Qanuipit - a crash course in Inuktitut

Qanuipit? (Ka-noo-WEE-peet) means How are you? in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit. While many young people in Nunavut are bilingual and have learned to speak English in school, most of the Elders speak Inuktitut exclusively.

Qanuipit? [ka-noo-WEE-peet]- How are you?

Qanuingittunga [KA-noo-WIN-ngi-TOO-ngah]- I'm fine.

Igvili [IG-vee-lee]- And you?

Matna [MAAT-nah]- Thank you

Qujanamik [koo-YAA-na-mee]- Thank you

Iilali [ee-LA-lee]- You're welcome.

Kinauvit? [kee-NOW-veet]- What is your name?

Uyunga [oo-YOO-nga]- My name is ______.

Nagligivagit [na-GLEE-ghee-va-geet]- I love you.

Taima [tay-MA]- That's it (finished)!

Atii [a-TEE]- Let's go.

Suva? [SOO-vah?]- What? Sunouna? [soo-NOW-na?]- What is it?

Ii [EE]- Yes

Akaa [ah-KAH]- No

Qapsituqpa? [kap-SEE-took-pa?]- How much does it cost?

Sokaiman [so-KYE-ma]- Of course

Qanisumavi? [ka-nee-SOO-ma-vee?]- What are you thinking?

Ikee! [ik-KEE]- It's cold!

Okho! [oh-KHOE]- It's hot!

Nawgli ______? [NOW-glee ______?]- Where's _______?

Puyuk [POO-yook]- Beautiful

Kigu [KYE-goo]- Give it to me