Learning the Seneca Indian Language

In this first section, we cover words and phrases designed to start a conversation, keep a conversation going, and ways to say 'Goodbye.' 

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Nya:wëh sgë:nö’ (nyah-weh-sgeh-noh) Hello.

Literally translates to, I am thankful you are well. The particle sgë:nö’ means 'health; well-being.'

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Sadögweta’ (sah-doh-gway-tah) How are you doing? 

           Gadögweta’ (gah-doh-gway-tah) I am well

           Sgadögweta’ (sgah-doh-gway-tah) I am feeling better

           De’gadögweta’ (dey-gah-doh-gway-tah) I am not well 

*** Note: The “de’” prefix negates the sentiment, i.e. means ‘not’ ***

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Gi′shëh (gee's-heh) Excuse Me / I’m sorry

Nyoh (nyoh) Alright; Okay; So Be It

Nya:wëh (nyah-weh) Thank you

O:h! (oh) Oh!

Dogës! (doh-geh-s)! Truly, Very 

*** It is polite to add "i:s koh" (ees-koh), meaning "you too?" after "dogës"

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There is no word for "good bye" in the Seneca language. Common phrases of departure are as follows:

Ësgö:gë’ae’ (eh-sgoh-geh-ay) I will see you again

Ë:göhgë (eh-goh-geh) I'll see you

Dëjíhnita:ë’ (deh-jee-nee-tah-eh) We will talk again

Dëjinyatsa'së'ae' (deh-jee-nya-cha'seh'ay) Our paths shall cross again

Dëjinyadade:gë'ae' (deh-jee-nya-dah-day-geh'ay) We will see each other again

*** You would respond to these with "nyoh" (see above)

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The following phrases are handy in the even that you are unclear what has been said to you (I use these often in my practice conversations!).

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Dë'gëh gëdöh? (deh-geh geh-doh) What does it mean?

Dë'ëh o'si? (deh-eh oh-see) What did you say?