Common Words and Phrases
Tsalagi, the Cherokee language, is an Iroquoian language related to the languages of the Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Mohawk, and others. Though most of the Iroquoian speakers were located historically near the Great Lakes, the Cherokee were historically in the Southeast, suggesting they had migrated south at one point in time. Since 1823, when Sequoyah made his Cherokee syllabary known, the Cherokee language has been a written language.
This is a list of handy words and phrases you can reference enhancing your RP if you wish to join the Cherokee tribe.
Osiyo – hello formally
‘Siyo – hello informally
Tsilugi – welcome back
Ulihelisdi – welcome
Osda sunalei – good morning (morning greeting)
Osda svhiye – good evening (evening greeting)
Uganasdv asgista – sweet dreams
Osda enoyi – good night
Stiyu – be strong (goodbye)
Kagoidisdi? – who are you?
Dodetsadoa? – what is your name?
Galiheli tsidenalv – pleased to meet you
Osigwotsu? – how are you?
Osigwo – I am fine
Ihinna – how about you?
Osda – good
Osd – great
Oyoi – no good
Hawa – okay
Wado – thank you
Wado udohiyu utsati – thank you very much
Gvlieliga – you’re welcome
Gvlieliga udohiyu – you’re very welcome
Uyo ayelodi – sorry
Howatsu – please
Goliga – I understand
Tla yigoliga – i don’t understand
Gesdi yitsigata – I don’t know
Wena! – go away!
Nahna – there
Noquo – now
Oginanili – friend
Oginali-i – friend (my)
Tsogali-i – friends
U-ho-i – bad
Tla-i-goliga – I don’t understand
Tla-no – no thank you
Tso-tsi-danawa – enemy
Ugvwiyuhi – chief
Utlisda – hurry