The SSBMI Language Department created this set of flashcards for learning simple commands in the Nisenan language. These flashcards focus on commands people often use with children and pets, like Hatíp! (Stop it!). Here, you can listen to the language on the cards and learn more.
Each card features one command that you would use when speaking to a single person, along with a "bonus phrase" showing how you would say the same thing when speaking to a group of people. You can learn more about how to form commands in the Language Notes below.
To request a copy of the flashcards or to ask questions, please email us at language@ssband.org or visit our offices in the Tribal Admin building (flashcard supplies are limited). You can also download a printer-friendly version that you can print at home and share with anyone (note: print the cards double-sided flipping on the long edge). For more help reading the words and phrases on the cards, check out our alphabet guide.
Listen to the language
You can use the controls below to search for and listen to all of the Nisenan phrases on the Simple Commands flashcards. You can also use the copy button ( ) to copy the phrase to your clipboard and the more info button ( ⓘ ) to learn more about some phrases.
Heads-up! In Nisenan, you form commands differently depending on whether you are talking to one person or to a group of people. For example, you say Hatíp! (Stop it!) to a single person but Hatiwá! to a group. The flashcards include the group-commands as "bonus phrases", and you can find them in the table below with a "b" after the card number. You can learn more about how to form commands in the Language Notes section, and you can find suggestions for how to get the most out of these flashcards in the Suggestions section below.
Card
Nisenan
English
01
Hatip!Hatíp!Hatíp!
Stop it!
(said to 1 person)
01b
Hatiwa!Hatiwá!Hatiwá!
Stop it!
(said to 2+ people)
02
Wallip!Wallíp!Wallíp!
Be careful!
(said to 1 person)
02b
Walliwa!Walliwá!Walliwá!
Be careful!
(said to 2+ people)
03
Wentin is!Wentín is!Wentín is!
ⓘ
Nisenan speakers also give this phrase for 'Be quiet' and 'Live in a good way'.
Behave! / Be quiet!
(said to 1 person)
03b
Wentin iswa!Wentín iswá!Wentín iswá!
ⓘ
Nisenan speakers also give this phrase for 'Be quiet' and 'Live in a good way'.
Behave! / Be quiet!
(said to 2+ people)
04
Ɨpin!Ɨpín!Ɨpín!
ⓘ
These two forms are firm commands. The related phrases Ɨpí! 'Come here! (to 1 person)' and Ɨpiwá! 'Come here! (to 2 or more people)' are friendly invitations.
Come here!
(said to 1 person)
04b
Ɨpinwa!Ɨpinwá!Ɨpinwá!
ⓘ
These two forms are firm commands. The related phrases Ɨpí! 'Come here! (to 1 person)' and Ɨpiwá! 'Come here! (to 2 or more people)' are friendly invitations.
Come here!
(said to 2+ people)
05
Is mɨydi!Is mɨydí!Is mɨydí!
Stay there!
(said to 1 person)
05b
Iswa mɨydi!Iswá mɨydí!Iswá mɨydí!
Stay there!
(said to 2+ people)
06
Heyak’!Heyák’!Heyák’!
ⓘ
The verb heyak’- means 'to wait' or 'to remain'.
Wait!
(said to 1 person)
06b
Heyak’wa!Heyak’wá!Heyak’wá!
ⓘ
The verb heyak’- means 'to wait' or 'to remain'.
Wait!
(said to 2+ people)
07
Heek’aap!Heek’áap!Heek’áap!
Hurry up!
(said to 1 person)
07b
Heek’aawa!Heek’aawá!Heek’aawá!
Hurry up!
(said to 2+ people)
08
Bedok’oymen!Bedok’oymén!Bedok’oymén!
ⓘ
The verb bedok’oy- means 'to run'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not run'.
Don't run!
(said to 1 person)
08b
Bedok’oymenwa!Bedok’oymenwá!Bedok’oymenwá!
ⓘ
The verb bedok’oy- means 'to run'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not run'.
Don't run!
(said to 2+ people)
09
Wodoymen!Wodoymén!Wodoymén!
ⓘ
The verb wodoy- means 'to hit'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not hit'.
Don't hit!
(said to 1 person)
09b
Wodoymenwa!Wodoymenwá!Wodoymenwá!
ⓘ
The verb wodoy- means 'to hit'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not hit'.
Don't hit!
(said to 2+ people)
10
Osi henɨmmen!Osí henɨmmén!Osí henɨmmén!
Don't talk bad!
(said to 1 person)
10b
Osi henɨmmenwa!Osí henɨmmenwá!Osí henɨmmenwá!
Don't talk bad!
(said to 2+ people)
11
Henamen!Henamén!Henamén!
ⓘ
The verb hena- means 'to yell'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not yell'.
Don't yell!
(said to 1 person)
11b
Henamenwa!Henamenwá!Henamenwá!
ⓘ
The verb hena- means 'to yell'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not yell'.
Don't yell!
(said to 2+ people)
12
Woomen!Woomén!Woomén!
ⓘ
The verb woo- means 'to cry'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not cry'.
Don't cry!
(said to 1 person)
12b
Woomenwa!Woomenwá!Woomenwá!
ⓘ
The verb woo- means 'to cry'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not cry'.
Don't cry!
(said to 2+ people)
13
Maatip mɨhe!Maatíp mɨhé!Maatíp mɨhé!
ⓘ
The word mɨhé means 'him' or 'her'.
Leave him/her alone!
(said to 1 person)
13b
Maatiwa mɨhe!Maatiwá mɨhé!Maatiwá mɨhé!
ⓘ
The word mɨhé means 'him' or 'her'.
Leave him/her alone!
(said to 2+ people)
14
Maatip nik!Maatíp nik!Maatíp nik!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Leave me alone!
(said to 1 person)
14b
Maatiwa nik!Maatiwá nik!Maatiwá nik!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Leave me alone!
(said to 2+ people)
15
Pintanop nik!Pintanóp nik!Pintanóp nik!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Listen to me!
(said to 1 person)
15b
Pintanowa nik!Pintanowá nik!Pintanowá nik!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Listen to me!
(said to 2+ people)
16
Weydaap!Weydáap!Weydáap!
ⓘ
This is roughly equivalent to saying 'What's up?' or 'What's going on?' in English.
Tell! / Tell me what's going on!
(said to 1 person)
16b
Weydaawa!Weydaawá!Weydaawá!
ⓘ
This is roughly equivalent to saying 'What's up?' or 'What's going on?' in English.
Tell! / Tell me what's going on!
(said to 2+ people)
17
Tokdaap!Tokdáap!Tokdáap!
ⓘ
You use the verb tokdaa- to mean 'let go (of something you're holding in your hand)'. Since it is specific to an action being performed with the hand, you wouldn't use it for, say, telling a dog to let go of something they are holding in their mouth.
Let go of it!
(said to 1 person)
17b
Tokdaawa!Tokdaawá!Tokdaawá!
ⓘ
You use the verb tokdaa- to mean 'let go (of something you're holding in your hand)'. Since it is specific to an action being performed with the hand, you wouldn't use it for, say, telling a dog to let go of something they are holding in their mouth.
Let go of it!
(said to 2+ people)
18
Mey nik mɨye!Mey nik mɨyé!Mey nik mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Give me that!
(said to 1 person)
18b
Meywa nik mɨye!Meywá nik mɨyé!Meywá nik mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Give me that!
(said to 2+ people)
19
Etáp mɨye!Etáp mɨyé!Etáp mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Look at that!
(said to 1 person)
19b
Etawa mɨye!Etawá mɨyé!Etawá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Look at that!
(said to 2+ people)
20
Wiip mɨye!Wiip mɨyé!Wiip mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Pick that up!
(said to 1 person)
20b
Wiiwa mɨye!Wiiwá mɨyé!Wiiwá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Pick that up!
(said to 2+ people)
21
Wiinop mɨye!Wiinóp mɨyé!Wiinóp mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Throw that away!
(said to 1 person)
21b
Wiinowa mɨye!Wiinowá mɨyé!Wiinowá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Throw that away!
(said to 2+ people)
22
Hukit mɨyé!Hukít mɨyé!Hukít mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Put that away!
(said to 1 person)
22b
Hukitwa mɨye!Hukitwá mɨyé!Hukitwá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Put that away!
(said to 2+ people)
23
Yuc’uup mɨye!Yuc’úup mɨyé!Yuc’úup mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Clean that!
(said to 1 person)
23b
Yuc’uuwa mɨye!Yuc’uuwá mɨyé!Yuc’uuwá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Clean that!
(said to 2+ people)
24
Mop mɨye!Mop mɨyé!Mop mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Drink that!
(said to 1 person)
24b
Mowa mɨye!Mowá mɨyé!Mowá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Drink that!
(said to 2+ people)
25
Payel mɨye!Payél mɨyé!Payél mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Eat that!
(said to 1 person)
25b
Payelwa mɨye!Payelwá mɨyé!Payelwá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Eat that!
(said to 2+ people)
26
Iskit!Iskít!Iskít!
Sit down!
(said to 1 person)
26b
Iskitwa!Iskitwá!Iskitwá!
Sit down!
(said to 2+ people)
27
Dəkədok’óy!Dəkədok’óy!Dəkədok’óy!
Stand up! (from sitting)
(said to 1 person)
27b
Dəkədok’oywa!Dəkədok’oywá!Dəkədok’oywá!
Stand up! (from sitting)
(said to 2+ people)
28
Tukit!Tukít!Tukít!
Lie down!
(said to 1 person)
28b
Tukitwa!Tukitwá!Tukitwá!
Lie down!
(said to 2+ people)
29
Otoop!Otóop!Otóop!
Get up! (from lying down)
(said to 1 person)
29b
Otoowa!Otoowá!Otoowá!
Get up! (from lying down)
(said to 2+ people)
30
Unop pɨyc’ana!Unóp pɨyc’aná!Unóp pɨyc’aná!
Go outside!
(said to 1 person)
30b
Unowa pɨyc’ana!Unowá pɨyc’aná!Unowá pɨyc’aná!
Go outside!
(said to 2+ people)
31
Ɨpin uyna!Ɨpín uyná!Ɨpín uyná!
Come inside!
(said to 1 person)
31b
Ɨpinwa uyna!Ɨpinwá uyná!Ɨpinwá uyná!
Come inside!
(said to 2+ people)
32
Hindaap!Hindáap!Hindáap!
Wash your face!
(said to 1 person)
32b
Hindaawa!Hindaawá!Hindaawá!
Wash your face!
(said to 2+ people)
33
Makdaap!Makdáap!Makdáap!
Wash your hands!
(said to 1 person)
33b
Makdaawa!Makdaawá!Makdaawá!
Wash your hands!
(said to 2+ people)
34
Hebɨknop!Hebɨknóp!Hebɨknóp!
ⓘ
The verb hebɨk- means 'to bathe'. Adding -no to the end makes hebɨkno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to bathe'.
Go take a bath/shower!
(said to 1 person)
34b
Hebɨknowa!Hebɨknowá!Hebɨknowá!
ⓘ
The verb hebɨk- means 'to bathe'. Adding -no to the end makes hebɨkno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to bathe'.
Go take a bath/shower!
(said to 2+ people)
35
Uc’unop!Uc’unóp!Uc’unóp!
ⓘ
The verb uc’u- means 'to pee'. Adding -no to the end makes uc’uno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to pee'.
Go pee!
(said to 1 person)
35b
Uc’unowa!Uc’unowá!Uc’unowá!
ⓘ
The verb uc’u- means 'to pee'. Adding -no to the end makes uc’uno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to pee'.
Go pee!
(said to 2+ people)
36
Pic’inop!Pic’inóp!Pic’inóp!
ⓘ
The verb pic’i- means 'to poop'. Adding -no to the end makes pic’ino-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to bathe'.
Go poop!
(said to 1 person)
36b
Pic’inowa!Pic’inowá!Pic’inowá!
ⓘ
The verb pic’i- means 'to poop'. Adding -no to the end makes pic’ino-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to bathe'.
Go poop!
(said to 2+ people)
37
C’enop!C’enóp!C’enóp!
Wake up!
(said to 1 person)
37b
C’enowa!C’enowá!C’enowá!
Wake up!
(said to 2+ people)
38
Tuynop!Tuynóp!Tuynóp!
ⓘ
The verb tuy- means 'to sleep'. Adding -no to the end makes tuyno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to sleep'. You can use this verb to mean 'go to bed'.
Go to bed!
(said to 1 person)
38b
Tuynowa!Tuynowá!Tuynowá!
ⓘ
The verb tuy- means 'to sleep'. Adding -no to the end makes tuyno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to sleep'. You can use this verb to mean 'go to bed'.
Go to bed!
(said to 2+ people)
39
Wentin tuy!Wentín tuy!Wentín tuy!
Sleep well!
(said to 1 person)
39b
Wentin tuywa!Wentín tuywá!Wentín tuywá!
Sleep well!
(said to 2+ people)
40
Wentin nediip!Wentín nedíip!Wentín nedíip!
ⓘ
This literally means 'dream well' or 'dream in a good way'.
Sweet dreams! / Dream well!
(said to 1 person)
40b
Wentin nediiwa!Wentín nediiwá!Wentín nediiwá!
ⓘ
This literally means 'dream well' or 'dream in a good way'.
Sweet dreams! / Dream well!
(said to 2+ people)
Card
Nisenan
01
Hatip!Hatíp!Hatíp!
Stop it!
(said to 1 person)
01b
Hatiwa!Hatiwá!Hatiwá!
Stop it!
(said to 2+ people)
02
Wallip!Wallíp!Wallíp!
Be careful!
(said to 1 person)
02b
Walliwa!Walliwá!Walliwá!
Be careful!
(said to 2+ people)
03
Wentin is!Wentín is!Wentín is!
ⓘ
Nisenan speakers also give this phrase for 'Be quiet' and 'Live in a good way'.
Behave! / Be quiet!
(said to 1 person)
03b
Wentin iswa!Wentín iswá!Wentín iswá!
ⓘ
Nisenan speakers also give this phrase for 'Be quiet' and 'Live in a good way'.
Behave! / Be quiet!
(said to 2+ people)
04
Ɨpin!Ɨpín!Ɨpín!
ⓘ
These two forms are firm commands. The related phrases Ɨpí! 'Come here! (to 1 person)' and Ɨpiwá! 'Come here! (to 2 or more people)' are friendly invitations.
Come here!
(said to 1 person)
04b
Ɨpinwa!Ɨpinwá!Ɨpinwá!
ⓘ
These two forms are firm commands. The related phrases Ɨpí! 'Come here! (to 1 person)' and Ɨpiwá! 'Come here! (to 2 or more people)' are friendly invitations.
Come here!
(said to 2+ people)
05
Is mɨydi!Is mɨydí!Is mɨydí!
Stay there!
(said to 1 person)
05b
Iswa mɨydi!Iswá mɨydí!Iswá mɨydí!
Stay there!
(said to 2+ people)
06
Heyak’!Heyák’!Heyák’!
ⓘ
The verb heyak’- means 'to wait' or 'to remain'.
Wait!
(said to 1 person)
06b
Heyak’wa!Heyak’wá!Heyak’wá!
ⓘ
The verb heyak’- means 'to wait' or 'to remain'.
Wait!
(said to 2+ people)
07
Heek’aap!Heek’áap!Heek’áap!
Hurry up!
(said to 1 person)
07b
Heek’aawa!Heek’aawá!Heek’aawá!
Hurry up!
(said to 2+ people)
08
Bedok’oymen!Bedok’oymén!Bedok’oymén!
ⓘ
The verb bedok’oy- means 'to run'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not run'.
Don't run!
(said to 1 person)
08b
Bedok’oymenwa!Bedok’oymenwá!Bedok’oymenwá!
ⓘ
The verb bedok’oy- means 'to run'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not run'.
Don't run!
(said to 2+ people)
09
Wodoymen!Wodoymén!Wodoymén!
ⓘ
The verb wodoy- means 'to hit'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not hit'.
Don't hit!
(said to 1 person)
09b
Wodoymenwa!Wodoymenwá!Wodoymenwá!
ⓘ
The verb wodoy- means 'to hit'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not hit'.
Don't hit!
(said to 2+ people)
10
Osi henɨmmen!Osí henɨmmén!Osí henɨmmén!
Don't talk bad!
(said to 1 person)
10b
Osi henɨmmenwa!Osí henɨmmenwá!Osí henɨmmenwá!
Don't talk bad!
(said to 2+ people)
11
Henamen!Henamén!Henamén!
ⓘ
The verb hena- means 'to yell'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not yell'.
Don't yell!
(said to 1 person)
11b
Henamenwa!Henamenwá!Henamenwá!
ⓘ
The verb hena- means 'to yell'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not yell'.
Don't yell!
(said to 2+ people)
12
Woomen!Woomén!Woomén!
ⓘ
The verb woo- means 'to cry'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not cry'.
Don't cry!
(said to 1 person)
12b
Woomenwa!Woomenwá!Woomenwá!
ⓘ
The verb woo- means 'to cry'. When you add -men to the end, it means 'to not cry'.
Don't cry!
(said to 2+ people)
13
Maatip mɨhe!Maatíp mɨhé!Maatíp mɨhé!
ⓘ
The word mɨhé means 'him' or 'her'.
Leave him/her alone!
(said to 1 person)
13b
Maatiwa mɨhe!Maatiwá mɨhé!Maatiwá mɨhé!
ⓘ
The word mɨhé means 'him' or 'her'.
Leave him/her alone!
(said to 2+ people)
14
Maatip nik!Maatíp nik!Maatíp nik!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Leave me alone!
(said to 1 person)
14b
Maatiwa nik!Maatiwá nik!Maatiwá nik!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Leave me alone!
(said to 2+ people)
15
Pintanop nik!Pintanóp nik!Pintanóp nik!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Listen to me!
(said to 1 person)
15b
Pintanowa nik!Pintanowá nik!Pintanowá nik!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Listen to me!
(said to 2+ people)
16
Weydaap!Weydáap!Weydáap!
ⓘ
This is roughly equivalent to saying 'What's up?' or 'What's going on?' in English.
Tell! / Tell me what's going on!
(said to 1 person)
16b
Weydaawa!Weydaawá!Weydaawá!
ⓘ
This is roughly equivalent to saying 'What's up?' or 'What's going on?' in English.
Tell! / Tell me what's going on!
(said to 2+ people)
17
Tokdaap!Tokdáap!Tokdáap!
ⓘ
You use the verb tokdaa- to mean 'let go (of something you're holding in your hand)'. Since it is specific to an action being performed with the hand, you wouldn't use it for, say, telling a dog to let go of something they are holding in their mouth.
Let go of it!
(said to 1 person)
17b
Tokdaawa!Tokdaawá!Tokdaawá!
ⓘ
You use the verb tokdaa- to mean 'let go (of something you're holding in your hand)'. Since it is specific to an action being performed with the hand, you wouldn't use it for, say, telling a dog to let go of something they are holding in their mouth.
Let go of it!
(said to 2+ people)
18
Mey nik mɨye!Mey nik mɨyé!Mey nik mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Give me that!
(said to 1 person)
18b
Meywa nik mɨye!Meywá nik mɨyé!Meywá nik mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word nik means 'me'.
Give me that!
(said to 2+ people)
19
Etáp mɨye!Etáp mɨyé!Etáp mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Look at that!
(said to 1 person)
19b
Etawa mɨye!Etawá mɨyé!Etawá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Look at that!
(said to 2+ people)
20
Wiip mɨye!Wiip mɨyé!Wiip mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Pick that up!
(said to 1 person)
20b
Wiiwa mɨye!Wiiwá mɨyé!Wiiwá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Pick that up!
(said to 2+ people)
21
Wiinop mɨye!Wiinóp mɨyé!Wiinóp mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Throw that away!
(said to 1 person)
21b
Wiinowa mɨye!Wiinowá mɨyé!Wiinowá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Throw that away!
(said to 2+ people)
22
Hukit mɨyé!Hukít mɨyé!Hukít mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Put that away!
(said to 1 person)
22b
Hukitwa mɨye!Hukitwá mɨyé!Hukitwá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Put that away!
(said to 2+ people)
23
Yuc’uup mɨye!Yuc’úup mɨyé!Yuc’úup mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Clean that!
(said to 1 person)
23b
Yuc’uuwa mɨye!Yuc’uuwá mɨyé!Yuc’uuwá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Clean that!
(said to 2+ people)
24
Mop mɨye!Mop mɨyé!Mop mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Drink that!
(said to 1 person)
24b
Mowa mɨye!Mowá mɨyé!Mowá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Drink that!
(said to 2+ people)
25
Payel mɨye!Payél mɨyé!Payél mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Eat that!
(said to 1 person)
25b
Payelwa mɨye!Payelwá mɨyé!Payelwá mɨyé!
ⓘ
The word mɨyé can mean 'that' or 'it' in this context.
Eat that!
(said to 2+ people)
26
Iskit!Iskít!Iskít!
Sit down!
(said to 1 person)
26b
Iskitwa!Iskitwá!Iskitwá!
Sit down!
(said to 2+ people)
27
Dəkədok’óy!Dəkədok’óy!Dəkədok’óy!
Stand up! (from sitting)
(said to 1 person)
27b
Dəkədok’oywa!Dəkədok’oywá!Dəkədok’oywá!
Stand up! (from sitting)
(said to 2+ people)
28
Tukit!Tukít!Tukít!
Lie down!
(said to 1 person)
28b
Tukitwa!Tukitwá!Tukitwá!
Lie down!
(said to 2+ people)
29
Otoop!Otóop!Otóop!
Get up! (from lying down)
(said to 1 person)
29b
Otoowa!Otoowá!Otoowá!
Get up! (from lying down)
(said to 2+ people)
30
Unop pɨyc’ana!Unóp pɨyc’aná!Unóp pɨyc’aná!
Go outside!
(said to 1 person)
30b
Unowa pɨyc’ana!Unowá pɨyc’aná!Unowá pɨyc’aná!
Go outside!
(said to 2+ people)
31
Ɨpin uyna!Ɨpín uyná!Ɨpín uyná!
Come inside!
(said to 1 person)
31b
Ɨpinwa uyna!Ɨpinwá uyná!Ɨpinwá uyná!
Come inside!
(said to 2+ people)
32
Hindaap!Hindáap!Hindáap!
Wash your face!
(said to 1 person)
32b
Hindaawa!Hindaawá!Hindaawá!
Wash your face!
(said to 2+ people)
33
Makdaap!Makdáap!Makdáap!
Wash your hands!
(said to 1 person)
33b
Makdaawa!Makdaawá!Makdaawá!
Wash your hands!
(said to 2+ people)
34
Hebɨknop!Hebɨknóp!Hebɨknóp!
ⓘ
The verb hebɨk- means 'to bathe'. Adding -no to the end makes hebɨkno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to bathe'.
Go take a bath/shower!
(said to 1 person)
34b
Hebɨknowa!Hebɨknowá!Hebɨknowá!
ⓘ
The verb hebɨk- means 'to bathe'. Adding -no to the end makes hebɨkno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to bathe'.
Go take a bath/shower!
(said to 2+ people)
35
Uc’unop!Uc’unóp!Uc’unóp!
ⓘ
The verb uc’u- means 'to pee'. Adding -no to the end makes uc’uno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to pee'.
Go pee!
(said to 1 person)
35b
Uc’unowa!Uc’unowá!Uc’unowá!
ⓘ
The verb uc’u- means 'to pee'. Adding -no to the end makes uc’uno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to pee'.
Go pee!
(said to 2+ people)
36
Pic’inop!Pic’inóp!Pic’inóp!
ⓘ
The verb pic’i- means 'to poop'. Adding -no to the end makes pic’ino-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to bathe'.
Go poop!
(said to 1 person)
36b
Pic’inowa!Pic’inowá!Pic’inowá!
ⓘ
The verb pic’i- means 'to poop'. Adding -no to the end makes pic’ino-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to bathe'.
Go poop!
(said to 2+ people)
37
C’enop!C’enóp!C’enóp!
Wake up!
(said to 1 person)
37b
C’enowa!C’enowá!C’enowá!
Wake up!
(said to 2+ people)
38
Tuynop!Tuynóp!Tuynóp!
ⓘ
The verb tuy- means 'to sleep'. Adding -no to the end makes tuyno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to sleep'. You can use this verb to mean 'go to bed'.
Go to bed!
(said to 1 person)
38b
Tuynowa!Tuynowá!Tuynowá!
ⓘ
The verb tuy- means 'to sleep'. Adding -no to the end makes tuyno-, which means 'go (somewhere nearby) in order to sleep'. You can use this verb to mean 'go to bed'.
Go to bed!
(said to 2+ people)
39
Wentin tuy!Wentín tuy!Wentín tuy!
Sleep well!
(said to 1 person)
39b
Wentin tuywa!Wentín tuywá!Wentín tuywá!
Sleep well!
(said to 2+ people)
40
Wentin nediip!Wentín nedíip!Wentín nedíip!
ⓘ
This literally means 'dream well' or 'dream in a good way'.
Sweet dreams! / Dream well!
(said to 1 person)
40b
Wentin nediiwa!Wentín nediiwá!Wentín nediiwá!
ⓘ
This literally means 'dream well' or 'dream in a good way'.
Sweet dreams! / Dream well!
(said to 2+ people)
Language Notes
In Nisenan, you form commands differently depending on whether you are talking to one person or to a group of people.
Because the action word hati- (to stop) ends in a vowel "i", you tell one person Hatíp! (Stop it!) and a group of people Hatiwá! (Stop it!).
Because the action word iskit- (to sit down) ends in a consonant "t", you tell one person Iskít! (Sit down!) and a group of people Iskitwá!.
Want to try it? You can download this flowchart and a set of practice exercises, which you can use to practice forming commands in Nisenan.
Suggestions for using these cards
Play games: You can practice Nisenan commands by playing games like Simon Says. Remember to use commands addressed to a group if you are playing with more than one person.
Learn in chunks: Instead of learning all 40 cards at once, try to learn five cards per week. Make sure to learn the main and bonus phrases!
Learn in several ways: In addition to quizzing yourself, you can also learn by listening to the language, sounding it out, writing it down, and most importantly, using language in everyday life.
Use spaced repetition: Learn one day and review the language the next day. Letting a day go by between learning and reviewing lets the language take root and grow.
Use the language in your daily life: Challenge yourself to use these phrases in your daily life with your family, friends, coworkers, and even pets.
Do you want to know more?
The SSBMI Community has ancestral connections to the Valley & Southern Hill dialects of the Nisenan language through the Tribe's Matriarchs, Pamela Cleanso Adams and Annie Hill Murray Paris. Pamela spoke Valley Nisenan and Annie likely spoke Southern Hill Nisenan. The language on these cards comes from speakers of these dialects, such as Pamela Cleanso Adams & Tom Cleanso (Valley Nisenan) and Ida Hill Starkey, William Joseph, & Charlie Hunchup (Southern Hill Nisenan). Speakers of these dialects use the same grammatical constructions to form commands.
If you have any questions about the language or about receiving a copy of the cards, please contact us at language@ssband.org.
