Spelling: nhayi-rna
  • [1] mita najina to inspect [an area of] land
    ngato mita najila nganai kanta kara, pani kara
    I shall have a look at the area, to see whether there is food (grass) available or not
  • [2] muntja najina to visit (or) look in on a patient
  • [3] mara najina to watch one's hand
    nganti tanaua nandrana warai, ngaiana kara wapai tanana mara najila
    they have killed (caught) an emu (animal); let us go and see whether we might receive something
    Idiom: to see whether one might receive something
  • [4] turu najina to see a fire
  • [5] mudla najina to look at a face
    Context: e.g. to see whether one can still recognise the person.
  • [6] nguja najina to look at the type
    mai! judla terkalumai, ngaiani judlana nguja najinanto worana wirdi
    you two, come [now] and stand here! we want to see which is the taller
    Idiom: to compare; to measure
  • [7] baru najina to see yellow
    Idiom: to see lightning in the distance
  • [8] ngapa najina to look around for water
  • [9] ngura najina to keep a camp under observation, to spy on, to reconnoitre
  • [10] mandra najina to watch out for messengers, to wait for news
  • [11] pirra najina to watch out for the moon, to wait for the moon to rise
  • [12] buka maru najina to inspect a food-patch
    Context: i.e. to see whether seed or edible plants have ripened (or matured).
  • [13] wipa najina to inspect a valley
    Idiom: to travel about in seclusion, (such as the witchdoctors underground, or as the fish under the surface of the water).
  • [14] warlu najina not to see clearly; not to recognise distinctly
    mina kara ngato warlu najina warai, kutji kara, kana kara, ngani japali pirna mindrina warai
    what did I indistinctly see: the devil or a human being? [Anyway], I ran off in terrible fright
  • [15] ditji najina to look up at the sun, to look at the position of the sun; to take note of the time
  • [16] ngurutalpana najina to stare at
  • [17] manujeli najina to look kindly upon
  • [18] wolkareli najina to look longingly at
  • [19] mita pilki najina to see a strange land
    Context: This is said of a sick person who is in a state of delirium and is running a temperature.
  • [20] mura najina to observe a sacred ceremony
  • [21] miljaru najina to note the time of night
    Context: to note the position of the stars, [especially] of the Milky Way.
  • [22] warumpara najina to note the cawing of crows
    Ethnography: when they fly to and fro, singing out. This is a sign, for example, that a person lies perished of thirst [near-by], or that the devil is on his way to snatch away a human soul.
  • [23] pantja najina to look at knees
    Idiom: to observe how many they are, and whether there are many people arriving.
  • [24] kiri najina to look wise, to pick out; to select
  • [25] burlu najina to see clearly; to [be able to] see a long way
  • [26] njurlu najina to see vaguely or indistinctly; not [to be able] to see clearly
  • [27] watara najina to observe the wind
  • [28] mana najina to watch the mouth
    Idiom: to watch what a person eats.

Spelling: nhayinhayi-ipa-lha-rlu

Spelling: nhayi-nhayi-ipa-rna
  • [1] wondiri najinajibana to superintend a boundary
    Ethnography: Nobody may cross over a boundary to hunt or fish, without permission.
  • [2] ngapa najinajibana to oversee water
    Context: of a lake, in order that no [unauthorised] person may fish there.
  • [3] kupa najinajibana to watch a child, supervise a child
  • [4] widla najinajibana to look after (or) protect the women
  • [5] poto najinajibana to supervise [or keep a watchful eye on] property
  • [6] talara najinajibana to watch (or) observe the rain
  • [7] mara najinajibana to watch the hands
    Idiom: to watch exactly what (somebody) is doing.
  • [8] jama najinajibana to keep a fishing-net under surveillance
  • [9] punga najinajibana to keep a hut under surveillance
  • [10] kapi najinajibina to keep an eye on eggs
    Context: to wait, for example, until an emu has laid a nestful of eggs.
  • [11] paua-kutu najinajibana to examine the seed-pit [or cache]
    Context: [to see] whether the seed is still good.
  • [12] turu najinajibana to keep an eye on the fire
    Context: so that the rain doesn't extinguish it.
  • [13] muntja najinajibana to watch over a sick person
  • [14] kindala najinajibana to mind a dog
  • [15] tidna najinajibana to trace footprints, to follow up footprints
  • [16] mudla najinajibana to observe faces
    Context: whether angry or not.
  • [17] mana najinajibana to watch the mouth
    Idiom: to take note of somebody else's words.

Spelling: nhayinhati-ipa=rna-=yitya
Mythology: The muramura Darana, kept a close watch on (observed) the sky, to see whether rainclouds might not soon appear as the result of his invocatory song.

Spelling: nhayinhayi-ipa-tharri-rna
Context: from wind, rain, boomerangs, etc.

Spelling: nhayi-nhayi-rna

Spelling: nhayi-rna tharri-rna

Spelling: nhayi-inga-rna

Spelling: nhayi-tharri-rna

Spelling: nhaka
naka ngaiana ngankai
there we are working, making (something)

Spelling: nhaka

Spelling: nhaka-yitya

Spelling: nhaka-lha

Spelling: nhaka-lha-rlu

Spelling: nhaka-ndru
nakandru kana wokarala nganai
The people will be coming from that direction (thence)

Spelling: nhaka-ndru-rlu
nakandrulu nauja wirarinateriji mita kamanelindrulu
from as far as yonder he came, until he reached his [own] traditional country

Spelling: nhaka-nhi-ka
Grammar: selective form. nakanika ngaiani kana palpa kampala nganai there we people see (of many) gather will we shall gather some (of the many) people from there

Spelling: nhaka-nhi-ku
Grammar: indicating uncertainty. nakaniko ngaiani wapala nganai ngapa paranani thither we go will water if lying we may go in that direction if there is any water

Spelling: nhaka-nhi-rlu

Spelling: nhaka-nhi-tha
Grammar: indicating certainty. nakanita pudlaia wapana warai the two of them [definitely] went in that direction

Spelling: nhaka-ri-rna
Grammar: derived from naka.
  • [1] Example:
    kana naujata nakarina warai ninkidalata
    this man has established himself there as a local identity
  • [2] Example:
    paja nakarina warai
    the birds have nestled themselves in there
  • [3] Example:
    watara nakarina warai
    the wind has turned in that direction
  • [4] Example:
    ditji nania nakarinani ngaiana wapala nganai maltini
    when the sun reaches that point, we shall set out under cool[er] conditions
  • [5] Example:
    talara nakarina warai
    the rain has moved in that direction
    Context: Thus also of the moon and stars.
  • [6] nakarina to gather, congregate; to put in an appearance; to come together; to arrive at

Spelling: nhampa-lha-rlu

Spelling: nhampa-rna
  • [1] nari nampana to bury a dead person
  • [2] dunka nampana to cover up a carcase
  • [3] kajiri nampana to choke up a creek with sand
    Context: through the action of wind or water.
  • [4] kalku nampana to cover up reeds
    Ethnography: i.e. with damp soil after they have been pared.
  • [5] milki nampana to blind the eyes
    Context: for the wind to blow up so much sand, that a person can no longer see.
  • [6] turu nampana to cover up a fire
  • [7] talara palkujeli nampana for rainclouds to envelop
  • [8] ngapatjili nampana to fill in a [soakage] well
  • [9] punga nampana to fill in [the floor of] a wurley
    Ethnography: to fill in the "depression" [i.e. floor] of a hut with sand after someone has died in it.
  • [10] manu nampana to cover up one's sentiments
    Context: to let one's intended plans remain unfulfilled.
  • [11] jaura nampana to bury one's words
    Idiom: to bury the hatchet; to put an end to enmity.
    Ethnography: This happens in the following manner. [Let us assume] that, for some reason or another, enmity has arisen between the inhabitants of two camps; but the enmity is to be resolved. Both parties sit down in two semi-circles, opposite each other. In the centre of these two half-circles a hole is dug. Each man in turn is now asked whether he agrees that the enmity shall cease. Each person asked takes a handful of sand and throws it into the hole, thereby [signifying] that he is burying his words, as it were. If all do likewise, one of the senior men (the wadlietja peace-maker) steps forward and says: "Do you wish to forget everything and no longer carry on with the dispute?" All reply: "Yes". [Thereupon] he fills in the hole, and the dispute is settled. On the following day all go out hunting together, to indicate that there is peace in reality.
  • [12] mungarali nampana to be buried by the soul
    Context: or for the soul to bury (the body). That is to say, [the soul] migrates from the body and through its migration causes the body to die.
    Ethnography: If lots of people congregate in the hut of a sick man, so that the air is thick, it is said: wata kana marapu mapaterianau nunkangu muntjani, mungarali nampaiati not people many gather yourselves together to him to the sick, the soul otherwise [will] bury don't so many of you congregate [around the patient] in the hut, lest the soul bury (the body). It is believed that if things become too congested for the soul it makes its escape; then, of course, the body dies.
  • [13] mara nampana to bury one's hands
    Idiom: meaning to bury the soul in the sand. Also, to rub the fat off one's hands with the aid of sand. This is done, so that other people should not notice that one has been eating meat [in secret].
  • [14] piri nampana to cover a place up
    Context: [For example], when in the course of their wanderings so many people sleep alongside of each other, they cover the ground, as it were.
  • [15] mita nampana to cover the ground
    Context: e.g. grass.
  • [16] tidna nampana to buryfootprints, to erase footprints
    Ethnography: The footprints of a deceased person are covered up, so that the wounds of sorrow over the memory or the dead are not torn open again.
  • [17] pirra nampana to bury the moon, to cover the moon
    Context: as the clouds do.
  • [18] ngapali nampana to be covered in water; to be inundated
  • [19] kulieli nampana to cover with smell
    Context: to fill everything with a smell.
  • [20] kalti nampana to bury a spear
    Ethnography: This is done during a thunder storm. As spears are very smooth, it is believed they attract lightning; therefore alI spears are buried in the sand. Furthermore, a person never sits on the crest of a sandhill or on the top of a hill during a thunderstorm, but near its base (slope), so as not to be struck by lightning.
  • [21] ngara nampana to bury the heart
    Context: as, for example, when illness chokes and overwhelms the heart [to such an extent], that it can move or beat only with difficulty.
  • [22] mitali nampana to bury with sand
    Ethnography: This is done when one man throws dust into the air in the presence of another. It is tantamount to meaning that he ought to die and be buried. This always gives rise to revenge and bloodshed.
  • [23] ngura nampana to fill a camp, to bury a camp, to cover a camp
    kanali ngakanina ngura nampala wiri, kaparanimai tanana jerto ngankala
    I have received so many visitors, come to satisfy them.
    Ethnography: So says the kapara local headman.
  • [24] mukali nampana to be buried in sleep
    Idiom: to be overcome by sleep.
  • [25] wilpa nampana to fill in a hole
    Idiom: to discharge one's debts.
  • [26] mita wilpa nampana to fill in or bury a gap (hole) in the land
    Context: namely, the place where people can get in, to seal off boundaries.
  • [27] tjuru nampana to bury reason
    Idiom: to forget something; not to think of it any more.
  • [28] mitani nampana to keep in reserve; to save up for a rainy day, to bury in the ground, to cover up
    Context: seed, for example.

Spelling: nhampanhampa-rna
Context: e.g. when the wind has exposed something to cover it up again.

Spelling: nhampa-rna tharri-rna

Spelling: nhampa-rna-yitya

Spelling: nhampa-tharri-rna
  • [1] woldrali nampaterina to cover oneself up on account of the heat
    Ethnography: To cover oneself with earth. This is done when a person is travelling during the summer, without water. While he is resting in the middle of the day, he covers himself with [damp] earth right up to the neck, so that he remains cool.
  • [2] kanali nampaterina to be surrounded by people
  • [3] Example:
    watara nania mitali nampateriji
    the wind envelops itself in dust
  • [4] Example:
    kutji puturali nampateriji
    the devil envelops himself in dust-clouds

Spelling: nandra-lha-rlu

Spelling: nandra-lha-rlu

Spelling: nandra-mali-rna
noamara nandramalina
for husband and wife to hit each other

Spelling: nandra-rna
Ethnography: A father places a child on to his shoulders and wades for some distance into deep water. Whilst chanting his totemic song he then beats the waves, so that they subside and do not tear the net. The waves are said not to want to swallow the child.
  • [1] kana nandrana to beat up (or) kill a man
  • [2] nganti nandrana to kill, slaughter an animal
  • [3] paua nandrana to knock out seed
  • [4] punku nandrana to beat out flax
  • [5] marda nandrana to shape and prepare a mill-stone
  • [6] ngardu nandrana to crush or pound 'ngardu' seed
  • [7] katu nandrana to chop off branches for a wind-break
  • [8] pita nandrana to chop down timber (or) a tree
  • [9] mita nandrana to beat and loosen the soil (whilst digging for 'jaua')
  • [10] mudla nandrana to slap someone in the face
  • [11] mudla nandrana (figuratively) not to do as one is told; to throw obstacles in a person's way; to tell a man something he doesn't like to hear
  • [12] poto mudla nandrana things face to hit
    Idiom: to convey things to the wrong person
  • [13] malka nandrana to decorate with symbols
    Context: to paint oneself with ochre so vividly, that one is more conspicuous than others
  • [14] kanpu nandrana to beat time
  • [15] tula nandrana to prepare a stone chisel
  • [16] kata nandrana to beat time
    Context: with two boomerangs.
  • [17] ntjirintjiri nandrana to knock out the two front teeth
  • [18] mandikilla nandrana to beat the waves
    Context: so that they subside (cease).
  • [19] mara nandrana to slap (someone's) hands
    Ethnography: After the young men have been circumcised, the women slap them on their hands with a small stick, to indicate that they should not beat their future wives.
  • [20] mangatandra nandrana to bash (or cut open) a man's head
    Context: with a boomerang.
  • [21] talarali nandrana to be drenched (beaten) by rain, to be overtaken by rain
  • [22] mardaburujeli nandrana to be beaten by hail, to be pelted by hail
  • [23] mardali tidna nandrana for stones to bash the feet, for one's feet to be bruised by stones
  • [24] watarali nandrana for the wind to beat down [heavily], to be overtaken by a storm
  • [25] kilpali nandrana to be struck by the cold [weather], to be frozen stiff
  • [26] woldrali nandrana to be struck by the heat, to perspire profusely
  • [27] mauarli nandrana to be tortured by hunger
  • [28] mirtjali nandrana to be struck by noise, for noise to become overbearing [or unbearable]
  • [29] kurieli nandrana to kill by stealth, to kill secretly
  • [30] Example:
    kurikirali mita nandrai
    the rainbow is hitting the ground, i.e. is resting on the ground
  • [31] woltja nandrana for the thighs to give pain
    Context: e.g. when a man lies on hard ground.
  • [32] mana nandrana to smack the mouth
    Context: when there is only vegetable food to be eaten and no meat.
  • [33] palku nandrana muntjali for the body to be stricken by sickness
    Context: when it loses condition.
  • [34] paru nandrana to strike fish, to catch fish
  • [35] potujeli nandrana poto to strike things with things
    Context: to exchange articles of trade to the same value.
  • [36] jinkali nandrana to beat with [a piece of] string
    Ethnography: This is done to the relatives of a dead person who were not present at the burial, so that they should not start an argument [or a fight].
  • [37] pirra nandrana to cut out a piece of timber
    Context: for a coolamon.
  • [38] ngara nandrana to strike someone in the heart, to make someone sad
  • [39] barujeli nandrana for there to be sheet-lightning
    Context: i.e. when there is only lightning and no rain.
  • [40] ngapitjali nandrana to be struck by a dream, to be terrified by a dream
  • [41] mukali nandrana to be struck by sleep, to be overcome by sleep
  • [42] mokujeli nandrana to be struck by a bone, to have had the bone pointed at one; to have been "sung" or bewitched
  • [43] pilpa nandrana for the eyelids to strike, to be overcome by sleep
    Context: so that the [eyelids] drop.
  • [44] mandra nandrana to strike the body
    Context: to have pains in the stomach after having eaten unaccustomed green vegetable food.
  • [45] wokarali nandrana to be struck in the neck, to have pains in the neck
  • [46] jaurali nandrana to beat (somebody) with words, to convince somebody; to persuade somebody; to cry louder than somebody else
  • [47] pirri nandrana to engrave [decorative] symbols
    Context: [e g. on a churinga or on wooden weapons].
  • [48] munakatra nandrana to beat upon one's breast (chest)

Spelling: nandra-rna
  • [1] kana nandrana to kill a man
    ngaiani ninaia pingali nandrala nganai
    we shall kill him through the blood-avengers
  • [2] kana nandrana to give a man a severe beating
    Context: even if he isn't killed.
  • [3] mokujeli nandrana to strike with a bone
    Idiom: to bewitch, to put a spell on.
  • [4] mukali nandrana to be struck by sleep
    Context: for one to be overcome by sleep. mukali ngana nandrai, ngato ngantjai turarala sleep me is striking, I love to sleep sleep has overwhelmed me, therefore I want to have a sleep
  • [5] watarali nandrana for wind to beat against
    watarali nandruka ngana nandrana warai, wata ngato nganti marapu mankamankana warai
    the wind obliterated the tracks for me, so that I couldn't catch much game (many animals)
    :
    :
  • [6] talarali nandrana to be overtaken by rain
    talarali ngana nandrana warai, ngani worani wapanani
    I was overtaken by rain, but I continued on my way [regardlessly]
  • [7] mardaburujeli nandrana to be pelted by hail
    mardaburujeli ngana nandrana warai pita panini
    I was pelted by the hail, because there was no tree under which I could shelter
  • [8] mardali nandrana for stones to strike
    Context: for one's feet to be tortured by stones. mardali ngana tidna nandrana warai, ngalara panini stones me feet struck sand no the stones tortured my feet, because there was no sandy ground
  • [9] woldrali nandrana to be struck by heat
    Context: for heat to become oppressive. woldrali ngana nandrana warai ngapa panini the heat me oppressed water no I was oppressed by the heat, because I had no water
  • [10] pildripildrieli nandrana to be struck by lightning
    pildripildrieli ngana ngampu nandrana warai, ngani pitani ngamanani
    I was almost struck by lightning whilst sitting under a tree
  • [11] muntjali nandrana to be smitten by sickness, to be struck down by sickness
    muntjali ngana nandrana warai, karari ngani tepi
    I was smitten by sickness, but now I am well again
  • [12] ngapitjali nandrana to be scared by a dream
  • [13] kutjieli nandrana to be plagued (struck) by the devil
    Ethnography: This happens when a person keeps on thinking of the devil, when travelling along on one's own and feeling scared. kutjieli ngana nandrana warai, kulnulu wapanani paltuni devil me struck, alone whilst going on the way I was scared of the devil whilst travelling along on my own In such a situation the pagan sings his totemic song. Reuther: "Goettergebetsgesang".
  • [14] dilkali nandrana to be plagued (struck) by thorns
    Context: to be pricked by thorns again and again.
  • [15] kututali nandrana to be smitten with boils
    Context: for boils to cause one a lot of pain.
  • [16] punku nandrana to beat out stems of flax
  • [17] mita nandrana to hit the ground
    Ethnography: This is done with a stick, in seclusion behind a bush, then emus are in the vicinity. The emus come forward out of curiosity, and are then [speared] to death by other men in hiding.
  • [18] manujeli nandrana to be cast down in spirit
    Context: to be always thinking of something.
  • [19] jinkali nandrana to hit with string
    Ethnography: If someone has been buried without relatives having been able to be present, these pose on arrival as if they were angry. It is as though the ones who buried him had taken the deceased one away from them. The buriers now take a piece of string and with it strike the relatives, [whereupon] the latter are satisfied. This is tantamount to having beaten them with weapons and overpowered them.
  • [20] kuldru nandrana for the back to be painful
  • [21] jaurali nandrana to strike with words
    Idiom: to stifle somebody's speech; to reduce somebody to silence.
  • [22] munakadra nandrana to strike [a man] on the chest; to beat [a man's ] breast
    Ethnography: When attempting to pacify an angry man, one grabs him [gently] by the beard in one hand, and with the flat part of the other hand slaps him on the chest. In this way, it is believed, his anger will subside.
  • [23] wulu nandrana to strike right ahead
    Idiom: to take a direct route, even through water.
  • [24] pitarali nandrana to be hit by drought
    Idiom: to be stricken by drought. pitarali ngaianina nandrai, talara panini drought (famine) us strikes, Reuther: "Durre (Hungersnot) durch (von) uns schlaegt". Reuther looks upon pitarali as in the ablative case; therefore he uses the prepositions 'through, by'. In reality, however, it is in the agentive (or Nominative II) case and governs the verb. rain no we have been stricken by famine, for it has not rained
  • [25] paua nandrana to knock out seed
  • [26] nganti nandrana to hunt game
  • [27] mitali nandrana to be ground-smitten
    Context: e.g. when one is constantly laid up sick at a [certain] place.
  • [28] burujeli nandrana to be frost-bitten
    Context: e.g. when one walks through frost in the morning and one's feet get frozen.
  • [29] wirkali nandrana to be struck by cracks in the ground
    Context: when one walks over rough and rugged ground and one's feet get sore.
  • [30] junga nandrana to beat a bag
    Context: at a sacred ceremony to beat time with padded cushions made out of animal skins.
  • [31] marda nandrana to hammer and fashion a millstone
  • [32] bukali nandrana to be struck by food
    Idiom: for [certain] food not to agree with one [or not to be to one's liking].
  • [33] mandra nandrana to strike the stomach
    Idiom: to have stomach pains or indigestion.
  • [34] poto nandrana to strike articles
    Context: to make up articles to equal value.
  • [35] mudla nandrana to slap the face
    Idiom: to ask someone for a gift, such as tobacco. mudla ngana nandramai, ngani ketjaketjananto face me slap, I want to suffer pain slap me in the face so that it hurts That is to say, give me some tobacco.
  • [36] manatandra nandrana to knock out teeth
    Context: two of the front teeth are knocked out. This is done for beauty's sake.
  • [37] tintipiti nandrana to knock the elbow
    Ethnography: This is done when a youth, about to be circumcised, comes into camp. Thereby it is indicated to him that he is to join the gathering with raised arms, as a sign that he is offering himself voluntarily for circumcision.
    Mythology: [This custom] originated with the muramura.
  • [38] mara nandrana to slap the hand
    Ethnography: When a youth has been circumcised, several old women come along and tap him lightly on the hands, [to indicate] that he shall have nothing to do with women [folk].
  • [39] kuldru nandrana to hit on the back
    Ethnography: . This is done likewise by the old women. The young man is to treat all people uprightly, and not cringe and crawl after women.
  • [40] paja nandrana to aim at birds
  • [41] paru nandrana to catch fish
  • [42] karkujeli nandrana to slap with red ochre
    Idiom: to paint or daub with red ochre.
  • [43] tudnali nandrana to strike with gypsum
    Idiom: to paint white with gypsum.
  • [44] malka nandrana to strike designs
    Idiom: to paint symbols [on a man's body] which stand out conspicuously.
  • [45] diltja nandrana to strike muscles
    Idiom: to strain one's muscles.
  • [46] mana nandrana to slap one's mouth
    Idiom: to keep one's mouth shut. The native does this with his hand, when he feels urged (as it were) to say something but wants to prevent it.
  • [47] milki nandrana to hit the eye
    Context: The wind does this when it throws grains of sand up into one's eyes.
  • [48] woltja nandrana to strike the thighs
    Idiom: for one's thighs to be painful after one has slept on hard ground.
  • [49] wukamoku nandrana to strike one's jawbone
    Idiom: for one's jawbone to be painful.
  • [50] kurli nandrana to erect a bush trestle
    Ethnography: This is done by ramming uprights [into the ground], on which meat can be placed so that the dogs don't steal it.
  • [51] nandrana kurana to kill and run away
    Grammar: adverb use.
  • [52] nandrana palkana to kill whilst passing by
    Context: as opportunity presents itself.
  • [53] nandrana tikana to kill and return home

Spelling: nandrarnandra-rna

Spelling: nandra-rna tharri-rna

Spelling: nandra-rna-yitya

Spelling: nandra-rna-yitya
Mythology: The two wives of Jelkabalubaluna killed their husband and called it nandrana.

Spelling: nandra-tharri-rna
tidna nandraterina
to knock one's foot against something

Spelling: nandra-tharri-rna
Mythology: The two wives of Jelkabalubaluna killed (nandrana) their husband.

Spelling: nandra-iyirpa-rna

Spelling: nhandru
Grammar: at a remote distance.

Spelling: nhandru-ya
Grammar: in close proximity. Used in the case of transitive verbs with accusative objects.

Spelling: nhandru-ya-ka
Grammar: as one [selected] out of a great number.

Spelling: nhandru-ya-ku
Grammar: expressing uncertainty.

Spelling: nhandru-parra
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: feminine demonstrative, used with transitive verbs.

Spelling: nhandru-pini
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: feminine demonstrative, used with transitive verbs taking an accusative object.

Spelling: nhandru-tha
Grammar: expressing certainty.

Spelling: nhandru-wa
Grammar: within calling distance.

Spelling: nhanga-lha-rlu

Spelling: nhanga-rna
  • [1] ngapa nangana to fill in water, to spill water
  • [2] paua nangana to pour or fill seed
    Context: into [a seed-cache or pit].
  • [3] kumari nangana to shed blood; to spit out blood; to spit blood
  • [4] ngoku nangana to vomit
  • [5] kanta nangana to press down grass
    Context: on [the roof of] a wurley.
  • [6] pajakapi nangana to lay birds' eggs
  • [7] billini nangana to place or shove into a netbag
  • [8] marda nangana to lay aside a mill stone
    ngato ngopera marda nangala nganai pauantani
    I shall first lay aside my millstone where the seed is
  • [9] ngura nangana to lay down a camp-site, to erect a camp
    ninkida ngaiana ngura nangala nganai
    here we shall set up our camp
  • [10] kudna nangana to ease nature
  • [11] paru nangana to lay down or lay aside fish
    Ethnography: When there are so many fish in the net that one cannot take them all out at once, one first takes out some of these, laying them (nangana) on the bank, and then walks back into the water [for the rest].
  • [12] padi nangana to empty out caterpillars
    Ethnography: When one has a dishful [of these] one empties them into a hole, so that they cannot crawl out. In the evening they are [then] scorched or roasted on the coals [to be eaten].
  • [13] billi nangana to lay aside one's net-bag
    Context: in order to have a rest.
  • [14] poto nangana to empty out or give away one things
  • [15] turu nangana for the heat to be oppressive
    Context: e.g. when the sun shines down oppressively hot.
  • [16] kilpa nangana for the cold to be oppressive
    Context: e.g. when the cold air persists to weigh dowwn heavily.
  • [17] gildi nangana to drip down fat
    Context: into a wooden dish.
  • [18] talara nangana to pour down rain
    Context: e.g. as the clouds do.
  • [19] jaura nangana to pour out words, to speak out
  • [20] milkigildi nangana to shed tears

Spelling: nhanga-rna nhanga-rna
Mythology: [The female muramura Wariluwulani gathered some seed and kept on pouring it time and again into a dish.

Spelling: nhanga-rna tharri-rna

Spelling: nhanga-rna-yitya

Spelling: nhanga-tharri-rna
  • [1] Example:
    paua nangateriji pirrani
    the seed is running into the dish
  • [2] kana nangaterina for people to congregate
  • [3] ngapa nangaterina for water to run out of a waterbag
  • [4] mita nangaterina for sand to trickle down
  • [5] kupa nangaterina for a child to be born
  • [6] wolka nangaterina for young (animals) to be born
  • [7] pitjiri billi nangaterina for the tobacco net-bag to become empty
  • [8] talara nalku nangaterina for rainclouds to empty
    Context: [their contents].
  • [9] kapi nangaterina to lay eggs
  • [10] jaura nangaterina to empty oneself of words
    Idiom: to speak out.
  • [11] ngurli nangaterina for resin to trickle down
    Context: [on a tree trunk].

Spelling: nhanga-iyirpa-rna
  • [1] paua nangijirbana to pour in seed (for somebody else)
  • [2] ngapa nangijirbana to pour in water (for somebody else)

Spelling: nhanga-nhanga-rna-yitya
Context: from here, there and everywhere.

Spelling: nhani
Grammar: at a remote distance, as in No. 1723.

Spelling: nhani-ya
Grammar: 3rd person singular nominative case, in close proximity. genitive is nankani, dative is nankangu, accusative is nania. Used in the case of intransitive verbs.

Spelling: nhani-ya-ku
Grammar: expressing uncertainty, as in No. 1723.

Spelling: nhani-ya-tha
Grammar: expressing certainty, as in No. 1723.

Spelling: nhani-ka
Grammar: selective form, as in No. 1717.

Spelling: nhani-parra
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: feminine demonstrative, used with intransitive verbs.

Spelling: nhani-pini
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: feminine demonstrative, used with intransitive verbs. genitive is nankinipini, dative is nankangupini, accusative is nanapini.

Spelling: nhani-wa
Grammar: within calling distance, as in No. 1723. genitive is nankaniwa, dative is nankanguwa, accusative is nanaua.

Spelling: nhangka-lha-rlu

Spelling: nhangka-mali-rna

Spelling: nhangka-rna
  • [1] milki nankana to press the eyes shut
  • [2] katu nankana to push [the branches of] a windbreak together
    Context: so that the wind doesn't blow it away.
  • [3] kirra nankana to place a heavy weight on a boomerang
    Context: so that it stays flat (straight).
  • [4] kana nankana to hold people back
  • [5] tali nankana to press one's tongue, to suppress one's speech
  • [6] ngara nankana to press someone's heart, to comfort someone
  • [7] mita nankana to sit fast, to stay put; not to travel about very much
  • [8] kupali nankana for a child to press, for a child to feel heavy; to be weighed down with a child
    Context: when carrying a child on one's back all day long in the course of one's journey.
  • [9] diltja nankana for the muscles (sinews) to press
    Context: i.e. to force them to go more slowly.
  • [10] jama nankana to lay a fishing-net in the water
  • [11] nguna nankana for the arm to press, to feel tired
    Context: when one is carrying something heavy.
  • [12] muna nankana to press down [or squeeze] the chest, to have a nightmare
  • [13] ngapitjali nankana to be [op]pressed by a dream, to be haunted by a dream
  • [14] manu nankana to feel in a dejected mood

Spelling: nhangkarni-ya
Grammar: genitive of No. 1818.

Spelling: nhangkarni-ya-wa
Grammar: genitive of No. 1823.

Spelling: nhangkarni-li
Grammar: nominative of No. 1818, i.e. the agentive form, used with transitive verbs. Expresses in close proximity.

Spelling: nhangkarni-li-wa
Grammar: nominative as in No. 1823, i.e. the agentive form, used with transitive verbs. Also in this case the definite -ta, the indefinite -ko, and the specific -ka forms [can be made to] apply.

Spelling: nhangkarni-nhi
Grammar: dative of No. 1818.

Spelling: nhangkarni-nhi-wa
Grammar: dative of No. 1823.

Spelling: nhangkarni
Grammar: in close proximity.

Spelling: nhangkarni
Grammar: accusative of No. 1818.

Spelling: nhangka-rna-yitya
Mythology: The two female muramura Putantara-wulana, huddled together on account of the cold, for they had no fire. They called this nankana.

Spelling: nhangkarni-wa
Grammar: within calling distance.

Spelling: nhangkarni-wa
Grammar: accusative of No. 1823.

Spelling: nhangka-tharri-rna
Context: even though one would like to do something or to forge ahead.

Spelling: nhangka-iyirpa-rna

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  • [1] kana narana to drive people away
  • [2] paja narana to scare away birds
  • [3] kutji narana to chase the devil away
    kunkieli ninaia kutji narana warai, wata nauja ninkida wokarananto muntja dankala
    the Aboriginal doctor has scared the devil away, so that he should not come here to approach the sick man
  • [4] nganti narana to scare away animals, to hunt away animals, to chase away animals
  • [5] pildripildri narana to scare away the thunder
    Ethnography: The custom is to knock two boomerangs together; this is supposed to dispel thunderstorms.
  • [6] kunmi narana to dispel the fog
    Ethnography: This happens when one calls out pih!.
  • [7] palkaljura narana to chase away noisy crows
    Ethnography: It is believed that these could be witch-doctors in disguise, and so efforts are made to scare them away, since it is feared they might steal hearts and souls.
  • [8] talara-palku narana to chase away the rain-clouds
    Ethnography: The widows do this, when they stay outside of their wurleys.
  • [9] widla narana to chase women away
    Ethnography: during special ceremonies.
  • [10] kindala narana to incite a dog, to egg on a dog
    Addition: Scherer translates this as "to edge on a dog".

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Spelling: nhari
Grammar: masculine gender.
  • [1] Example:
    jura nari ngaianini waltanimai nariminkajiria, ngaiani jurangu mankara kulno jinkila nganai
    carry our departed one to the grave; for this we shaIl give you one of our young girls
  • [2] kananari death-man, one who is bent on killing people
    kananari naujata, wata nina dilpau, nulu jidna nandraiati
    he is a man bent on killing people; don't annoy him, lest he also kill you
  • [3] kananari death-person, one who deserves to die
    Ethnography: or is guilty of death, because he does not observe the tribal rules. kananari naujata, nulu pirrapinta bulu ngarai death-man he, he law-tutors in vain hears he is worthy of death, because he does not pay attention to the tutors in tribal lore
  • [4] kananari man-killer
    Context: That is the name given to lightning as well as to hot weather.
  • [5] kananari man killer
    Context: [This] is a name given also to the devil. kutjita kananari, minandru jura tinkani wirariji? devil man-killer, why you during the night walk about? the devil is a man-killer, [so] why do you walk around during the night? The point is, one runs the risk at night of falling into the devil's hands.
  • [6] Example:
    mita worana kana nari
    to throw dust in the air spells a man's death
    Ethnography: If anyone throws dust in the air in the presence of another person, he thereby [expresses his] desire to bury that man (as it were), and is killed for doing so.
  • [7] bubana kana nari to say "fie upon you" spells death to a man.
  • [8] Example:
    mudla madlentji jatana kana nari
    he is killed for it
  • [9] nguja waka patana kana nari to call someone "you small breed" spells death to a man
  • [10] kurujeli paru tajina kana nari to eat fish in secret spells a man's death
  • [11] mokujeli dakana kana nari to point the bone at someone spells a man's death
    Ethnography: the enchantment [will] bring about his death.
  • [12] jerrita wonkana kana nari to sing the 'jerrita' ceremonial song spells [a man's] death
    Ethnography: This is a ceremonial song involving sorcery.
  • [13] wokarani kinkana kana nari to laugh behind a person's back brings death in its wake
  • [14] mana nari death-hand, hand that has already killed many a man
    Ethnography: Such a person is not allowed to touch a dead body, for it is believed he would then have to die.
  • [15] manu nari death-mood
    Ethnography: one who has a premonition that he is about to be killed, and who [therefore] has no more will to live.
  • [16] pantjani kinkana kana nari to laugh about (another man's) legs spells a man's death
  • [17] wiparu kana nari 'wiparu' snakes spell a man's death
  • [18] kalti kana nari spears spell a man's death
    Context: or, men are killed with a spear.
  • [19] widla tidnani wapana kana nari to walk in women's footsteps spells a man's death
  • [20] widlani toda ngamana kana nari to relax among the women during midday merits the death [penalty]
  • [21] wonpa kana nari to wear the 'wonpa' is a cause of death
    Ethnography: The wonpa is a head-band. If this is put on and tied around [the head] it is an indication that somebody is going to be killed.
  • [22] kuruworla kana nari 'kuruworla' brings death [in its wake)
    Ethnography: This is a decoration worn only during a vendetta.
  • [23] pitaru kana nari drought spells death for [many] people
  • [24] Example:
    ninkida mitani nari parai
    this is an unhealthy country, for so many people die here
  • [25] ngapa nari stale, smelly water
    Idiom: This is [literally] called "death-water".
  • [26] pita nari dry, dead tree
  • [27] nganti nari dead animal
    Grammar: or: that animal is dead.

Spelling: nhari
  • [1] Example:
    kindala nauja nari
    the dog is dead
  • [2] Example:
    kana nauja nari, karari nauja mudai
    this man is dead; he has just breathed his last (ceased to live)
  • [3] nari ngankana to make dead, to kill
    ninaia nganti nari ngankamai, nauja tepilu
    kill the animal for it is still alive
  • [4] nari nandrana to put to death
    ngaiana ninaia nari ngankala nganai
    we will beat him to death
  • [5] nari dijana to kill [with a boomerang
    Context: e.g. birds.
  • [6] nari waltana to carry death [into another camp]
    Ethnography: This saying is applied to those who go out to kill someone, i.e. to avenge the death of one of their own [men], and thus kill somebody else in his place. ninaia nari ngaiana waltanimai, nauwa bakamorlarina Reuther (inadvertently): bakamorlaruna. him dead man we carry, he there similar type to become we are carrying death away [into another camp], by killing a man who [in many respects is similar to the deceased Most times only men of the same age are killed by the blood-avengers. (An eye for an eye).
  • [7] nari karlara odour of death
    Ethnography: When a sick man has a bad odour, this is calIed narikarlara and is regarded as an omen of death.
  • [8] narini kupiri near death
    Context: i.e. at death's door. Since the name of a deceased person may not be mentioned, the expression nari is used a great deal.

Spelling: nhari kurdu
Grammar: masculine gender.
Context: (when speaking of a grave), hence a grave.

Spelling: nhari mingka
Grammar: masculine gender.
Ethnography: This is differently [constructed] than in the case of us [Europeans]. Where the head and the feet are intended to lie, holes are dug from the surface of the ground at both ends. When the usual depth has been reached, the intermediate wall which remains is breached at the bottom. Into one of these holes the dead body is handed down head first, and shoved through the hole breaching the intermediate wall. In this way it is not necessary to scoop out so much earth, something which is done with only a [wooden] dish.

Spelling: nhari-Ri-rna
Grammar: derived from nari.

Spelling: nhari wirlpa
Grammar: masculine gender.
Ethnography: This is an indication that the buried man is not satisfied with the vengeance which has been meted out on his behalf.

Spelling: nhari wanpa
Grammar: masculine gender.

Spelling: nhawu
Grammar: 3rd person singular nominative case. The 'he' indicates that the referent is at a remote distance [from the speaker], up to any distance away. Used with intransitive verbs.
  • [1] Example:
    nau ngamai
    he is sitting down far away
  • [2] Example:
    nau wapai
    he is on the trail far away

Spelling: nhawu-ya
Grammar: 3rd person singular nominative case. The 'he' in this instance applies when the person is [directly] present. Used with intransitive verbs.
  • [1] Example:
    nauja ngamai
    he is sitting [right] here
  • [2] Example:
    nauja wapai
    he is walking away
    Context: when he is still right here.

Spelling: nhawu-ya-rlu
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', in the immediate proximity. Used with intransitive verbs. kana naujalu wapala nganai man the very same again go will the very same man will go again

Spelling: nhawu-ya-rlu-ka
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrstive, 'the very same [person]', selective form.

Spelling: nhawu-ya-rlu-ku
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', expressing uncertainty. Used with intransitive verbs.

Spelling: nhawu-ya-rlu nhawu-ya-rlu
Grammar: as in No. 1755, used with intransitive verbs.

Spelling: nhawu-ya-rlu-tha
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man], expressing certainty. Used with transitive verbs with an object in the accusative case.

Spelling: nhawu-ka
Grammar: 3rd person singular nominative case; this word particularises one person or thing out of many. Used with intransitive verbs.
Context: yet many others are sitting there.
nauka wapai
he is going

Spelling: nhawu-ku
Grammar: 3rd person singular nominative case, subjunctive mood. Also nauwako and naujako, expressing uncertainty. Used with intransitive verbs.
  • [1] Example:
    naujako ngamai
    he may be sitting here
  • [2] Example:
    naujako wapai
    he may be going, he should be going

Spelling: nhawu-rlu
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', at a remote distance. Used with intransitive verbs.

Spelling: nhawu-parra
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, used with intransitive verbs.

Spelling: nhawu-pini
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, used with intransitive verbs. genitive is nunkanipini, dative is nunkangupini, Reuther (inadvertently): nungangupini. However, Reuther never uses this form in Diari texts; even in the Diari New Testament he uses nunkangupini (e.g. Matthew 8, 9). sccusative is ninapini.

Spelling: nhawu-tha
Grammar: 3rd person singular nominative case, indicative mood, expressing certainty. Also nauwata and naujata. Used with intransitive verbs.
  • [1] Example:
    nauta ngamai
    he is certainly sitting here
  • [2] Example:
    nauta wapai
    he is certainly going

Spelling: nhawu-wa
Grammar: 3rd person singular nominative case. The 'he' indicates that the referent is within calling distance. Used with intransitive verbs.
  • [1] Example:
    nauwa ngamai
    he is sitting [there]
    Context: within calling distance.
  • [2] nauwa wapai he is now walking away
    Context: within calling distance.

Spelling: nhawu-wa-rlu
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', within calling distance. Used with intransitive verbs.

Spelling: nhiyi
Grammar: masculine gender.
Ethnography: not to be confused with the first-born. All elder brothers are neji, all younger brothers ngatata. The oldest brother always has the right of guardianship over his other brothers and sisters; accordingly, he is most highly respected. In every situation of life his younger brothers and sisters turn to him. He acquires a wife for himself by offering his sister in marriage to another man, and in exchange receives his sister for a wife. He deals in the same way with his other brothers and sisters. If he hasn't enough sisters to offer in exchange for a wife on behalf of each of his brothers, he has to make some other arrangements. In these matters the neji is, as it were, his mother's executive counsel, for soon after the child's birth she, together with a woman from the opposite moiety, has decided on its marriage. If the mother dies, the elder brother assumes full powers of attorney. He protects his younger brothers and sisters, intercedes for them, and, if need be, avenges the death of a younger brother or of his father. However, he is embarrassed (ashamed) if his sister's marriage turns out a failure, and is obliged to care for her as a widow. The respective brothers call each other nejimara brothers in common; blood brothers. Reuther: "Brueder zusammen, bebruedert, verbruedert". These kinship terms are rather ambiguous; however, I believe that 'blood brothers' in this instance fits the case. In the same way [the members of] the two moieties, Reuther: "Geschlechtslinien" Materi and Kararu, call themselves nejimara tribal brothers, Reuther: "bebruedert". This also is not an accurate description of the relationship. The common term used is 'tribal brother'. i.e. one Materi man calls the other 'brother' because he is of the same moiety. So they are blood relatives, as it were. From this it follows that no one in the Materi moiety can marry another Materi [person]. The same applies in the case of the Kararu. Since in pagan circles such a marriage is regarded as incestuous and draws strangulation in its wake, even at the Mission these two moieties have not yet vanished. Nejijai! (elder brother) is the form of address when speaking in public. Thereby people are respected. Even in ordinary, everyday life one likes to say neji to an older man, although it is desirable to hear pirnaru (honourable, prestigious, old man). Even the particular animal, whose [totemic] name one bears within the moiety, is called one's neji. (cf. pintara). cf. No. 2788, No. 317-16. Winter is [also] called neji because it is a more refreshing season for the native people. They are enabled to walk, hunt, and travel about more. In the same way everything that revives, refreshes and gratifies, etc. is called neji. The index finger is a neji; it is the first-born of the [hand's] 'mother,' Reuther inadvertently wrote "Vater" 'father'. However, the thumb is the 'mother-finger' cf. marangandri No. 1133. because it is next to the thumb ('mother of the hand') Reuther inadvertently wrote "Vater" (father). However, the thumb is the 'mother-finger' (cf. marangandri Entry 1133. and is the longest [finger]. The other three fingers are ngatata. The big toe on the foot is the ngandri mother), while the other toes are her 'daughters'.

Spelling: None
Grammar: feminine gender.
Semclass: Plants
Etymology: a Ngameni word, derived from nidla burnt out coal and kuru wood, fire, and denotes coals of fire that have burnt down. When this shrub is burnt, it leaves no coals; hence the name.

Spelling: nhili
Alternative: nhidli
Grammar: feminine gender.

Spelling: nhilyi
Grammar: masculine gender.
  • [1] kapi nilji white of an egg
    Context: yolk (yellow) Reuther: "das Rote" 'the red'. is called the kuri).
    Addition: Reuther does not give the Diyari expression here so I have added it.
  • [2] mana nilji gums
  • [3] mara nilji soft pink flesh of hand
    Context: between the fingers.
  • [4] tidna nilji soft pink flesh between the toes
    Context: as in [3].
  • [5] milki nilji discharge from eyes
  • [6] patara nilji tree resin
  • [7] ngardu nilji core of 'ngardu' seed
    Context: Also the white kernel in all varieties of seed.
  • [8] talara nilji isolated rain-clouds
  • [9] pantja nilji bone marrow

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  • [1] kanta niljidunkana for grass to come up
  • [2] ngapa niljiterkana for water to well up
  • [3] paua niljiterkana for seed to come up

Spelling: nhilyi-ri-ipa-rna
Context: The heat does this.

Spelling: nhilyi-ri-rna
Context: when a person has lost his teeth.

Spelling: nhilyi tharka-rna
Context: e.g. rain.
  • [1] mita niljiterkana for a track to continue to extend
  • [2] paua niljiterkana for seed to develop to maturity
  • [3] kima niljiterkana for a boil to swell up considerably
  • [4] ngapa niljiterkana for water to trickle together
  • [5] mani niljiterkana for fat to drip down

Spelling: nhinha-parra
Grammar: accusative of the demonstrative pronoun No. 1739.

Spelling: nhinyilpa-lha

Spelling: nhinyilpa-lha-rlu

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  • [1] tala ninjilbana to turn a skin inside out
    Context: when pulling it off [an animal].
  • [2] ngapajunga ninjilbana to turn a water-bag up at the edges
  • [3] jaua ninjilbana to peel small [wild] onions
  • [4] billi ninjilbana to turn a net-bag inside out
  • [5] mandra ninjilbana to turn one's stomach upside down [or inside out]
    Context: when one has eaten too much so that one belches
  • [6] ninjilbana jatana to speak very sharply
    Context: to speak bitingly or sarcastically

Spelling: nhilyilpa-rna-yitya

Spelling: nhilyilpa-tharri-rna
Context: whilst laughing, crying, or jesting.

Spelling: nhingki-rda
Grammar: of place.
  • [1] ninkida ngamana to sit here
  • [2] Example:
    ninkida kanta marapu
    there is lots of grass here
  • [3] ninkida nangana to pour in here
  • [4] ninkida kampana to gather together here
  • [5] ninkida paru manina to catch fish here

Spelling: nhingki-rda-rlu
Grammar: of place.

Spelling: nhingki-rda-nhi
Grammar: of place.
  • [1] ninkidani turu kampana to bring firewood hither
  • [2] Example:
    ninkidani talara godana warai
    the rain has fallen in this direction

Spelling: nhingki-la-nhi yara
Grammar: of place.

Spelling: nhingki-la-nhi yarra
Grammar: of place.

Spelling: nhingki-nhi-parra
Grammar: of place, used demonstratively.

Spelling: nhingki-nhi-pini
Grammar: of place, used demonstratively.

Spelling: nhingki-rda-ya
Grammar: of place.

Spelling: nhintha
  • [1] ninta ngamalkana to have a sense of modesty
  • [2] maraninta modesty of the hands
    Context: i.e. when hands are ashamed and shrink from doing wrong.
  • [3] palkuninta physical modesty
    Context: e.g. of a shy and bashful person who does not put himself forward.
  • [4] mananinta modesty of speech
    Context: e.g. on the part of one who is shy to speak in the presence of others.
  • [5] pantja ninta embarrassed by one's legs
    Context: e.g. when a man dislikes people watching him walk.

Spelling: nhintha-lha-rlu

Spelling: nhintha-li
Grammar: adjective and adverb.
  • [1] ngani nintali I am shy, ashamed
  • [2] widlani nintali shy, bashful in the presence of women
  • [3] ngaparani nintali shy in the presence of one's father
  • [4] noani nintali embarrassed in the presence of one's wife
  • [5] nintali ngankana to make (someone) feel ashamed; to embarrass (someone)
  • [6] mita tulani nintali shy in a strange country
  • [7] nintali ngamana to sit down bashfully
  • [8] nintali wirarina to walk around bashfully
  • [9] billini nintali ashamed of one's (poor) net-bag
  • [10] nintali jatana to talk in a shy manner
  • [11] ninta pani without shame or modesty

Spelling: None
Mythology: Patukarini felt a sense of shame, when she had to wander about on her own, without a husband.

Spelling: None
Context: as when an ice-cold sensation creeps over one.
  • [1] Example:
    karari tinkani ngani nirinirimankana warai kutjini, ngampu nulia ngana patana warai
    I was horrified last night at [seeing] the devil, for he almost had me in his grasp
  • [2] talara praitjali nirinirimankana to be startled by lightning
  • [3] narieli nirinirimankana to be scared of death
  • [4] ngapali nirinirimankana to shiver from [the coldness of] water
  • [5] tjutjujeli nirinirimankana to be startled at [the sight of] a snake
  • [6] jaurani nirinirimankana to be shocked by news (words)

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Spelling: None
Mythology: When Wariliwulani saw the spirit of her son, she was deeply startled. She called this nirinirimankana.

Spelling: nhuwa
Grammar: This is the common expression for 'husband' and 'wife'. It is not customary to say: 'my husband' or 'my wife', but for the husband as well as his wife to say: noa ngakani my spouse.
  • [1] noa ngakani muntja parai my spouse is sick and laid up
  • [2] noa jinkani your spouse
  • [3] noa jinkimalina to give each other marriage partners
    Ethnography: In most instances the elder brother (neji) attends to this, unless the mother has already made provision for it. A man (brother) receives the sister of another man in the opposite moiety, and in exchange gives his sister to her brother. In this way both he and she receive a marriage partner.
  • [4] noa jinkina to give a marriage partner
  • [5] noamarra with husband or wife, both husband and wife
  • [6] nganti noamarra animal pair
    Context: both male and female animals
  • [7] kindala noamarra male and a female dog
    Context: Similarly of birds, etc.
  • [8] materaiaia mangini noani man's duty (occupation) to his wife
    Ethnography: A man's duty to his wife is: (a) turu waltana to carry firewood; (b) katu nandrana to (cut down and) erect a windbreak; (c) ngura bakuna to dig out a camping-spot, and clear it of [all] undergrowth; (d) tepi kulkana to guard and preserve life; (e) nganti nandrijirbana to kill game, to provide meat; (f) punga wotijirbana to build her a wurley; Reuther: "Geschlechtsreihe". (g) paja kampijirbana to hunt and kill birds for her; (h) palto kuribana to tread out a track for her, to walk on ahead in the course of their travels; (i) paru kalkibana to select fish for her; (j) kupa kanku kiri ngankana to instruct and train male children; (k) mura warabijirbana to rehearse and relate mura legends to his sons; (l) kirra dakibana to make boomerangs for youngsters; (m) to weave nets.
    Context: dakana is used with jama fishing net, billi net bags etc.
  • [9] widlaia mangini nganai woman's job
    Ethnography: Women's jobs are: (a) paua nandrana to gather [edible] seed; (b) jaua wilkana to dig up small [wild] onions; (c) ngapa mandrana to carry water; (d) ngardu pitana to pound ngardu seed; (e) mankara kiri ngankana to instruct and train girls; (f) jindriwima wonkana to perform wailing songs. Reuther: "Weinengebetsgesang auffuehren". This is [a rhythmic form of] loud crying and wailing, after the style of a song; (g) kumana to perform a type of dance; (h) narini ja wimani kumana to perform this type of dance when death has taken place, or during the ceremonial songs; (i) mangawaru kiri ngankana to instruct widows as to how they are to conduct themselves; (j) palara wapana to go forth as mediators between two warring factions; (k) kupa najinajibana to watch and supervise children.

Spelling: nhulu-ya
Grammar: as in the case of No. 1712. Used with transitive verbs taking an accusative object.

Spelling: nhulu-ya-ku
Grammar: as in No. 1716. Reuther lists two Nos. 1721. I have therefore listed this one as 1721A.

Spelling: nhulu-ya-rlu
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', in close proximity. Used in the case of transitive verbs with no accusative [object].

Spelling: nhulu-ya-rlu-ka
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', selective form.

Spelling: nhulu-ya-rlu-ku
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', expressing uncertainty.

Spelling: nhulu-ya-rlu-tha
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', expressing certainty.

Spelling: nhulu-ya-tha
Grammar: as in No. 1715.

Spelling: nhulu
Grammar: at a remote distance, as in the case of No. 1714. Used with transitive verbs.

Spelling: nhulu-ka
Grammar: as in No. 1717. For all other cases, see the Grammar. Reuther's Diari Grammar statement appears in Vol. V, original pp. 2-28.

Spelling: nhulu-rlu
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', at a remote distance.

Spelling: nhulu-nhulu-rlu
Grammar: Used in the case of transitive verbs, when the person concerned does something time and time again. nululunululu poto manina warai he time and again things has taken he has collected or received things time and again .

Spelling: nhulu-parra
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, used in the case of transitive verbs taking an accusative object.

Spelling: nhulu-parra
Grammar: nominative [i.e. the agentive form] of the demonstrative pronoun as in No. 1739, used with transitive verbs.

Spelling: nhulu-pini
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, used with transitive verbs taking an accusative object.

Spelling: nhulu-wa
Grammar: within calling distance, as in the case of No. 1713. Used with transitive verbs.

Spelling: nhulu-wa-rlu
Grammar: demonstrative pronoun.
Grammar: masculine demonstrative, 'the very same [man]', within calling distance.

Spelling: nhungkarni-ya
Grammar: genitive of No. 1809.

Spelling: nhungkarni-ya-wa
Grammar: genitive of No. 1813.

Spelling: nhungkarni-li
Grammar: nominative as in No. 1809, used with transitive verbs.

Spelling: nhungkarni-li-wa
Grammar: nominative as in No. 1813, i.e. the agentive form used with transitive verbs, within calling distance. [Forms expressing] remote distance in this case identify with those denoting proximity. The former have probably been lost.

Spelling: nhungkarni-nhi
Grammar: dative of No. 1809.

Spelling: nhungkarni-nhi-wa
Grammar: dative of No. 1813.

Spelling: nhungkangu-parra
Grammar: dative of the demonstrative pronoun No. 1739.

Spelling: nhungkarni
Grammar: accusative of No. 1809.

Spelling: nhungkarni
Grammar: 3 singular possessive.
Grammar: Nominative of 3rd person singular possessive, in close proximity.

Spelling: nhungkarni-parra
Grammar: genitive of the demonstrative pronoun No. 1739.

Spelling: nhungkarni-wa
Grammar: accusative of No. 1813.

Spelling: nhungkarni-wa
Grammar: Nominative of 3rd person singular possessive, within calling distance.

Spelling: nhungku
  • [1] turu nunku burnt-out fire
  • [2] milki nunku dim eye
  • [3] mudla nunku broad, fat face
  • [4] pirra nunku dull, pale, clouded moon
  • [5] ditji nunku darkened sun
  • [6] ngaru nunku hoarse voice
  • [7] nunku ngankana to extinguish; to darken

Spelling: nhungku-yitya

Spelling: nhungku-lha
Context: someone does not see well any more.

Spelling: nhungku-lha-rlu
Mythology: In Kandrimuka the fire of Watapajirini went out. She called this nunku.

Spelling: nhungku-ri-rna
  • [1] milki nunkurina for the eyes to grow dim
  • [2] turu nunkurina for the fire to go out
  • [3] pirra nunkurina for the moon to grow dull
    Context: or be clouded over.
  • [4] ditji nunkurina for the sun to lose its brightness
    Context: to grow dim.
  • [5] nunkurina buruna to crouch or squat down together
    Context: on account of the cold.
  • [6] mita nunkurina for the ground to get cold; for it to get cold

Spelling: nhuRa
Grammar: masculine gender.
  • [1] kindala nura dog's tail
  • [2] kapita nura 'kapita''s tail
  • [3] kurka nura 'kurka''s tail
  • [4] nili nura mouse's tail
  • [5] tjukuru nura kangaroo's tail
  • [6] pildra nura opossum's tail
  • [7] kanunka nura 'kanunka''s tail
  • [8] tjutju nura snake's tail
  • [9] kantu nura 'kantu''s tail
  • [10] kandri nura stone-chisel handle
  • [11] ngapa nura water-tail
    Context: a place where water ceases to flow.
  • [12] panto nura lake-tail, end of a lake
  • [13] nura wondra wide tail, fat tail; thick root
  • [14] paru nura fish's tail
  • [15] nura waka small tail, short tail
  • [16] nura ngurunguru strong tail
  • [17] nura pani without a tail
  • [18] nura wirina to draw the tail in
    Context: said e.g. of a dog; also of a person when he has lost courage.
  • [19] nura terkana to dock the tail
    Context: said e.g. of a dog; also of a person who boasts of his deeds.
  • [20] kalala nura terkana to get up in order to wreak vengeance
  • [21] potujeli nura terkana to boast of one's possessions
    Context: or of one's wealth.
  • [22] nura wutju long tail, thin tail
  • [23] nura kutiliri curly tail
  • [24] nura ngaru pirna [very] bushy tail
  • [25] nura dukana for the tail to be riding
    Context: for a dog] to rest its tail on its back. Used also of people who are very annoyed. This illustration is borrowed from the goanna.
  • [26] nura tipa tip of a dog's tail
  • [27] nuranto tailed; [born] with a tail
  • [28] nura pintjiri pirna lice-infested tail
    Context: This is a term of abuse.
  • [29] nura malka tail marks

Spelling: None
Grammar: masculine gender.
Etymology: composed of nura tail, dupunu short, and -na he.

Spelling: None
Grammar: masculine gender.
Etymology: composed of nura tail, puda white, wulu two, and -na he, means 'one that has two white hind legs and a white tail'.

Spelling: nhurru
Grammar: used with intransitive verbs; nurujeli quickly is used with transitive verbs.
  • [1] kana nuru fast man
  • [2] nuru wapana to walk fast
    Grammar: adverb use.
  • [3] nuru mindrina to run fast
  • [4] nuru tikana to return quickly
  • [5] nuru karitjina to turn around quickly
  • [6] nuru jiritjina to stand quickly, to get up quickly
  • [7] nuru tajina to eat fast
  • [8] nuru jinkina to give quickly
  • [9] nuru terkakana to break camp quickly
  • [10] nuru ngankamalina to discuss (something) quickly
  • [11] nuru puntina to depart in a hurry
  • [12] mara nuru quick hand
    Context: i.e. quick at casting a weapon.
  • [13] para nuru fastgrowing hair
  • [14] manu nuru flashing impulse (thought)
    Context: i.e. when person suddenly carries out what he was [only just] thinking.
  • [15] ditji nuru fleeting sun
    Context: because it travels fast.
  • [16] ngapa nuru fast-flowing water
  • [17] nganti nuru fleet-footed animal
  • [18] kindala nuru swift dog
  • [19] mana nuru fast mouth (in talking), fast talker
  • [20] turu nuru fast-burning fire
  • [21] kanta nuru fast-growing grass
  • [22] nuru turarana to go to sleep quickly
    Grammar: adverb use.

Spelling: nhurru-yitya
Mythology: Whilst Narimalpirini was processing seed, the wind kept on blowing harder and harder. She called this nuru.

Spelling: nhurru-yali
Grammar: adjective and adverb.
  • [1] nurujeli wapana to go quickly
  • [2] nurujeli dikana to return quickly, to return in a hurry
  • [3] nurujeli jatana to talk fast
  • [4] nurujeli mudana to stop quickly; to finish off quickly
  • [5] nurujeli ngundrana to think quickly
  • [6] nurujeli ngujamana to recognize quickly
  • [7] nurujeli bakuna to dig fast
  • [8] nurujeli nandrana to strike quickly
  • [9] nurujeli pitana to pound quickly, to crush quickly
  • [10] nurujeli patana to grab quickly
  • [11] nurujeli miribana to kindle quickly
  • [12] nurujeli wokaribana to break off quickly
  • [13] nurujeli turpana to spin quickly
  • [14] nurujeli wikana to scrape quickly
  • [15] nurujeli karpana to mend quickly, to sew quickly
    Grammar: used thus with practically all verbs.

Spelling: nhurru-lha
  • [1] kana nurula person who is always quick
  • [2] kindala nurula dog that is fast

Spelling: nhurru-lha-rlu
nurulalu jinkanala baku ngamai, wata jidni nganti nandrana warai
your speed didn't help you, for you didn't catch the animal [in spite of it]

Spelling: nhurrunhurru

Spelling: nhurru-Ri-ipa-rna
Context: in walking, working, speaking.

Spelling: nhurru-Ri-rna
  • [1] Example:
    nururianimai jerra mita woritani
    go quickly, so that you reach that country, for it is far away
  • [2] to strive to move forward
  • [3] nururina dikana to endeavour to return home
    Grammar: adverb use.
  • [4] manu nururina for the spirit to hurry onward, to be ahead of oneself in thought
  • [5] ditji nururina for the sun to be in a hurry
    Context: in winter, when it sets so early.
  • [6] nururina ngakana to flow down swiftly
    Context: e.g. water.
  • [7] nururina godana to keep on raining harder and harder
  • [8] nguna nururina to move one's arms more rapidly
    Context: in walking.
  • [9] buturu nururina for a duststorm to grow worse ("stronger")
  • [10] nururina wontiterina to search more and more diligently
  • [11] nururina pirnarina to grow [up] quickly
  • [12] nguja nururina for kind or species to move fast; to swing one's body whilst walking along
  • [13] kumari nururina for blood to flow [more] quickly
    Context: in one's veins.
  • [14] mara nururina to quicken one's hand; to work faster
  • [15] tidna nururina to quicken one's feet; to run faster
  • [16] jaura nururina to quicken one'swords; to talk faster

Spelling: nhurru-Ri-rna-lha-rlu

Spelling: nhurru-Ri-rna tharri-rna

Spelling: nhurru-Ri-inga-rna
marda nururingana
for a stone to roll fast downhill