos. al`loo
toward (far away, upward)
dem.pos. `tollo
toward (nearer to you than me)
dem.pos. `ogo
toward (same level) dem.pos. `alo
toward (upward) dem.pos. `tolo
toward (very far away, same level)
dem.pos. a`luu
toward (very far, upward)
dem.pos. `toluu
toy n. `amen
track vt. hgnam
trail (made by an animal) n. `bpaa
trajectory n. `tent
trance vi. `runam
transgressing adj. `yaloo
Translative pos. `b
transplant vt. `lnam
transport vt. `giinam
trap (small animal) n. goor
n. ujuu
trap (using stone slab trap)
vi. gonam
trap (variety) n. `lpum
n. tapii-tao-minnam (1)
n. `rp
n. rlen
n. `komgo
n. `hiree
n. maamo-`dr
n. hip
n. `maad
trap (variety, stone slab) n. odo
treadmill n. `jugg
treasure n. `ain
treat as taboo vt. ar
tree n. `hbo
n. `hn-`hbo
n. `hn
tree (fruit-bearing)
n. `hhee-rabee
tree (juvenile) n. `hdii
tree (variety) n. `hl
n. `hjo
n. `gl
n. `takuk
n. `drgee
n. `hl-baabo
n. `tayr
n. `bejo
n. `hlok
n. `hji
n. `horgok
n. naptuu
n. kukcoo-`looloo
n. `agraa
n. riiraa
n. acaa-`kayaa
tree fern twitch (arm)
430
n. `yaduk
n. `campak
n. beji
n. oor
n. eci
n. `hlum
n. nahor
n. burii
n. `hcr
n. gaal
tree fern n. taci
n. rk-tai
tree fern (variety) n. `rugdaa
treetop n. `miirii
n. `hbo
tremble adj. paden
trick vt. kubnam
trickle vi. biinam
trill vt. bennam (2)
tripod (for cooking) n. `lck
tripwire n. `juumak
troubled adj. alik
trough n. `kogbar
trousers n. lopn
n. patlu
trudge vt. `gnam
vt. hnam
truly pcl. `jaa
trunk n. `an
n. `agn
trunk (of a tree, e.g.) n:clf. apoo
trunk (of an elephant) n. moomii
trunk (of the body) n. poo
trunk road n. `bn
trust vs:adv. -tin
truth n. `jijjaa
try vs:adv. -kaa
tug vt. tgnam
vt. `grnam
vt. `punam
vt. hnam
tug up vt. `pucaa
tumble vi. `daanam
tunic n. lalk
n. `jep
tunic (black) n. `lkk
tunic (variety) n. `bopo
n. `jebo
turn (head) vt. brnam
turn out (that) pcl. `ii
turtle n. `raakop
n. khuu
tusk (of an elephant) n. `tr
twang vt. bennam (2)
twelfth month n:time. `rat
twice n:time. `li
twig n. `koock
twist vi. gnam
vt. krnam
vt. klek
vi. knam
vt. jrnam
twist off vt. nennam (2)
twisted vi. krnam
twisted (result) vs:adv. -kr
twitch (arm) vt. lagden
vi. lagden
twitch (leg) undo
431
twitch (leg) vi. `lden
vt. `lden
two n:num. `ai
adj. `ai
numr. -`i
two days ago n:time. `kenloo
two nights ago n:time. `keyo
two years ago n:time. `ke
type n:clf. `abaa
n:qual. `ng

U - u
ugly adj. `kaanek
adj. `kaanek
uh-huh int. `
int. um
uh-uh int. -h!
ultimate adj. `phr
ultimately vs:asp. -ku
umbilical cord n. kiin-abuu
umbrella n. satii
umbrella hat n. bood
umm int. mraa
unambiguous adj:expr. `apk-`ark
unambiguously vs:adv. -`pk
uncle (maternal) n:kin. ak
uncle (maternal, eldest) n:kin. `kt
uncle (maternal, second)
n:kin. kroo
uncle (maternal, third) n:kin. kd
uncle (maternal, younger) n:kin. kii
uncle (paternal) n:kin. `aaaa
unclear vs:advsr. -`bk...-`rk
uncle-in-law n:kin. `kt
uncomfortable adj. adr
adj. `rnek
adj. ryaa
unconsciously vs:adv. -`mo
uncontrollably vs:adv. -`mo
vs:adv. -tk
uncover vt. `pookok
under n:rel. compk
vs:adv. -k
underarm n. kuur
undergo vt. `paanam
underknee n. `lgap
understand vt. `tabk
understand (what one hears)
vt. `tacen
understand (what one sees)
vt. `kaacen
underworld n. `uii-mooraa
undo vt. `heenam
undone utterly
432
undone vi. `heenam
vi. bgnam
undress vt. `pinnam (2)
undulating adj. `kogdr-`kogbar
uneasy vi. mram
adj. ak
adj. alik
adj. adr
uneven terrain n. aruu-agom
unexpectedly pcl. `laaka
unfold vt. `taapar
ungenerous vs:adv. -`bin
uniform adj. `trum
vs:adv. -`r
uniformly vs:adv. -`r
vs:adv. -rum
unison n. `baaken
united n:qual. `lken
unmade vi. `heenam
unmake vt. `heenam
unobstructed adj. `moomen
unpleasant adj. `rnek
vs:adv. -`nek
unravel vt. `heenam
unresponsive adj. `l-`aapuk
unspool vt. `hornam
unstuck vi. bgnam
untie vt. `harnam
vi. taanam
vi. `harnam
until pos. `gob
up (result) vs:adv. -rp
up to pos. `b
pos. `gob
up to (a point) pos. lob
upon vs:adv. -tm
upper side n:rel. tuudum
upper village n. `cdum
uppercut vt. `cagnam
upright vs:adv. -rp
adj. akup
uproot vt. `puunam
vt. `bunam
upside down vs:adv. -kup
upward vs:adv. -duu
upward (to goal) vs:adv. -`caa
urinal n. `hko
urinate vt. hnam
v:inc.arg.O. `yesi-hnam
urine n. `yasi
used to (hearing) vt. taoo
useless adj. `mum
vi. yaanam
useless (person)
adj. `maaa-`maraa
useless (woman)
adj. `yaaa-`yaraa
u-shaped vs:adv. -`kuu
using vs:val. -naa
pos. `lok
usurp vs:adv. -rek
uterus n. nepp
utter vt. barnam
utterly adjs:der. -totii
pcl. `ruu
vacuum vomit
433
V - v
vacuum vt. `muunam
vagina n. tt
n. `paapii
vaginal fluid n. tlaa
valley n. `komam
n. `pekoo
n. `moodii-`pekoo
n. `pecp
valuable adj. `ajek-apaa
value adj:expr. adk-ahk
vapour n. `doomuk
Varanus n. `horkek
variety n:clf. `abaa
n:qual. `ng
various adj. `ng
vegetable n. j-oo
n. oo
vegetable (green) n. `om
vegetable marrow n. `patum
vehicle n. gaarii
vein n. ar-amaa
n. apr
verb n. `rnam-`gomcr
verge adj. `akck
version n:clf. `abaa
very adv. maaji
adjs:der. -totii
very (much) adj. `majjaa
adj. maaji
via pos. `g
via (downward) dem.pos. `bolo `k
pos. `bok
via (here) dem.pos. `hok
via (nearer to you than me)
dem. `ok
via (same level) pos. `ak
dem.pos. `alok
via (upward) pos. `tok
dem.pos. `tolo `k
vibrate vs:adv. -den
vicinity n. `nci
vigorous vi. jnam
village n:poet. doaa
n. dooluu
village headman n. gam
vine n. tar-tamaa
vinegar fly n. tahuu-tayaa
Vip n. igom
viper n. brtaa
virgin n. `jrlee
virgin forest n. `hluu-raaluu
virus n. cilii-ramlii
n. hgyaa-taakaa
visage n. `ip
vital vi. jnam
void n. `jimii
volleyball n. ckaa hinam
volume n:clf. adap
vomit vt. banam
vote way (of talking)
434
vote vt. tubnam vulture n. `ugin
W - w
waft vi. ynam
wail vi. `aanam
waist n. poo
waistlet (for baby) n. by
wait vt. tonam
wait for vt. toraa
wait in vain vt. `toraa
walk vie. innam (1)
walk (in pointed manner)
vt. cinnam (2)
walking stick n. `baii
wall n. ckci
wall (an area) vt. cnam
wander vi. baggoo
want vs:adv. -`ll
vs:adv. -`l
vt. lagi
vt. mnam
war n. `imak
war dance n. `pajuk
ward (off) vt. beenam
warm adj. `ago
vt. amnam
warm (oneself) vi. iinam
warm (result) vs:adv. -`go
warning n. tootin
warrior n. `igaa
was cop. ee
wash (body) vt. hunam
wash (clothing) vt. rgnam
wash (hands) vt. laksuk
wash (surface) vt. kagnam
wasp (variety) n. ilo-gaapoo
n. `gaapuu
n. ilo
n. `idum
waste vt. `aanam
vi. `aanam
vi. `aanam
watch vt. kaanam
n. goorii
watch out! int. ycu
water n. `isi
water (clean) n. `hidor
water (dirty) n. `higik
water (from the eyes)
n. `ksi-glaa
water (hot) n. `higo
waterfall n. `hid
n. `pood
wave vt. yabnam
wave (hand) vt. gaayap
wavy adj. pakr
adj. pagr
wax (ear) n. `ruupuk
way n. bdaa
way (of talking) n. `mekor
way (to field) while
435
way (to field) n. rglam
way back when
adv. `mroo-`kenloo
way of vs:nzr. -kor
waypoint vs:nzr. -lam
we (dl ) pro. `ui
we (pl.) pro. `unu
weakly adjs:rcom. -yaa...-caa
wealth n. `ain-`murkoo
wear vt. grk
wear out vs:adv. -`y
wear out (clothing) vi. `gy
wearables n. `ej-`orok
weather n. tal
weave vt. cumnam
vt. `peenam
weave (flattened bamboo)
vt. cnam
weave (large) vt. ragnam
wedding (large) n. `kart
wedding (ordinary) n. `karmk
wedge vt. koonam
wedged adj. `hcp
wedged (result) vs:adv. -`cp
weed v:c.arg. `gnam
n.
weed pile n. `pum
weep vi. kabnam
weigh vt. kuunam
weigh on vt. mennam (1)
weight (stone) n. `loo
well nce. kombo
adj. `all
n. kbaa-kombo
well-seasoned vi. tiinam
west n. dooi-`aako
n:rel. aagoo
wet vi. `juujaa
vi. `juunam
adj. `juujaa-ryaa
wetten vt. `juunam
whack vt. hinnam (2)
what pro:int. `yoo
what (sort) pro:int. `yooyoo
what thing pro:int. `yoogo
what time (in the future)
pro:int. `yaddm
what?!? int. ooi!
whatever int. mraa
wheel n. pgoo
when vs:nf. -boolo
when (in the future)
pro:int. `yaddm
when (x, y) pos. `m
where pro:int. `yoolo
where from pro:int. `yoolok
whether pcl. -`dakkom
whew int. `akc
whew! int. acci
expr. hoe!
which pro:int. `yoolok
while vs:adv. -oohi
vs:nf. -kop
adv. `rmo `paala
vs:nf. -`mopaala
whine wipe out
436
whine vt. dgnam
whippersnapper n. apaa
whisper expr. `bis-`bos
whistle vt. `husi
v:c.arg. `sinam
white adj. puuluu
v:c.arg. puunam
adj. `mrpuu
adj. yapuu
white (of an egg) n. pdin
white hair n. dumpuu
whitecheecked hill partridge
n. `pmuu
whitecrested laughing thrush
n. `puruu
whitened adj. `mrpuu
whittle vt. `ginnam (2)
vt. nagnam
vt. nam
vt. ganam
who pro:int. `y
whoa! int. -h!
int. ab`b!
whom pro:int. `ym
whoops! int. t!
whose pro:int. `yk
widow n. tumbo
widower n. tumbo
wife n:kin. im
wife (brothers, last) n:kin. `nii
wifes brother n:kin. `rgo
wifes brothers wife n:kin. `ayo
wifes sister n:kin. `rgn
wifes sisters husband n:kin. brbo
wifey n. `omee-im
wild (deer) adj. `crlee
wild animal n. hottum-hor
wild pig n. hor
wild pig (male) n. irom
wildcat (large) n. hol
wildcat (small) n. `taso
wildcats n. hoin-hol
will vs:mod. -`lap
vt. ruunam
vs:asp. -r
n. `aruu
willfully vs:adv. -dum
willingly vs:adv. -t
wilted adj. `pakup
win vs:adv. -`gum
vt. `rgum
wind n. door
vt. grnam
winded vi. `anam
windpipe n. `dopuk-`lgoo
wing n. alap
wink vt. gyap
winnow vt. `kabnam
winter n:time. dc
n:time. `den
wipe vt. pennam (2)
vt. `ginnam (2)
wipe (with tool) vt. nrnam
wipe away vt. `peppak
wipe out vi. `daanam
wipe out (kill) write
437
wipe out (kill) vt. `moroo
wire n. `hoojen
wise person n. `iko
wish n. `aruu
with pos. `lok
pos. `b
pos. `lok
wither vs:adv. -`y
vi. `anam
vi. `rugnam
vi. `hennam (1)
wither (result) vs:adv. -`hen
withered adj:expr. akk-ark
within pos. `b
wok n. `jokaa
n. mookaa
woman n:poet. indum
woman (mature) n. ai-abo
woman (middle-aged)
n. `an-am
woman (young) n. `jrt
womens balcony
n. im-`koodaa
womens doorway n. im-`rabgo
wonder pcl. `d
wood n. `h
n. `hp
wood (rotten) n. `hyaa
wood splinter n. ack-park
woodpecker (variety) n. `kaabee
n. `kaacer-`kaabee
wool (variety) n. kb
word n. `gomcr
n. agom
n. `gomb
words n. agom-ai
work vt. `rnam
n. ager
adj. `canam
work (properly) vt. `jubnam
work party n. rglam
world n. cgoo-doogoo
nce. doogoo
worn-out adj. `rak
worsen vs:adv. -`yaa
would vs:asp. -r
wound n. uun-tar
n. uun
n. un
wow! int. `ad!
int. add!
int. ann!
wrap vt. `purbum
vt. `humnam
vt. purnam
wrap (into packet) vt. `pohum
wrap (packet) vt. `puc
wreathed hornbill n. `gaaree
wreck vt. `moyaa
wrestle vt. nunam
wrestling vt. nukaa hinam
vt. numin hinam
wring vt. ejjum
vt. ennam (2)
wrinkle vi. tinnam (2)
wrist n. lagr-lagaa
write vt. ennam (2)
yam (variety) yuck!
438
Y - y
yam (variety) n. maal
n. maapuu
yank vt. `brnam
yard n. `neekoo
yawn vi. gok-`aajin
n. gok-`aajin
year n:time. `a
n:time. `d
year (last) n:time. `m
year (this) n:time. `h
year after next n:time. `
yearn (after) vt. mgaa
yell vi. `kunam
vi. rumnam
yell (at someone) vt. `gaanam
yellow adj. nogee
adj. `yaji
yellowjacket n. beree
yeoman n. meetor
n. yaamee-meetor
yes int. um
int. `
yes (thats correct) pos. `m
yesterday n:time. `mroo
yesterday morning n:time. `mr
yet adv. kamb
vs:nf. -`laacin
vs:asp. -ku
vs:nf. -gr
yikes! int. boc`co
int. `bosso
yolk n. `pmr
Yomgo name. Yogo
you (dl.) pro. `nui
you (pl.) pro. `nunu
you (sg. obj.) pro. `nom
you (sg.) pro. no
youll see pcl. `laa
pcl. -`lap
young adj. ammee
young (male) adj. yaamee
adj. yaapaa
younger brother
n:kin. `abr-yaamee
younger maternal aunt n:kin. `mot
n:kin. moii
younger maternal uncle n:kin. kii
younger sibling n:kin. `abr
younger siblings n. aci-`abr
younger sister n:kin. `abr-`ijr
youngster n. `omee
your (sg.) pro. `nok
yourself n:qual. a
pro. `n
yourselves n:qual. a-a
youth n:poet. `gcaa
youth (male) n. yaamee
n. yaamee
yuck! int. ia!
Zanthoxylum zoom
439
Z - z
Zanthoxylum n. oor
zenith n. `dumrk
zig-zagged adj. `tguu-ty
Zingiber officinale n. takee
zip vi. `dbnam
zoom vi. `dbnam



Appendix:
Galo Lexicon and Grammar

Numerals

`aken one
`aii two
aum three
appii four
ao five
akk six
`kan seven
`piin eight
`keaa nine
`r ten
`r gola `aken eleven
`r gola `ai twelve

`cami twenty
`cami gola `aken twenty-one
`cami gola `ai twenty-two

camum thirty
campii forty

acam `kan seventy
acam `piin eighty
acam `keaa ninety
acam `keaa gola `aken ninety-one

camr one hundred
1
camr gola `aken one hundred and one

camr gola camum gola `aken one hundred and thirty-one

camr `ai two hundred

1
In NW Galo al.
445
camr aum three hundred
`ajar one thousand
2
`ajar gola camr `ai gola
camum gola `aken
one thousand two hundred and thirty-one
`ajar campii gola `aken forty-one thousand (41,000)
...

Ordinal Numbers


`lken once
`li twice
lum thrice
lppii four times
lo five times
lkk six times
lr ten times


Units of Time

Days

kenjur-aloo six days ago
kenkur-aloo five days ago
`kendaloo four days ago
`kekloo three days ago
`kenloo two days ago
`mroo yesterday
`hiloo today
`allo tomorrow
`roo ~ ro two days hence
`ror three days hence
`roten four days hence
`tenee five days hence
`tenkur six days hence



2
In NW Galo lr.
446
Years

kenjur six years ago
kenkur five years ago
`kenda four years ago
`kek three years ago
`ken two years ago
`m last year
`h this year
`luu next year
` two years hence
`r three years hence
`ten four years hence
`tenee five years hence
`tenkur six years hence


Months of the year


The traditional Galo calendar is a lunar calendar, and corresponds to
moon cycles and phases. Traditionally, it did not match the
international calendar, although it is starting to be used this way. As
a result, there is a certain amount of uncertainty and variation from
village to village and person to person. This represents one possible
account of the Galo calendar, although there are certainly many
others:

deec First moon (January)
`aglo Second moon (February)
lumii Third moon (March)
luk Fourth moon (April)
lucr Fifth moon (May)
`ilo Sixth moon (June)
`tenlo Seventh moon (July)
`ho Eighth moon (August)
`ht Ninth moon (September)
praa Tenth moon (October)
lub Eleventh moon (November)
`rat Twelfth moon (December)
`ral Thirteenth moon (December-ish)
447
Classifiers

Galo has sortal and mensural classifiers. Classifiers are common in East
Asian languages, but are not usually found in Indo-European languages
(although they are found in Assamese). Classifiers help in counting,
measuring and referring-to specific objects and quantities. In Galo,
classifiers occur both as words, such as abor sheet of, and as roots which
are compounded to certain numeral and adjective roots, such as `bor-i
two sheets of and `bor-t large, of a sheet-like thing. Some common
sortal classifiers are:

Word Meaning Classifies
(a)hoo length of long, thin, potentially flexible things
(cigarettes, lengths of rope)
(a)poo trunk of things with length and rotundity (fat
torsos/stomachs, fat fingers)
(a)daa stick of rigidly sticklike things (branches, twigs)
`(a)r staff of staffs; upright things (trees, stands of trees,
staffs of bananas)
(a)paa baton of oblong things with some thickness (bananas,
eggplants, packs of cigarettes)
(a)buu tube of pipes or tubes, especially bamboo; rivers
(a)bor sheet of sheets; spread-out things (papers, pillows)
`(a)tam side of flat-sided objects (walls, doors, floors)
`(a)cr grain of small, grainlike things (pebbles, grains of rice,
peas, insects, drops of water)
`(a)p ball of round or egglike things, or things that lay eggs
(eggs, apples, balls, birds)
`(a)buk pod of pods; bulging sections of a whole (pods of a
jackfruit, sections of orange, halves of a vagina)
(a)b edge of sides; edges (of a container, of a computer
screen)
(a)c finger of fingers; bodies with fingers (lengths of ginger
rhizome, rootstocks)
`(a)dor body of high animals (all mammals, plus large lizards
and frogs (as well as humans, in jocular sense),
but not small reptiles, snakes, fish, birds or
insects)
`(a)n stem of living plants/plant stems, fish
(a)t/
(a)tr
group of groups/flocks/herds of animate entities
(cattle, dogs, chickens, people)
(a)baa variety of types/varieties
448
(a)gom word of vocalizations/vocalizers (mouths, words,
points/topics)
`(a)baa rendition of songs
(a)dap volume of things which occur in levels or volumes
(books, grades/classes, levels in a course)
`(a)bar piece of treasures (units of currency, brass platters,
ornaments)
`(a) year of years
(a)loo day of days
(a)rum evening of evenings/nights (non-day periods of time)
`(a)yup night of night cycles (full dusk-dawn cycles)

Some common mensural classifiers are:

Word Meaning Classifies/Quantifies
(a)cam ten of any set of individuals in groups of ten
(a)hu four of any set of individuals in groups of four
(a)tik bushel of bushels of large-sized leaves (40 by
standard)
`(a)ro bundle of (poles) bundles of staffs or poles (40 by standard)
(a)rk bundle of (sticks) bundles of sticks (40 by standard)
`(a)yum handful of handfuls of any substance
(a)ok heaping handful of heaping handfuls of any substance
`(a)um mouthful of mouthfuls, especially of liquid
`(a)pum heap of heaps of any substance or individual
`(a)tum clump of clumps of any substance of individual
(such as packed-together soil)
`(a)lum cluster of clusters of individuals
`(i)gin basket of tight conical basketfuls of any substance
()bar basket of loose conical basketfuls of any substance
`(u)juk ladleful of ladlefuls of any substance
(a)pee bunch of bunches of sticklike things, such as
bananas
(a)par team of teams; work groups; divisions of labour
(a)par grinding of grindings worth; set of paddy or other
grain, viewed as the amount ground at
one time in a mortar
(a)kor pace of any length/distance as measured by paces
(a)gop handspan of any length/distance as measured by
handspans
(a)du forearm span of any length/distance as measured by
forearm spans
449
(a)jek slice of slices of any substance or individual
(a)tak fragment/side of flat sided entities which are cut- or broken-
off sections of a whole, such as betelnut
(a)tk stretch of lengths/stretches of a long thing, such as
wood chips cut from a pole, or stretches of
road or river
(a)duu section of
(bamboo)
sections of bamboo of any size
`(a)t full section of
(bamboo)
full sections of bamboo (including knot)


Verb suffixes


Galo has a huge range of derivational verb suffixes (vs:adv), which are
combined with verb roots to form words with complex and versatile
meanings. Many of these meanings translate into languages like English
and Assamese as adverbs; however, in Galo they are not words, but are
rather a part of a larger, more complex word. Because of the huge size and
versatility of the Galo system of verb suffixes, Galo can easily express
meanings which are very difficult to express in other languages.

For example, consider the predicate derivation `-men do something
playfully:

Verb Meaning Suffix Word Meaning
innam go -`men `inmen stroll
donam eat -`men `domen snack
`rnam do -`men `rmen do playfully
`onam fall -`men `omen fall playfully
kaanam look -`men `kaamen take a look
japnam talk -`men `jabmen chat
iinam extend hand -`men `iimen extend a hand in play
`lnam plant
something
-`men `lmen plant something just for
fun, to see what will
happen
harnam play -`men `harmen ruffhouse
`duunam sit -`men `duumen have a seat; sit around

(etc.)

450
Hundreds of words like this can be easily formed in Galo. Notice how
simple and direct the Galo expressions are, and how roundabout the closest
English translations are!

Sometimes, derivational verb suffixes can be doubled up to convey even
more elaborate meanings. In some cases, both of the doubled suffixes
have meaning, while in other cases only the first has meaning, while the
second is simply a rhyming syllable with no independent meaning. For
example, in `menken `menpaa maa its frustratingly difficult to say, both
predicate derivations -`ken and -`paa have independent meanings
easy/good and get/manage, respectively. But, in `tagmk `tagmak smash
into a million pieces, only -`mk has meaning, as in `rmk do
carefully/minutely; -`mak has no meaning, but is only included to give a
more expressive sense.

Spatial reference


When talking about the motion or location of something in Galo, it is
important to consider a number of factors. Is the thing closer to the speaker
or the addressee? Is the thing visible? If so, is it higher, lower, or on the
same level? If not, is it to the north, to the south or to the east/west? If it is
near a river, is it upriver, downriver, or across/away from the river? If
talking about a human being or group, is it at or moving to or away from
its own home village, or is it at or moving to or away from the speakers
home village?

Motion verbs

Verb Meaning Describes
`caanam to ascend motion upward/upriver, to the north, or to a
home located upward of ones own home
iinam to descend motion downward/downriver, to the south, or
to a home located downward of ones own
home
aanam to come motion on the same level, not along a river
course, to the east or west, or to ones own
home
innam to go general motion, especially motion away from
ones own home or in an unspecified direction
451
aanam to enter motion into a space or into ones home or
village
`nennam to exit motion out of a space or outside of ones home
or village and into the outside world

Demonstratives and postpositions

Near
Speaker
Near
Addressee
Away,
Upward
Away,
Downward
Away,
Same
Level
Simple `hi `t `b aa
Individuative `hg `g -- -- --
Locative `hogo `ogo `tolo `bolo alo
Ablative `hok `ok `tok `bok `ak
Semblative `hk `k `tk `bk `ak
Manner `hmb `mb `tmb `bmb `amb

Locative existential verbs

In English, to show existence and possession we use only be and have, as in:
there are two people or I have a pen. In Galo, there are five different verbs,
three of which also show position. When talking about existence and
possession in Galo, we must consider: is the thing alive or not alive? Is it
possessed by something else, or independent? Is it in sitting position,
standing position, or lying position? Is it a long and thin in shape, spread-
out and sheetlike in shape or voluminous and ball-like in shape? Does it
have legs or not? Is it attached to something else or contained in something
else or is it independent?

Verb Meaning Use
rnam to live actively living things of all kinds
kaanam to have simply existing things of all kinds, possessed things
`duunam to sit living things which are temporarily staying in a
place or are in sitting position, non-living things
which are voluminous in shape and in sitting
position
`dagnam to stand living things which are in standing position, non-
living things which have legs, or long and thing
things which are in a vertical position, or things
which are attached to or contained inside something
else
452
doonam to lie living things which are permanently settled in a
place or are in lying position, non-living things
which are flexible or sheet-like in shape, or non-
living things of any shape which are lying on a
surface

Relational (Case) Marking


Relational marking shows the relationship between a noun or noun phrase
and a predicate. For example, in English he hit me, the subject he is in the
Nominative case, while the object me is in the Accusative case. It is incorrect
to put the subject in Accusative case and the object in Nominative case:
*him hit I is not a good English sentence.

In Indo-European languages like English, Hindi and Assamese, the
relationship between a noun and a predicate may be shown by changes in
the form of the word such as I and me or else by case markers or
adpositions (prepositions or postpositions) such as to John. In Galo,
relational marking is almost always postpositional.

Case Marker Example Meaning
Nominative -- `b pagr. He will manage it.
Accusative `m `bm tukaa. Someone kicked him.
Non-agentive `ne ab `ne tukaa. Someone kicked father.
Locative lo dooluu lo at the village; in the
village
Dative `b ac `b to elder brother
Genitive `g ac `g elder brothers; of elder
brother
Ablative `lok dooluu `lok from the village
Partitive gonna rk gonna one of the pigs
Temporal
dumessive
`gob `ij `gob up to now
Spatial dumessive `lob `hog `lob up to here
Ordinal
delimitative
`naana ao `naana fifth
Iterative
delimitative
`naab `l `naab second (time)
Temporal
delimitative
`naako lo looo `naak lo within five days

453
Referential marking

Referential marking gives information about the way a noun is being
identified or referred-to in a sentence or conversation. Usually, referential
markers are called articles. In English, referential marking usually gives
information about whether a referent is known or unknown (the man vs. a
man), is individual or multiple (a man vs. some men) or is specific or general
(the men versus men). In Galo, referential marking has similar, but not
identical, properties.

Function Marker Example Meaning
Non-referential --
rk kaamaa.
`is kaamaa.
There are no pigs.
There is no water.
Referential, known rk
`iss `
(The) pig(s)
(The) water
Referential, unknown go rk go
`is go
a pig
some water


Particles


In many Asian languages, complex ideas related to a speakers attitude,
knowledge, opinion and evidence for making a statement are expressed using
very small words called particles. Particles usually occur either at the end
of a sentence or at the end of a noun phrase. Particles do not usually occur
in Indo-European languages such as English or Hindi; instead, speaker
attitude is usually conveyed by intonation and knowledge or opinion is
expressed using individual words or larger sentence structures.

Galo has a huge range of particles, most of which can be found either at the
end of a sentence or at the end of a focused noun phrase. A few examples
are given below.

Noun phrase particles

Function Marker Example Meaning
Completive ku `b ku he, in the end
Additive `cin `b `cin he too
454
Contrastive da `b da but he; he, however
Comparison `den `b `den he, on the other hand
Recursive dada `b dada he, just like before
Concessive daram `b daram even he
Abessive `l `ok aci `l oh, my elder brother
Suppositional baa `b baa suppose he
Delimitative `um `b `um only he
Precisative `c `b `c exactly he; none but he

Imperative particles

Function Marker Example Meaning
Polite hortative `kee `jilaa `kee please give it
Advisative hortative `kaa jit `kaa you ought to give it
Abrupt hortative -k jitok! give it!

Declarative particles

Function Marker Example Meaning
Reportative `yuu `b inkaa ku yuu He left, it is said.
Evidential `ben `b inkaa ku ben It seems he left.
Uncertainty `p `b inkaa ku `p He may have left.
Mirative `lakaa `b inkaa ku `lakaa He left, to my surprise!
Admonitive ne `b inkaa ku ne He left, dont you see!
Counterexpective oo `b inkaa ku oo He left, in fact.

Temporal-Aspectual Marking

In most Indo-European languages, the temporal structure of an event is
described using both tense and aspect. Tense shows the time of an event in
relation to the time of speaking, such as present tense, past tense or future
tense. Aspect shows the way in which an event progresses over time, as
progressive aspect, habitual aspect and perfect aspect. So, a sentence such as he
has been there is in present perfect, and uses a mixture of present tense and
perfect aspect to show that the event is finished (perfect) as of the present time
of speaking.

In most Asian languages, including Galo, tense marking does not occur.
Instead, there is a very large and complex aspectual system.

455
Function Use Marker Example Meaning
Imperfective unfinished events -`duu `b `caaduu He is going up
(he is on the
way).
Stative general/habitual
conditions
-doo `b `caadoo He goes up (on
a regular
basis).
Change of
State
current/new state -`dak `b `caadak Hes now
going up
(unlike
before).
Perfective finished event -to `b `caato He went up
(and returned).
Perfect finished activity
with ongoing
effect
-kaa `b `caakaa He has gone
up (and is still
there).
Continuous events which
began in the past
and are still
ongoing
-`tuu `b `caatuu He has gone
up (and is still
on the road).
Experiential
perfect
events which
have occurred at
least once in
experience
-bee `b `caabee He has been
up (at some
point).
Negative events which do
not or did not
occur
-maa `b `caamaa He didnt/
doesnt go up.
Irrealis events which are
unreal, either
because they are
imagined or are
predicted
-r `b `caar He will/
would go up.

456

References


Post, M. (2007). A Grammar of Galo. PhD Dissertation. Melbourne, La Trobe
University Research Centre for Linguistic Typology.
Sun, T.-S. J . (1993). A Historical-Comparative Study of the Tani Branch of Tibeto-
Burman. PhD Dissertation. Berkeley, University of California Department
of Linguistics.
--- (2003). "Tani languages." In G. Thurgood and R. J . LaPolla, Eds., The Sino-
Tibetan Languages. (Routledge Language Family Series) London/New
York, Routledge: 456-466.


































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