MiskitoPhrasebookProject

BookumBilaMiskito

AbouttheProject
ResearchfortheLonelyPlanetNicaraguaElSalvadorguiderequiredmetoinvestigate
enormousandlittleexploredeasternexpanseofNicaragua,sometimesreferredtoasthe
Mosquitia.TheMosquitia,whichalsoincludestheHonduranAtlanticCoast,hasaverydifferent
historyandculturethanthemuchmorethoroughlyHispanicizedPacificCoastofCentral
America.

ThePacificsideisdryer,andwasthereforeeasierforEuropeancoloniststosettleandsurvive
thantheswampy,malariariddenjunglesoftheindigenouscontrolledeast.Withthehelpof
pirates,oneIndiannation,todaycalledtheMiskitos,managedtoresisttheSpanishincursion
andretaincontroloftheMosquitiawellintothe19th century.Indeed,since1987theNicaraguan
Mosquitiahasbeenlegallymanagedastwolargelyindependentprovinces,theRAAN(North
AtlanticAutonomousRegion)andRAAS(SouthAtlanticAutonomousRegion).

AlthoughSpanishistheNicaraguasofficiallanguage,CaribbeanEnglishisstillspokenin
throughouttheregion(andremainstheprimarylanguageoftheCornIslands),whileseveral
indigenouslanguages,includingMayangna(Sumo),RamaandvariousCreoles,alsosurvive.
ButMiskitoremainsthemostwidelyspokenindigenoustongueinNicaragua,andmanypeople,
particularlythoseinruralareas,speakitexclusively.IwantedtolearnenoughMiskitoto
navigatethesesmallvillageswhileonthejob.

Happily,oneofmycoworkersatHotelLiberiainCostaRica,MiskitoIndianJonnyNixon,could
notonlyfixjustaboutanything,butwasalsowillingtoteachmealittleMiskitoduringhis
downtime.Wehadsomuchfunthatmygoalofbuildingasmallphrasebookquicklygrewoutof
control.Thislittlelexicon,whichfeaturesthedialectofthetonguespokenintheBluefieldsarea,
istheresultofthoselessons.

PleasekeepinmindthatIamnotaprofessionallinguist,ormuchofanythingelseforthat
matterheck,youmaynoticethatSpanishisntevenperfect.IfyoudospeakSpanish,theres
actuallyabetterfreeMiskitodictionary***
http://rds.org.hn/docs/listas/moskitia/diccionario/diccionario.html***availableonline,compiledby
oneDr.DaniloSalamanca,whichalsousesonthedialectofMiskitospokeninsoutheastern
Nicaragua.Ifyourearefeelingreallyambitious,youcouldtakeclassesfromProfessorDionisio
MelgaraBrown(brownmelgara@hotmail.com,inSpanishonly),whorunstheMuseoAuka
TangkiinWaspm,Nicaragua,closetotheHonduranborder.Healsosellshiscomprehensive,
selfpublishedDiccionarioPrcticoEspaolMiskito(US$18)andaworkbookofgrammar
exercises,AprendamosElMiskito(US$7.50)atthemuseum.

AShortHistoryoftheMosquitia
ThisarticlewasoriginallypublishedinLonelyPlanetNicaraguaElSalvador

SomelegendssaythattheMiskitoNation,whichfortwocenturiescontrolledmoreterritorythan
any other indigenous group in American history (other than the Mayans), originated in the
MiskitoKeys.ThesmallgroupofislandsfirstappearedonaEuropeanmapin1630,labeledthe
MusquituIslands,'14leaguesfromCabodeGracias,'wheretheMiskitosfirstmadecontactwith
pirate captain Sussex Camock in 1633. Following an alliance with the pirates, who used the
naturaldeepwaterporttorelaxbetweenraidsontheSpanishtreasurefleet,theMiskitostook
controloftheentireMiskitoCoast,fromNorthernHondurastowellintoCostaRica,thebulkof
whichistodayknownastheMosquitia.

The Miskitos quickly grasped the potential for firearms, and in return for the new technology
aidedinthesackingofSpanishstrongholdsupanddowntheRi\'oSanJuanandRi\'oCoco.In
1687,theEnglishmonarchywaspleasedenoughwiththeirnewalliestohelpfoundtheMiskito
Monarchy,asystemofgovernmentthatwouldendureintothe19th centurydescendentsofthe
MiskitoRoyalFamilystillliveintheregionssurroundingWaspm.ButwhentheBritishbrought

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 1 PaigeR.Penland
one of the Miskito Kings to England, to learn more about his English benefactors, the young
manstutorsweresurprisedthathelookedmoreAfricanthanIndian.

Miskitoculturehashistoricallyembracedoutsiders,andnotalwaysfiguratively.Mosttracetheir
obviously African roots to a Portuguese slave ship that wrecked on the keys in 1640, though
waves of escaped slaves, pirates of African descent, and West Indian banana workers are
almost certainly part of the mix. Other important outside influences include the German
Moravian church, whose missionaries arrived in 1849, and built pretty redroofed wooden
churches that are now at the physical and cultural heart ofmost Miskito communities. To this
daymanyMiskitofestivalsandhandicraftshaveadistinctlySaxonflavor,nottomentionplenty
ofblueandgreeneyesinthecrowd.

The Mosquitia did not submit willingly to Nicaraguan rule 1894, so the Spanishspeaking
government sent in troops that could hold major cities, but never penetrate the fiercely
independent smaller towns. The Miskitos discontent at their domination by the 'Spaniards' in
ManaguawasbroughttoaheadbyoneofthemosthorrificchaptersofSandinistarule.

USbackedNicaraguandictatorAnastasioSomozahadbeenpopularsince1960,whenstarving
Miskito refugees pouring into the country following a bloody border dispute with Honduras.
Instead of turning the starving and destitute illegal immigrants away, as some Nicaraguan
politicians had wanted to do, President Somoza ordered houses and Moravian churches built.
Fortheremainderofhisrule,Somozawouldrandomlyappearonthecoastforenormousfree
barbecueparties,enjoyingtheoneregioninNicaraguawherehe waspopularenoughtorelax
without worrying about being assassinated. This was despite an apartheid system that the
Somoza government maintained, which required Miskito workers have a special, difficultto
obtainpassportbeforetravelingtoPacificsideofthecountry,wherethejobswere.

Thus,whentheSandinistarevolutionmarchedtriumphantlyintoManaguain1979,theMiskitos'
loyalties were split. Many of themjoined MISURASATA (MISkito, SUmo, RAma, SAndinista &
AslaTAlanka),anindigenouspoliticalpartyfoundedbytheFSLN(SandinistaNationalLiberation
Front).Thesevolunteers were eager to help with the nationalliteracycampaign, among other
admirable projects that promised to improve the areas woefully substandard education and
infrastructure.

Literacy workers were soon informed, however, that the Sandinistaled government had
decreedSpanishasNicaraguas sole,officiallanguage.MoreMiskitosstillspokeEnglishthan
Spanish, and they were furious that their own indigenous language had been completely
sidelined. Then, adding more fuel to the fire, the FSLN declared the Mosquitia's natural
resources to be public property, 'to be exploited efficiently and reasonably.' By Spanish
speakersinManagua,thatis.Tensionsbuilt.

At the same time, members of Somoza's defeated National Guard were regrouping in the
Mosquitia. The Sandinistas received intelligence that the soldiers would be meeting in San
Carlos,neartheHonduranborder,onDecember23,1981.FSLNleadershipassumed,probably
incorrectly,thatdissatisfiedMiskitoIndianswerealreadyworkingwiththehatedNationalGuard
toreturntheSomozadynastytopower.

Some7000Sandinistatroopsreceivedtheirorders:Evacuatethepeople,burnthehouses,kill
the animals, raze the farms and orchards, even destroy the wells. No one was given time to
pack or think, just flee the columns of smoke risingfrom the riverbanks, the squeals of dying
animals behind them. Every singletown on the Ri\'o Coco was burned to the ground, and no
oneknowshowmanyciviliansdied.ItisrememberedasRedChristmas.

Some 20,000 Miskito Indians became refugees, trying to eke out anew life Honduras, Puerto
Cabezas(nowcalledBilwi)andSanJose\'deBocay,mostfinallysettlinginwhat'snowknown
as Tasba Pri or 'Free Land,' theimpoverished string oftowns that cling to the rough dirt road
betweenRositatothePacificCoast.IfthemajorityMiskitoshadntpreviouslysympathizedwith
theNationalGuard,atthispointbackedbytheadministrationofUSPresidentRonaldReagan,
theydidnow.ThousandsofyoungmenandwomenjoinedtheContras,thirstyforrevenge.

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 2 PaigeR.Penland
After surveying the scorched earth theyd left behind, Sandinistas backpedaled, issuing
apologiesandevenofferingtomakeMiskitoanofficiallanguage,butitwastoolittle,toolate.
The region became the center of the Contra insurgency, with multiple USrun military bases,
landingstripsandathrivingcocainetradethatpaidformuchoftheoperation.

After the Contras lost US support, in the wake of the IranContra Affair, Miskito soldiers and
politiciansagreedtobeginpeacefultalkswiththeSandinistaledcentralgovernment.Managua
passed National Autonomy Law in 1987, which granted the RAAN and RAAS nominal
independence, but in reality continued to allow the central government to exploit the region's
natural resources but without any legal responsibility to help build infrastructure.
Unemployment hovered at 50% for a decade, and the region remained the poorest in the
nation.

Shortly after autonomy,former Contras and MISURASATAmembersformedYATAMA(YApTi

MAsrika Nani, or 'Descendants of Mother Earth'), a nationwide political party the today gets
about90%oftheindigenousvoteineveryelectionandintheRAANandRAAS,thatmeans
themajorityoftheelectorate.

YATAMAwasbarred,however,fromparticipatinginthe2000electionsbecauseofThePact,an
agreement between Sandinista Party strongman Daniel Ortega and disgraced former Liberal
Party (which represents most nonNative former Contras) President Arnoldo Alemn that
effectively limits Nicaragua to a twoparty system. YATAMA called on its constituency to
abstain, and the Sandinista candidate actually became mayor of Bilwi/Puerto Cabezas.
YATAMA took their complaints to the World Court, which ruled in 2003 the elections were
indeed tainted. In 2005, YATAMA returned to the ballot and won the mayorships of
RAANsthreelargestcities,Waspa\'m,PrinzapolkaandBilwi.

AbouttheLanguage
Miskitoisamixtureofatleastthree,probablyfour,differentlanguages.EnglishandSpanish
speakerswillfindlotsoffamiliarsoundingnouns,generallydescribingmorerecentlyintroduced
items,suchastrukforcar,orkeisoforcheese.Therearesomeinterestingsideeffectsofthis
linguisticoverlap,forinstancebicho,aSpanishwordforsmallinsect,isusedinMiskitoasa
racytermforfemalegenetalia,probablybecauseofitssimilarilytotheEnglishwordbitch.

MostMiskitowords,however,areinaverydifferentlanguage,assumedtobetheoriginal
indigenoustongue.Almostcertainly,giventhenumberofAfricansslavessettledhere,some
wordsareAfricaninorigin.Moreover,MiskitodoesntresembleSpanishorEnglish
grammaticallyatall,relyinginsteadonavarietyofsuffixestoperformjobsweassignto
modifiers,pronounsandadjectives.MiskitoalsoeschewsLatinconventionssuchassexesfor
inanimateobjectsandthesubmissive/dominantformsofyou(tu/ustedinSpanish).

Pronunciation
A,asinaunt,tia,andlala(money)
Ai,pronouncelikethelongiinkite,theayinhayoraisaba(adios,goodbye)
Ei,asinfreight,thefirsteinespaol,orteim(tiempo,time)
I,asinmini,listoormiriki(gringo,tourist)
O,asintoe,dedoorrom(habitacion,room)
U,asinblue,azulorkupia(corazn,heart)

BisverysimilarinpronunciationtoP
CisusedonlywhenIforgottouseK,andrepresentsahardksound
K,whenattheendoftheword,maybepronouncedveryquickly,likeahardstop
PisverysimilartoB
Sisveryclosetozsometimes
TcansometimesbeveryclosetoK
WdoesntreallyhaveaequivalentinSpanishorEnglishtheresasoft,ofteninaudibleoin
frontofit,similartoowl.Thuswan(querer,want)cansoundmorelikeowan,whichcanbe
confusing.Ow(si,yes)shouldprobablybewrittenasjustawusingmytransliteration,but
thatlookedweird.
Xispronouncedratherlikeksh

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 3 PaigeR.Penland
Suffixes&Prefixes
AlthoughImstillnotclearonexactlyhowallthesuffixesandprefixeswork,theyseem
grammaticallymuchmoreimportantinMiskitothanineitherSpanishorEnglish.Hereareafew
ofobservations.

Suffixes

aba(esta[cosa],this[thing])Addedwhenyouwantaspecificitem.Bukbribalissimply
Traigameunlibro,orBringmeabook.Bahabukababribal,ontheotherhand,becomes
Traigameestelibroalla,orBringmethatbookthere.

cam/cana(suyoyoursortheirs)Thisisaddedtosomethingtoindicatethatitbelongsto
someoneelse.Nahabookumcana,Estoessulibro,thisisyourbook.Imnotsurewhenthe
differentvariationsareused.

ka(masqueuna[cosa],morethanone[thing])Thisisanalogoustothesaddedontoplurals
inbothSpanishandEnglish.Kapika(cafs,coffees)andsapka(tiendas,shops)illustratethe
rule.

kei(mio,mine)Indicatespossession:romkeimihabitacin,myroom.Ifthisdoesntsound
nice,youcanaddthesynonym,tei

plika(loquienhacealgoonewhodoessomething)Thisistackedontotheendofanounto
indicatethepersondoingit. Wak(trabajowork)becomeswakplika,trabajadororworker.

ra(algoquequiere,somethingdesireable)Thisisusedwhenyouwantsomethingspecific,and
youwantitalot.Yanwanschnabot,translatesasQuieroencontrarbarco,orIdliketotake
aboat.YanWanschnabotraismorelikeNecesitoESTEbarcoorIneedTHATboat!

sa(algoqueestaaqui,peronoestaalla,somethingthatshere,andnotthere)

taki(salir,toleave)Thisistackedontosomethingthatsinmotion,orabouttobe.Mannuapo
diateimbustakisapa?, Aquehorasaleelbus?orWhattimedoesthebusleave?This
workswithduritaki(barcosaliendo,boatthatsleaving)orpleemtaki(avionsaliendo,plane
thatsleaving),butitseemstoneedthemodifiersapa(dondeestaalgo,wheresomethingis).

tei(mio,mine)Indicatespossession:Kapiteimicaf,mycoffee.Ifthisdoesntsoundnice,
youcanaddthesynonym,kei

um(esta[cosa],specificthing)Thisalsohelpsstressthatyouretalkingaboutaspecificitem:
Yanbukumdaokisnamirikiuplicanani,EstoytrabajandoenunaguiaporviajerosorIm
workingonaguidebook.Bukum(estelibro,thatbook)indicatesthatitsspecificallyabookfor
tourists(literallythepeopleoftheAmericans,whichIthinkisfunny).

ya(mio,mine)Thisindicatesownership(atleastmostofthetime),notonlyliterallyaswith
duriya(mibarco,myboat)butalsometaphorically,asinwapawaya(micaminata,mywalk).
Otherinterestingpossessivesincludebili/bila(mi/suboca,my/yourmouth) kaigma/utenkaigma
(mi/sunariz,my/yourmouth)naipa/nampa(mi/sudientes,my/yourteeth).Alsoseewuten.

Notethatthelocationwhereanactiontakesplacecanbetackedontoaverb.Naha
kabukanarasipsnaestabaya,podrianadaraquienelmar?ormayIswimhere,inthe
ocean?isacompoundofkabu(mar,ocean)andkanara(nadar,toswim).Nahalagunkanara
sipsnaestabaya?forexample,meanspodrianadaraqui,enellago?ormayIswimhere,in
thelake?

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 4 PaigeR.Penland
Prefixes

Baha(esta[cosa],that[one])Thisisaverycommonsignifier,andseemstobethemostpolite
onetousewithpeople,suchasbahamerca(estamujer,ellathatwoman,her)and
bahawetnika(estehombre,elthatman,him).

Uba(mucho,muylots,very)Whenthisisaddedtoanoun,itsignifiesthatitishavinganaffect
onalargerenvironment.Forexamplelapta(sol,sun)becomesubalapta(claro,sunny)
payaska(viento,wind)becomesubapayaska(ventoso,windy)anddamnei(dulce,sweet)
ubadamnei(muydulce,verysweet).

Wuten(deel/ella,his/hers)Indicatesownershipbyathirdparty:kupia/wutenkupia(mi/su
corazn,my/theirheart),klukia/wutenklukia(mi/suestomago,my/yourstomach).

Possession
Severalsuffixesandprefixesindicatepossession,includingcam/cana(detu/usted/ustedes,
your/their),ya/tei/kei(mio,mine)andtheprefixwuten(suyo,his/theirs).Spanishspeakers
shouldnotethatMiskitodoesntuseasingleverb(tener)toindicatebothpossessionofobjects
andfeelings(tengosed).Instead,brisna(tengo,Ihave)isusedforphysicalobjects,while
aidoksa(tengo/siento,Ifeel)coverstheephemerals.Herearesomeexamples:

Ansakapikamandukian? Cualcafessuyo? Whichcoffeeisyours?

Yankapiapu. Notengocaf. Idonthaveanycoffee.
Yankapitei micaf mycoffee
Najamankipicam Esteessucaf Thisisyourcoffee
Najakapicanabahamerca Estecafessuyo Thisishercoffee

Yansibrisna Tengomiedo Imafraid

Manretkabrisma Tienerazon Youreright
Yankapibrisna Tengocaf Ihavecoffee
Yanwaznabotraayimakaya. Tengoganasirenbarco Iwanttogoonthe
boat.
Yanlidienaidoxa Tengosed Imthirsty
Yancaulabrisna,yanbitneiaidoxa Tengofrio Ifeelcold
Yanishtitowkisna Tengoprisa Iminahurry
Yanbritnei Tengocalor Imhot

Yanyapanaidoxa,yanaidoxayapan Tengosueo Imsleepy

Manyapanmaidoxa Tieneustedsueo Youretired
Bahamerkayaponmaidoxa Ellatienesueo Shestired

Kaula frio cool

Yapan sueo,dormir sleep,sleepy
Ishti prisa hurry
Dowkisna andar going
Tow toalla towel
Brisna Tengo Ihave
Aidoksa Tengo Ifeel

Formingnegatives
Theeasiestwaytoformasimplenegativeisbystatingthepositivesubjectwithoneorseveral
ofnegativewords,includingapia(no,no),apu(nunca,none),saura(mal,bad),sip(nose
puede,cant)orcrabas(nosepuede,cant).Amoreadvancedwaytomakeanegativeisby
changingverbendings.Herearesomeexamplesusingkaikisma(conocer,toknow):

Yanmanderakaikisna Te/seconozco Iknowyou

Yanmanderamaikaikaras Note/seconozco Idontknowyou
Yannajamergakaikisma conozcoaella Iknowher
Yannajamergakaikras noconozcoaella Idontknowher

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 5 PaigeR.Penland
VerbConjugation
Iamnotalinguist,andthereforenoskillsetforpullingapartgrammaticalstructuresand
identifyingrules.Regardless,herearesomeconjugationsofusefulverbsinsimplepast,
presentandfuturetenses.Verbsaparentlyhavethreeformsforeachtense,whichIhave
abbreviatedtoY/Y,M/MandM/W:

Yan(Iyo)andYananei(wenosotros),oftenendswithna
Man(youtu,usted)Mananei(yall,ustedes),oftenendswithma
Bahamerca/Bahawetnika/BahatuktikaMercananei/Werinanei(she/he/it,ella/el
ellas/ellos,they)

Herearesomeverbs:

Present Past Future

Aidoksa (sentir,tofeel)

Y/Yaidoksa aidowkikan aidowkisa

M/Mmaidoksa maidowkikan maidowkisa
M/Waidokisa dowkikan dowkisa

Brisma(tener,cobrartohave,charge)

Y/Ybrisna brikapei bribawaikshna

M/Mbrisma brikaplam bribawaikshma
M/Wbrisa brikaplam bribawaiksha

Diaya(hacer,tomar,bebertomake,take,drink)

Y/Y disna diburhuri dibanhweisna

M/M disma dibonhuram dibanhweisma
M/W disa dibahuan dibanhweisma

Dowkisna(hacer,todoormake)

Y/Y dowkisna dowkrei dowkaisna

M/M dowkisma dowcram dowkaisma
M/W dowkisa dowken dowkaisa

Wan(querer,necesitarwant,need)

Y/Ywanschna wankapri wankaisna

M/Mwanschma wankapram wankaisma
M/Wwan wankan waikaisna

Wiya(irtogonotethatitisveryregular)

Y/Y wida wuitinanei wuitinka

M/M wida wuitinanei wuitinka
M/W wida wuitinanei wuitinka

Youcanformanotherfuturetense,apparentlyindicatingalevelofuncertainty,bysimply
indicatingafuturetime,forexampleyowka(maana,tomorrow)orwikwala(semanaproxima,
nextweek)infrontofthetheverb:

Yanplumyowkabrisma Voyatenercomida Iwillhavefood

tomorrow
Yanbookteiyowkabribaleisna Voyatraerellibro Illbringthebook
tomorrow
Yanwikwalaklibaleisna Voyaregresar Illbebacknextweek

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 6 PaigeR.Penland
Manyowkaklibaleisma Vaaregresar Youllbeback
tomorrow

PHRASEBOOK
PalabrasImportantes,KeyWords
AlsoseePlaticando/MakingSmallTalk,later.

Naksa Hola Hello

Aisabei Hastaluego Goodbye
Moning Buenosdias GoodMorning
GoodNight Buenasnoches GoodNight
Daiwanwalkaiyiki Buenasuerte Goodluck(mayGod
takecareofyou)

Ow Si Yes
Apia No No
Plees porfavor please
Help! auxilio! Help!

Ninandia? Comosellama? Whatisyourname?

DiaPreis? Cuantovale? Howmuchdoesitcost?
Nakisma? Comoesta? Howareyou?
Pain Bien Fine
Saura Mal Badly
Siknes Estoyenferma Imsick

Dingkepali Gracias Thankyou

Diraapia denada Yourewelcome
Escyuz Disculpe Excuseme

Hotel hotel hotel

Restaurant restaurante restaurante
Tailet bao Toilet
Rom habitacion room

Plum(Food,Comida)
AlaMesa,AttheTable
Atkisa especialidad specialty
Brunahuni! Querico! Howdelicious!
Damnei dulce sweet
Dikwa olla bowl,kitchen
Diunarpata almuerzo lunch
Kapidia desayuno breakfast
Metch fosforos match
Owgunei rico delicious
Painpis Buenprovecho Bonappett
Pata comida food
Pees comer toeat
Picante picante spicy
Plitka platos plates
Plum comida food
Preiskaaix lacuenta thebill
Sopa copa cup
Tispun cuchara spoon
Tootnipata cena dinner
Tiru cuchilla knife
Triso tenedor fork
Utla taza cup
Yanwarudizna Estoybebiendo Imdrinking(alcohol)

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 7 PaigeR.Penland
Yanblazna Estoyborracha Imdrunk

EnlaCarta,OntheMenu
Aiya maiz corn
Aman tostada toasted
Bir cerveza beer
Brid pan bread
Chocolatei chocolate chocolate
Danlei miel honey
Fruta fruta fruit
Hamon jamon ham
Inska pescado/pez fish
Kalila pollo chicken
Kalilamahabra huevosdegallina henseggs
Keiso queso cheese
Kiskan frito fried
Kitkumans postre desert
Lat manteca,aceite butter,oil
Lobsta langosta lobster
Mahabra huevo egg
Papas papas potatoes
Piper pimiento pepper
Plumandia comidabebe babyfood
Reis arroz rice
Reisanbins arrozyfrijoles rice&beans
Shugar azucar sugar
Yehura yuca yucca
Wina carne meat

AntesdelaMesa/PriortoReachingtheTable
Aikaya cosecher toharvest
Alcaya cazar hunt
Beep vaca/ganado cow(istheroot
sheep?)
Bookit lata can
Bookitkwakaiya abriadordelatas canopener
Bridakisabriska pandera bakery
Huico cerdo pig
Inska pez fish
Inskapain pezutil ediblefish
Kalida granja farm
Mancaya sembrar toplant,sow
Mankisa granjera farmer(female)
Sap tienda,pulperia shop
Shugar azucar sugar
Sula venado deer
Wetnadiaramankisa granjero farmer(male)

Yanwalwinakalilapias.
Soyvegetariana.
Imavegetarian(literally,Idonteatmeatandchicken)

Yansiknesbrisnamango/mani
Tengoalergiaamango/mani
Imallergictomangos/peanuts

Manunapuansaradondeplumatkisapa?
WherecanIbuyfood?
Dondesevendencomida?

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 8 PaigeR.Penland
Hotel(Hotel,Hotel)
InmanyMiskitovillages,therewontbearealhotel,perse.Butyoucanalmostalwaysfind
someonewillingtorentyouaroom,orevenletyoustaythereforfree,justbecauseyoullbe
thesubjectoflocalgossipforthenextthreemonths.IntownswithalargeMayangna
population,youllprobablybeinvitedtosleepinthetownhallfreeofcharge,thoughitsalways
politetotip.

Bao bao bathroom

Baocuartobilalasakei baoprivado privatebath
Blanket sabana blanket
Cuala ropa clothes
Cuarto cuarto room
Cuartocana lanoche thenight
DiaPreis? Cuantovale? Howmuch?
Katrri cama bed
Katrritara camamatrimonial doublebed
Keikaya verlo seeit
Ki llave key
Kumei uno one
Sirpar barrato cheap
Sirpi pequeo small
Timia noche night
Tuskaya limpiar wash
Yanromkei mihabitacion myroom
Yapaya dormir tosleep

Ansnipsakeikaya? Podriaverlo? CanIseeit?

Baobrisma? Tieneustedbao? Doyouhavea
bathroom?

Manailwishotelansarabarsa?
Podriadecirmeadondeestaunhotel?
Couldyoupleasetellmewhereahotelis?

Monin,escyusaman.Diapriesbrismacuartocanatimiakumi?
Hello,excuseme.Howmuchisaroom?
Buenosdias,disculpe.Cuantovaleunhabitacion?

Manuapoansarapleiskibarsarayapaya?
Hayunalugarparadormer?
Isthereaplacetosleep?

Narapleiskumapocualatuskaya
Haylugarparalavarropas?
Isthereaplacetowashclothes?

Sipsnadikwabayusmunaya?
Podriausarlacocina?
MayIusethekitchen?

Bahahotelkacowsirpar/tara?
Hayunhotelmasbarrato/grande?
Isthereabigger/cheaperhotel?

Yanyowkatakashkeisnanahahotelpain.
Maana,voyaquedarmeaestehotelbonito.
Tomorrow,Iwillstayatthislovelyhotel.

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 9 PaigeR.Penland
Transporte/Transportation
Aeroplan espacio outerspace(notypo)
Baisical biciceta bicycle
Bot barco bigboat
Buskabaplikisna estacionautobus busstation
Duri barcopequeo Smallboat
Kaiyikiwas Quetevayabien Haveagoodtrip
Licien permiso license
Pleem avion airplane
Takiwas Buenviaje bonvoyage
Tren ferrocarril train
Truk auto/camion car/truck
Trukwakailicien permisoamanejar driverslicense
Yabal camino road

Directionals
Ansa donde where
Kato adonde where
Laihurasa lejos far
Lamara,Lamarasa cerca near
Aikam izquierda left
Smiskam derecho right
Tresh directo straight(ahead)
Dimibal,dims(informal) entre between
Wala otrolado otherside
Porala porarriba uphill,upstairs
Ouna despues after
Poralaouna voyporarriba Imgoingup
Poralaouma vaporarriba Youregoingup
Mayara porabajo downhill,downstairs
Mawanarasa enfrente infront
(Sapka)ninarasa detras(lapulperia) behind(thestore)
Aikamseitrasa Dobleizquierda Turnleft
Smiskamseitrasa Doblederecha Turnright
Treshwas Vapordirecto Gostraightahead
Nawinalihurasa? Estalejos? Isitfar?
Nabunalamarasa? Estacerca? Isitclose?
Sipsnawapawaya? Puedocaminar? CanIwalkthere?
Yabalkabaiyawala. Estaenelotroladodelcamino. Itsontheothersideof
theroad.

Ansarasa? Dondeesta? Whereis?

Baleisma llegar,venir arrive,go
Klibaleisna volver/regresar Tocomeback
Gwaiya deir fromwhere
Yanbakisanrasna Estoyenvacacciones Imonvacation.

Bahasapkaounabailawalara
Estadespuesdelpulperia.
Itsaftertheconveniencestore.

Bahawatlamawanarasa
Estaopuestodelacasa.
Itsoppositethehouse

Escyus,mansipsmailpeimonaya?
Perdon,puedeustedayudarme?
Excuseme,butcouldyouhelpme?

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 10 PaigeR.Penland
Mannuapodiateimbustakisapa?
Whattimedoesthebusleave?
Aquehorasaleelbus?
Mannuapodiateimduritakisapa?
Mannuapodiateimpleemtakisapa?

NapkeisipsnagwaiyaBonanza?
ComosevaaBonanza?
HowdoIgettoBonanza?

Pleiswallasipsnakeiwiya?
Hayotramaneradeiralla?
Isthereanotherwaytogetthere?

Nahayabalkaansakatoaoya?
Dondellegeestecamino?
Wheredoesthisroadarrive?(InsteadofWheredoesitgo?)

Pleeskumbarsekeibaisicalrinmonaya?
Haylugarparaaquilarbicicletas?
Isthereaplacetorentbikes?

AroundTown
Apis oficina office
Banco banco bank
Koreiyo correo postoffice
Direksion direccion address
Market Mercado market
Polis policia police
Skool escuela school
Suwatla(su) cine cinema
Telecor telefono telephone
Turistaapis oficinaturistica touristoffice
Diateimcuacansa? Aquehoraestaabierta/o? Whendoesitopen?
Diateimprakansa? Aquehoraestacerrado/a? Whendoesitclose?

Diasipsnadowkayatimia
Hayalgoparahacerenlanoche?
Isthereanythingtodotonight?

Natimiadiabarsa?
Algopasarahoynoche?
Isanythingontonight?

Diadowkeismanatimia.
Quehaceustedestanoche?
Whatareyoudoingtonight?

Haybapayadimiadukiara?
Senecesitapagarparaentrar?
Isthereacovercharge?

Iglesia/Church
Bibil Biblia Bible
Daiwan Dios God
Evangelika Evangelica Protestant
Kiatelik Catolica Catholic
Pasil Sacerdote Preacher
Preisawatla iglesia church

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 11 PaigeR.Penland
Narapreisawatlakumlamaraapua?
Heyunaiglesiacerca?
Isthereachurchnear?

Banco/Bank
Cuacansa abiert/a open
Prakansa cerrado/a closed
Dalas dolares dollars
Lala dinero/plata Money
LalaMiriki/Dolah dolares USdollars
Sismonaya cambiar(plata) change(money)
Anyminit cajeroautomatico ATM
Sipsnasismonaya(lala)? Puedocambiar(dinero)? CanIchange(money)?

Ansaradalassismonayasipsna?
Dondesepuedecambiardolares?
WherecanIchangedollars?

Shopping
NakiPries? Cuantovale? Howmuchdoesthat
cost?

Bir cerveza beer

Bootch botas boots
Chaket abrigo,camisa jacket,shirt
Cigarette cigarro cigarette
Cuala tela cloth
Glas vidrio glass
Ion metal metal
Owshtia papel paper
Prak vestido dress
Pries precio Price
Pencil lapicero pen
Royo rollo film
Saks medias socks
Sap tienda Shop
Sapka pulperias conveniencestores
Slilmika hamaca hammock
Sombrero condom condom
Sumora sombrero,gorra hat
Tat madera wood
Tow toalla towel
Trous pantalon pants(trousers)
Tuwaco tobacco tobacco
Tweeva marijuana marijuana
Wan necesitar/querer want/need
Watch reloj watch

Problemas/Problems
Amisa fuego! Fire!
Aimplikida ladrn thief
Belsa bolsa purse,pocket
Liar abogado lawyer
Mochila mochila backpack
Pors billetero wallet
Polis policia police
Pulismitaaitakaskansa Estoyencarcel Ivebeenarrested
Yandiaranoapo Nolohize Ididntdoit.
Yanporskitikri perdimibillete! Ilostmywallet
Yantiburisa estoyperdido Imlost

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 12 PaigeR.Penland
Was! Vengase! Goaway

Uplika(People/Gente)
Almo adulta adult/oldfemale
Bahamerca estamujer thatwoman(her)
Bahamercapain buenamujer goodwoman
Bahatuktika estacosa thatthing(it)
Bahawetnika estehombre thatman(him)
Bahawetnikauyapainapia hombrehorrible reallybadguy
Bas jefe chief,leader,boss
Dalenki novio/a boyfriendorgirlfriend
Dama adulto adult/oldmale
Delen amor darling
Escritor escritora writer
Miriki gringo/turista American/tourist
Pana amigo friend
Painiki amigo friend
Skuluplika estudiantesmasviejos olderstudents
Skultuktika estudiantesmasjovenes youngerstudents
Uplika gente person
Uplikanani gente,pueblo thepeople,elpueblo
Waroplika soldado soldier
Wehili,yanwehili enemigo,mienemigo enemy,myenemy
Yan Yo I

Familia,Family
Yanmamiki madre mother
Yanpapiki padre father
Lekra hermano brother
Muiski hermana sister
Tuktansirpei bebe baby
Suaplupia bebepequeito reallylittlebaby
Tuktan nino child
Nahabelbika estabebe thisbaby
Lukpa hijos kids
Lupiam mihijo myson
Lupi mihija mydaughter
Lanka hermana sister
Manuka hermano brother
Muliya suegra motherinlaw
Dapnei suegro brotherinlaw
Lankabrisma? Tieneustedhermana? Doyouhavesisters?
Manukabrisma? Tieneustedhermano Doyouhavebrothers?
Manmarid? Estaustedcasada Areyoumarried?
Yanmeidin/hweknaapo Noestoycasada Imnotmarried
(literally,Idonthaveawoman/man)

Lupkaanbrisma?
Cuantoshijostiene?
Howmanykidsdoyouhave?

ElCuerpo,TheBody
Bili boca mouth
Dukiemtara organosfemininos femalegenetalia
Kiyaima oreja ear
Kleska hombros shoulders
Kluki estomago stomach
Kuhumi rodilla knee
Kupia corazn heart

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 13 PaigeR.Penland
Laimadusa pechos breasts
Leila cabeza head
Leilamalbra cerebro brain
Leima cuello neck
Naigra ojo eye
Naipa dientes teeth
Maiwan cara face
Maibra organosmasculinos malegenetalia
Milte mano hand
Milteki lasmanos bothhands
Mini pie foot

Descripciones,Descriptions
Baiwan flaco thin
Batana gordo fat
Bindowkisa ruidosa noisy
Mantarasamba emocional emotional,upset
Paisa tuanis sweet
Pini claro lightcomplexion
Siksa negro darkcomplexion
Sirpi bajo short
Srinwaskira perezoso lazy
Suso disnudo naked
Tada hermosa beautiful
Ubalowisma celoso jealous
Yadi alto tall

Actividades,Activities
Pulisma jugar play
Practis practicando practice
Wopayo caminando hiking
Beisbal beisball baseball
Futbal futbal soccer
Surfing surfing surfing
Aisikeikisma leyendo reading
Kesobaya viajar travel(literally,to
pass)

Yanmanegualpulayawansma?
Quiereustedjugarconmigo?
Wouldyouliketoplaywithme?

Politics
Democracia democracia democracy
Drogas drogas drugs
Economia economia economy
Educacion educacion educations
Imsa egalidad equality
Libaska(bas) surcodelagua watersource
Naturaleza naturaleza nature
Politic politicas politics
Sindicato sindicato union
Ulbesma vota youvote
Warakapo disempleo unemployment
Warailal empleo employment(lotsof
work)

Mandialookismanahogobierno?
Quepiensedelgobierno?
Whatdoyouthinkofthegovernment?

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 14 PaigeR.Penland
Manyadukiaraulbesma?
Porquienvaavotar?
Whoareyougoingtovotefor?

NahaBluefieldsracontaminaciondukiaapukinara?
HaymuchocontaminacionenBluefields?
IsBluefieldsverypolluted?

Nature/Naturaleza
ThissectionfeaturesmyfavoritephraseintheentireMiskitolanguage:

Nahacasabriakanaslilmaailal
Theskyisfullofstars
Elcieloestallenodeestrellas

Geography
Ahuya arena sand
Ankisa derromoto landslide
Bocana catarata waterfall
Cabumutara bahia bay
Ilaila lugardeceros placeofhills
Iltara volcn volcano
Isla isla island
Kabu mar ocean
Lago lago lake
Li agua water
Lilapta aguestermales hotsprings
Nahacos lacosta thecoast
Playa playa beach
Tabukatara lamarea tide
Prizcamku teritoria territory
Tabowkiya sendero trail
Tasaba Tierra (planet)Earth
Tatara montaa mountain(non
volcanic)
Tingni rio river
Tingnisirpei arroyo creek
Untatara bosque forest
Uwalpa piedra rock
Wapiwaya caminar,sendero towalk,alsotrail

Weather

Casablika,tihimo nuboso cloudy

Kauhula hacefrio itscold
Laonza seco dry
Laowan seco dry
Lapsada haysol sunny
Lagun lago,aguadulce lake,freshwater
Muswan mojado wet
Payaska viento thewind
Riawisa lueve rainy
Teimkanalapsada/laonza temporalseca dryseason
Teimkanaliayusa temporallluvia rainyseason
Timo sombra shade
Ubababitnei hacecalor itshot
Ubalapta claro sunny
Ubapayaska ventoso windy

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 15 PaigeR.Penland
Other
Cielo cielo sky
Dreipapa lodo mud
Dus plantas plants
Ilili tiburon shark
Kahabrika cielo heaven
Kasabrika cielo sky
Kati luna moon
Katinatara lunallena fullmoon
Katipain lunaBuena goodmoon
Lapta sol,caliente sun,heat
Manikum sombra shade
Marked sealado marked
Najaduskinasika plantasmedicinales medicinalplants
Natnawiranani aves Birds
Powta lea firewood
Reep ola,recasa current,riptide,wave
(notethattherootmayberiptide)
Rwa perico parrot
Sililma estrella star
Tairi zancudo mosquito
Uros monos monkeys

Markedparlapinzakeekilbitabowkiya?
Estaelsenderobiensealado?
Isthetrailwellmarked?

Danomitebarsakei?
Hayminas?
Aretherelandmines?

ManlookismanahapleeskanadiariaSaurabarsakei?
Isthisareadangerous?
Estaestazonapeligrosa?

Bocanabarsapa?Nuapuamsarabocanabarsapa?
Dondeestalacatarata?
Whereisthewaterfall?(Youdontknowwherethewaterfallsits?)

Mannuapuansarapleeskumbarsapaturistauplikadukiara?
Nohaygentequepuedeestarcomoguiaparalosturistas?
Youdontknowwheretheressomeonewhocanguidetourists?

Yansipsnanakinahapleeskanadimeiya?
Podriaentrar?
CanIgothere?

Nahalipain?
EstaestaaguaBuena?
IsthiswaterOKtodrink?

Wapiwayapainsakeproblemaapu?
Estaelsenderoseguro?
Isthepathsafe?

Sipsnamanprizcamkunueewaiya?
Podriapasarsupropiedad?
MayIcrossyourproperty?

Nahapriskanasipsnayanyawaiya.

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 16 PaigeR.Penland
Estaseguroanadaraqui?
Isitsafetoswimhere?

Nankabucanaraouyareepapu?
Haycorrienterecasaaqui?
Arethereriptideshere?

Teimkanapaisakinara?
Comoeselclima?
Howstheweather?

AttheDoctor
Aksidentei accidente accident
Amandekeimar quemarse burn(yourself)
Antibioticas antibioticas antibiotics
Asma asma asthma
Blaaidoksa mareada dizzy
Blin ciega blind
Diabetika diabetica diabetic
Docta doctora doctor
Infeksion infeccion infection
Kana cargar takeabowelmovement
Klahui dolor pain
Klaweisna dolor pain
Klekwan herida wound
Kwihirasapatbaikan embarasada pregnant
Lasaprukisa epileptica epileptic
Latwan dolor pain
Leila siento Ifeel
Leilaklahui dolordecabeza headache
Mini pie foot
Minikliban pietorqueda sprainedankle
Miti mano hand
Mitikliban manotorqueda sprainyourwrist
Naipaklawisna dolordedientes toothache
Pastiya pastillas pills
Patbaikan darunluz togivebirth
Reglas reglas menstruation
Smit sorda deaf
Taiya piel skin
Taiyanari rascos itch
Taiyasiknes enfermedaddepiel rash
Taiyaubanari muchosrascos reallyitchy
Tos tos cough
Ubaamori quemadelsol sunburn
Unta oreja ear

Ilpeimonaya ayudar help

Ilpeimuns ayudame helpme
Kemauntalatwan Tengodolordeoreja Ihaveanearache
Kopeiaidoksa Sientomajor Ifeelbetter
Nakauma Comoesta?Quetal? Howareyou?
Riaidoksa Tengofiebre Ihaveafever
Riuyaadoxa malaria(muchocalor) Malaria(lotsofheat)
Sauraaidoksa Sientomal Ifeelbad
Yanbiyaiyaganaakaban tengonausea Imnauseous
Yandoctakumwanschna Necesitounadoctora Ineedadoctor
Yansipkanacrabras Tengoestrenimiento Imconstipated
Siknesman? Estaenferma? Areyousick?
Siknesapia Noestoyenferma Imnotsick.

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 17 PaigeR.Penland
Siknesow Estoyenferma Imsick.

Diasipsnadowkaiyakanacrahabaiya
Tengoasientos
Ihavediarreah

Nahamedisinadukia
Estoesmimedicinanormal
Thisismynormalmedicine

Yancitadoctorbrisna?
Podriahacercitaconeldoctor?
CanImakeanappointmentwiththedoctor?

ImportantQuestions
Akia Cuando? When?
Ansara Donde? Where?
An Cuanto? Howmany?
Anza Cual? Which?
Aula Adonde? Fromwhere?
Dia Que? What?
Diamon? Porque? Why?
Diamuni Porque? Why?
DiaPreis? Cuantovale? Howmuch?
Diateim? Quehoraes? Whattimeisit?
Diatrabil? Quepasa? Whatsup?
Trabil loquepasa whatshappening
(althoughtherootisobviouslytrouble,butinMiskito,itisntnecessarilynegativeatall)
Naki Como? How?
Sipsna? Podria? MayI?
Ya Quien? Who?

Manuapo Nosabeusted Youdontknow

Ansarasakei dondequedarse Wherehesits
ManuapoBetoansarasakei? DondeestaBeto? WhereisBeto?

PlaceNames
Alamikamba Muelle Dock
Bambana DedondesonlosMayangnas/Sumos Wherethe
Mayangna/SumoIndiansarefrom,sometimescalledMucuswan
(Laguna)Bismuna TrasdelosPinos ThroughthePines
Kruta ketisque Astarchyvegetable
similartoyuccaandusedassoup
Leimus Limones Limes
Maniwatla CasaNueva NewHouse
Prinzapolka LagoGrande BigLake
Saslaya Riolargo LongRiver
Sinuna LugardeMinas Placeofmine(like,for
gold,notlandmines)
Tuapi MontaaGrande BigMountain
Wawa Puente Bridge
Waounta LugardeYuca PlaceofYucca
Waspum PlayaGrande BigBeach
Yaoya Cienaga Swamp

Colors
Andeis naranja orange
Blu azul blue
Buni verde green

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 18 PaigeR.Penland
Cafei caf brown
Pin blanco white
Poni rojo red
Sacamdei gris gray
Sixa negro black
Sixaponi morado purple
Sunny(perEnglish) Amarillo yellow

Time
ThedaysoftheweekareinSpanish,althoughtheEnglishnamesarealsowidelyused.
Months,withtheexceptionofJulio,arealsoinSpanish.JulioispronouncedasinEnglish,
July.AlsonotethatMiskitosusetheoddanglotermoclocktoindicatetime.

Basta acabado done

Bisiula haceunrato itsbeenawhile
Diadika Quedia? Whatday?
Dinar mediodia noon,midday
Laptaayimakausa puestodelsol sunset
Lasweek semanapasada lastweek
Mani ao year
Maniwala aopasado lastyear
Mon mes month
Monwala mespasado lastmonth
Naiwadika,Niwa,Naiwawika hoy today
Nowhala(nowhalabalrei) ayer yesterday
Oclock delhora oclock
Teim tiempo time
Timia noche night
Tutnei tarde afternoon,later
Wala pasado past
Week semana week
Weekwala semanaproxima nextweek
Yowka maana tomorrow

Mandiadikabalramnara?
Quediallego?
Whatdaydidyougethere?

Mannowhalabalreinara
Ustedllegoayer
Yesterday,youarrived

AkyasipsmabalayaSundaybaleisna
Llegadomingo.
ComebackSunday.

Akeyamanikambrisna
Cuandoessucumpleaos?
Whenisyourbirthday?

Diateimwalprowbia?
Aquehoraquiereustedencontrar?
Whattimewouldyouliketomeet?

Counting
Intheoldsystem,youdbasicallyaddmachitbeforethenumberinEnglish:machitwon,
machittu,machitfifty.Thesystembelowismorecommontoday.

1. Kumei
2. Wal

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 19 PaigeR.Penland
 3. Iyumpa
4. Four(alsowalwal,2+2)
5. Pai
6. Six
7. Seven
8. eight
9. nine
10. ten
11. lem
12. twelve
20.twenty
100.hunded

Oneidozen docena onedozen

Tenporten diezporciento tenpercent

Platicando/MakingConversation
Apia No No
Aisabi Adios Goodbye
Baldimis paseadelante comein
Dingkepali Gracias Thankyou
Diraapia denada Yourewelcome
Escyuz Disculpe Excuseme
GoodNight buenasnoches GoodNight
Ius porfavor please
Moning Buenosdias GoodMorning
Nakisma? Comoesta? Howareyou?
Naksa Hola Hello
Ninandia? Comosellama? Whatisyourname?
Ow Si Yes
Plees porfavor please
Smikasmoke vamosafumar(mota) Letsgosmoke
Ubadinkeipali Muchisimasgracias Thankssomuch
Widiius sientase Pleasesitdown

Escyuzman,nuapoyaispelAiseeSapa?
Excuseme,butyoudontknowanyoneherewhospeaksSpanish?
Perdon,perohayunapersonaquehablaespaolaqui?

Nahadukianinadia? Comosedice? Couldyourepeatthat?

Yanmaneranusna. Seentiendo. Iunderstandyou.
Yanmaneranusnaapo. Noseentiendo. Idontunderstandyou.

ManMiskitouyaaiyisaras.
NohablomuchoMiskito.
IdontspeakmuchMiskito.

Mansipsmatowaayaisaya?
Podriahablarmasdespacio?
Couldyouspeakmoreslowly?

Escyus,mansipsmailpeimonaya?
Perdon,puedeustedayudarme?
Excuseme,butcouldyouhelpme?

YanniniPaige MellamoPaige MynameisPaige

Anmaninamdia? Ycomosellama? Andwhatsyourname?
Nnakilalauram? Comoestausted? Howareyou?

Mansipsnalilikammumsacaya?

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 20 PaigeR.Penland
Podriasacarunphoto?
MayIpleasesnapaphoto?

Yankisaduriaisaya
Vamosaplaticar
Letschat.

Didowkisma? Quehaceel? Whatshedoing?

Manansaradimisma? Dondevive? Wheredoyoulive?
Mananeiansawana? Dedondees? Whereareyoufrom?

Dingkepalimanyangaraturiaisisma
Graciasporhablandoconmigo.
Thanksforchattingwithme.

Mandialekshma?
Quesegusta?
Whatdoyoulike?

Yankapilei Megustacaf Ilikecoffee

Mankapilei Tegustascaf Youlikecoffee
Bahawetnikakapilei Ellegustaelcaf Helikescoffee
Dingkipali gracias,muchogusto thankyou,itsbeena
pleasure

Diateimwalprowbia?
Aquehoraquiereustedencontrar?
Whattimewouldyouliketomeet?

PalabritasUtiles/MeaningfulModifiers
Thelittlewordsthatmeansomuch.

Bahaapia tampoco also(negative)

Basim tambien also(positive)
Baila otro other
Dukiera por,otro for,other
Mangual conusted/contigo withyou
Mani algonuevo somethingnew
Napkei como like
Ya quien who
Yangual conmigo withme
Wal con with
Wala otracosa otherthing

Manyangualwapayawanshma?
Quiereustedcaminarconmigo?
Wouldyouliketowalkwithme?

Tamao,Size
Ailal mucho lots
Cow ms,grande more,big
Cowwan ms,porfavor mayIhavemore
Diarakum algunos(cosas) some(things)
Nani mucho, mas lots,more
Nisibi menos less
Lisibi(ouidalupia) poquito alittlebit
Paliba algogrande it,whenitisbig
Tara grande big
Uba mucho very
Ubasirpe muypequeo verysmall

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 21 PaigeR.Penland
Ubatara muygrande verybig
Uya mucho much

Ubicacion,Location
Apu notengo Idonthave
Bucarasa Estaaqu Itshere
Baha este this,the
Bahadukia estacosa thatthing
Barsapa dondeesta whereitsits
Barsa es,esta itis
Barsakei hay,estaaqui itexists,itshere
Bilalasakei adentro inside
Bukra poralla overthere
Bukrasa allaesta thereitis
Dowkaya aqui here
Kana ese this
Kanara aqui here
Kilbi el the
Na ese this
Naha eso this
Nara aqui here
Narasma estaaqui itshere
Pleiskana,pleiskum lugar place
Yannaraapiasna Noestoyaqu Iamnothere
Yannarazna Estoyaqu Iamhere
Narasa aquesta Itshere

LasSobras,Leftovers
VerbasSobras,RandomLeftoverVerbs

Aibraks embrazar tohug

Aidoksa Tener tofeel
Ailwis decirme tellme
Aisisapa hablar tospeak
Aoya llegar arrive
Atkisapa Sell vender
Ayaisaya hablar speak
Balisakei venir Come
Bahabookababribal Traigaellibroaqu Bringthebookhere
Balgnara venir tocome
Balka venga comehere
Balram vin hecame
Bapaya parar tostop
Jonnylekshna Jonnymecayebien IlikeJonny
Bowli venir come
Bribal traer bring
Brisna Tener,cobrar tohave,tocharge
Briweisma Toma Youtake
Selebrar celebrate toparty
Danspuliaya bailar todance
Diaya hacer,beber,tomar,fumar make,drink,take,
smoke,basicallyanythingtodowithconsumption
Dimeiya entrar Enter
Dimisina vivo Ilive
Dowkan hecho made(of,in)
Dowkisna estoyhaciendo Immaking
Dowkeisna hacer todo
Dukiara hablar Talkto
Estabaiya ducharme toshower

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 22 PaigeR.Penland
Estabaya nadar swim
Guaya va go
Implikisa robar tosteal,cheat
Kayikisma conocer know(personorplace)
Kailmakalkaiya gritar toyell
Kailwan romper,roto tobreak,broken
Kaiyekibas cuidado! takecare,watchout
Kaiyiki cuidar tocare
Kisomei Besame Kissme
Leik gustar Like
Lookisnapain Recuerdobien. Irememberwell
Manlei gustas youlike,enjoy
Manlookisma? recuerdas? Doyouremember?
Mans poner toput
Manuapo nosabeusted youdontknow
Mayalkaya tomar take,ingest
Meeta(manmeeta) (me)diga tellme
Monaya aquilar torent
Munaya hacer todo
Nuapo nosabeusted Youdontknow
Nuiwaiya pasar topass
Nusna saber toknow(information)
Padenmolesna castigar topunish
Priskulekshna Megustafrescos Ilikesoftdrinks
Priskulekshma Tegustasfrescos Youlikesoftdrinks
Prowbia encontrar tomeet
Puleiya jugar toplay
Rin aquilado rent
Sacaya sacar totake
Saros hablar(mucho) tospeak(alot)
Sipsna poder Tobeable
Sipsnakei sisepuede youcan
Takaskisma vivir tolive
Takashkeisna quedarse tostay
Towlkaya andar toride
Towxna ando are
Turiaisisma hablar,platicar talk
Walaya estoyescuchando Imlistening
Wan querer towant
Wal ir togo
Walproweisna encontrar tofind
Wapaya caminar towalk
Wartakisna/ma trabajar work
Wetnawayapisa hacersexo tohavesex
Aituwisa joder tofuck
Wina estar tobe(inaplace,
usually)
Yanayatibwaiya olvid Iforgot
Yanescritor Yosoyescritor/a Iamawriter
Yankaikisna conozco Iknow
Yanlookisna recuerdo Iremember
Yanmakaweishna mevoy Imleaving
Yannajaradowkridowkeisna Lohize Imadethat
Yanplumdowkeisna hagocomido Immakingfood
Yanplumnajarabrisma Teniacomida Ihadfood
Yanusna entiendo,yos Iunderstand,Iknow
Yawaiya nadar toswim
Yus usar use

PalabrasSobras/OtherHomelessPartsofSpeech

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 23 PaigeR.Penland
Allthewordsthatwouldntfit!

Aras caballo horse

Arte arte art
Banmirikipleeska EEUU PlaceoftheAmericans
Bili idioma language
Diasapa algoquenosepuedesaber youcantknow
Daiwanwalkaiyiki Buenasuerte Goodluck(mayGod
takecareofyou)
Diarasaura horrible horrible
Dowkiba brujera placeofwitches
Elalaimuns consejo advice
Historia cuento story
Ilka foto photo
Ishti prisa hurry
Isi facil easy
Ispel Castilliano Spanish
Kaula frio cool
Kayuko nadar toswim,rowaboat
Klin limpio clean
Kum cepillo comb
Kupiyakomi todojuntos alltogether
Laguana musica music
Lalawan Necesitodinero Ineedmoney
Lexna amor love
Leip vida life
Leksa importante important
Lilikam foto photo
Luwana cancion song
Marid casarse married
Manridisma? Listo? Areyouready?
Manikam cumpleaos birthday
Nahaspirit magica,espiritus magic,spirits
Nini nombre name
Palibamanuapodiasapa naveespecialsinidentificacion UFO
Pinzakee bien(hecho) well(madeordone)
Problema problema,peligro problem,danger
Puisna broma joke
Samba emocion emotion
Saura mala bad
Sekankamninam apodo nickname
Supsna porsupuesto ofcourse
Swuponi suave soft
Tasbadukeiya sueloceramica tiledfloor
Taski sucio dirty
Towa suave soft,smooth,slow
Watla casa house
War guerre war
Wartaki trabajo work
Yapan sueo,dormir sleep,sleepy
Yubai parasiempre forever
Yul perro dog

OracionesExtraos/PhrasesThatJustDidntFit

Manlookismakitasbaraouinapleiswalaraliepdukierabarsakei?
PienseustedquehayvidafueradeTierra?
DoyouthinkthereslifeoutsideofEarth?

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 24 PaigeR.Penland
Manlookismapreiskumbarsakeidiarasaouradowkiba?
Haylugaresdeespiritusmalos?
Aretherehauntedplaces?

Manlookismanaspiritsaura/pain?
Creeustedenmagicabuena/mala?
Doyoubelieveinblack/whitemagic?

Bahamercaaetnikisa
Lamujerestacostada
Sheislayingdown.

Bahawetnikaboanza
Elhombreestaparado
Heisstandingup.

Yanwapayawanschna.
Iwanttowalk
Quierocaminar.

Mirikiuplikananeenarabalisake?
Domanytouristscomehere?
Haymuchosturistasaqui?

Mirikiuplikanalinaraaulateim
Cuandogringosvienenaqu,dondevan?
Whentouristscomehere,wheredotheygo?

Yanwartakitowxna
Andotrabajando
Iamworking.

Yanbookumdaokisnaturistauplicanani.
Estoytrabajandoenunalibroparaturistas(gringos).
Imworkingonaguidebook.

Yanmirikipriskaraowunabarei
VinedelEEUUparatrabajar
IcamefromtheUSAtowork

Manbriweismabicyclehotelwuna.
Tomalabicicletadelhotel.
Youtookthebicyclefromthehotel.

YanBetowalpaniki.
Betoesmiamigo.
Betoismyfriend.

YanBetodukierawartakisna.
TrabajoporBeto.
IworkforBeto.

YanBetowalwartakisna.
TrabajoconBeto.
IworkwithBeto.

Yancigarettediayasipsna.
Podriafumaraqui?
CanIsmokehere?

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 25 PaigeR.Penland
Tweevaansaratatkisa?
Dondesevendemarijuana?
Wheredotheysellmarijuana?

ManCostaRicakeiyikisma?
ConocesCostaRica?
HaveyoubeentoCostaRica?

YanCostaRicadimisina.
VivoenCostaRica.
IliveinCostaRica.

Yankilibitowkisna
Yosoyviajera
Imatraveler(literally,Imjustpassingthrough)

Negociodukiaradowkisna
Estoydeviajedenegocios
Imhereonbusiness

MiskitoPhrasebookProject 26 PaigeR.Penland