The Passamaquoddy-Maliseet Dictionary
Click on a letter of the alphabet to start browsing the dictionary or on one of the items listed below to see the complete entry for that item. Entries include the definition of the Passamaquoddy-Maliseet word in English and its part of speech. Many entries also provide information about the item’s inflection (endings and prefixes), notes about its cultural significance, and English keywords that you can click on to see lists of related terms. Entries may also include audio recordings and example sentences, as well as links to videos that feature the word.
To learn more about Passamaquoddy-Maliseet pronunciation and grammar click on one of the instructional documents in the menu on the right.
This dictionary is a work in progress. Its contents are updated and expanded on a regular basis.
| Entry | Definition |
|---|---|
| 'tawahkukehtahsu | s/he is good at shaping things |
| 'tawahqe | s/he knows how to cook |
| 'tawahqekonike | s/he knows how to wrap or roll up (something stick-like; package, cigarette, etc.) |
| 'tawakonike | (baseball) s/he knows how to throw a curve ball (sideways curve, dropping pitch, etc.) |
| 'tawalokikemu | (loudmouth) s/he knows how to answer back, always has a good comeback |
| 'tawalomikewtom | s/he knows how to argue back, knows how to get opponent where it hurts (in arguing) |
| 'tawankeyasu | s/he knows how to take care of self |
| 'tawankuwe | s/he knows how to shop, is smart shopper |
| 'tawapektuhusu | (musician) s/he knows how to play stringed instrument |
| 'tawapenke | s/he can be counted on to repay debts; s/he always pays what s/he owes |
| 'tawaqsawe | s/he knows how to carve or whittle |
| 'tawatkuhke | s/he knows how to tell good story |
| 'tawatkuwe | it rides the waves well |
| 'tawe | (young child) s/he knows how to talk |
| 'tawehtake | s/he is clever, is talented |
| 'tawessu | s/he is good lover, has the right moves |
| 'tawewestu | (young child, language student, etc.) s/he knows how to speak in a language (e.g., in English, in Wolastoqey) |
| 'tawhike | s/he is good shot, knows how to shoot |
| 'tawhom | s/he knows how to swim |
| 'tawi ('taw-) | knowing how to, skilled at, good at; (indicating admiration of a quality; see examples) very much, extremely, exactly as desired, just right |
| 'tawi-amalholuhke | s/he knows how to do fancy work |
| 'tawi-asitehtehma | s/he knows how to hit back |
| 'tawi-ceconitutom | s/he knows how to keep balance (i.e., how to keep from falling over) |
| 'tawihponosu | s/he knows how to fight |
| 'tawi-ikolisomanatuwe | s/he knows how to speak English |