Some Lenape words can easily be part of your daily vocabulary, words like Wanishi (meaning Thank you) and Weli Kishku! (meaning Good Day!).
For much more, you’ll need a dictionary. We often refer to this one (talk-lenape.org), developed by the Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma, with apologies for the spelling system and the lack of decolonization.
in collaboration with RuthAnn Purchase
Block below to be deleted.
A
B
C
D
E
ehakihesak – farmer
ehapikwesak – musician
Enikwsi Mësëtchèsu Kishux – Ground Squirrel Full Moon (January)
F
G
H
He’ Weli Kishku
I
J
K
L
M
Memekas Nehenawlachi – that on which butterflies alight – Asclepias tuberosa – Butterfly milkweed, Orange milkweed, Pleurisy Root
N
Nulelintamuhena eli paekw! — Welcome! We are glad you are here.
O
P
pamputis – Snapping turtle
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Wanishi – Thank you
Wanishi OK Wado!
Wanishi WEMI
Wëlànkuntëwakàn – Peace in Unami dialect of Lenape
Weli – Happy
Weli Enikwsi Kishux! – Happy Squirrel Moon!
Weli Kishku!- Good Day!
Welankuntuwakan – Peace on Earth
X
Xeli Wanishi Xinkwelëmaok Welakamike Lenapehokink! — Many thanks for honoring the beautiful land of Lenape!
Xeli Onkuntuwakan — Many Blessings
Y
Z
Page last updated – Jan 20, 2022
Lenape Union Land Trust 