Tłı̨chǫ Online Dictionary
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Tłı̨chǫ Online Dictionary
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Ɂ ɂ volume_up
Pronounced like the pause in 'uh-oh', or 'nuh-uh'.
This consonant is called the 'glottal stop'. It exists in some English words (such as in the above examples), but it does not have an exact written equivalent in the English alphabet.
Ɂ is pronounced by constricting the throat to produce a short pause between two vowels when it occurs in the middle of a word, or as a short delay before a vowel when it occurs at the start of a word
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ɂah - snowshoe | volume_up | tł'àɂeh - pants |
| volume_up | ɂehtł'ı̨ - cloth, gauze | volume_up | deɂǫ̀ǫ̀ - more than, past |
| volume_up | ɂorı - spruce bough | volume_up | ts'eɂı̨̀ - see |
A a volume_up
Pronounced like the a in soda or father.
This vowel is called the 'oral high tone a', or simply 'a'.
Like other vowels, a can be doubled to aa. Double a (aa) is pronounced the same way as the single a, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | aba - older sister | volume_up | tanı - half | volume_up | aba - older sister |
| volume_up | ade - be, become | volume_up | tadee - shallow water | volume_up | nàetła - go (singular) |
| volume_up | ajı̨̀ı̨̀ - lichen | volume_up | edahxǫ - maybe | volume_up | daaɂa - shine (sun) |
Ą ą volume_up
Pronounced like the on in honour or fond, or the an in want.
This vowel is called the 'nasal high tone a', or simple 'nasal a'. It is produced by making the typical 'a' sound while also pushing some air through the nose.
Like other vowels, ą can be doubled to ąą. Double ą (ąą) is pronounced the same way as the single a, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | volume_up | hąhką - quack (duck sound) | volume_up | goı̨chąą - nostril | |
| volume_up | volume_up | Whǫąsı̀ - Francis | volume_up | mąą - have a bad odour, stink | |
| volume_up | volume_up | chı̨ąyè - bird egg | volume_up | nàhgą - bushman |
À à volume_up
Pronounced like the a in soda or father, but with a lower pitch.
This vowel is called the 'oral low tone a', or simply 'low tone a'. It produced by making the typical 'a' sound, but with a lower pitch than usual.
Like other vowels, à can be doubled to àà. Double à (àà) is pronounced the same way as the single à, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | àma - mother | volume_up | tàda - disease | volume_up | gotà - our father |
| volume_up | àgı̨ą - friend | volume_up | dàwı̀yeh - what is his name? | volume_up | jıewà - blueberry |
| volume_up | Àets'ı̨ą - Harry | volume_up | ewaàshı̀ı̀ - sand hill | volume_up | ajà - happen |
Ą̀ ą̀ volume_up
Pronounced like the on in honour or fond, or the an in want, but with a lower pitch.
This vowel is called the 'nasal low tone a'. It produced by making the typical 'a' sound at a low pitch while also pushing some air through the nose.
Like other vowels, a can be doubled to aa. Double ą̀ (ą̀ą̀) is pronounced the same way as the single ą̀, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ą̀taasah - shoveler | volume_up | Dząą̀gǫ̀ą - Skinny John (personal name) | volume_up | ı̨whąą̀ - quick, fast, early |
| volume_up | volume_up | volume_up | łą̀ą - together | ||
| volume_up | volume_up | volume_up | lawą̀ - oatmeal |
B b volume_up
Pronounced like the b in ball or big.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | bebı̀a - baby | volume_up | k'ets'ebe - swim |
| volume_up | bààlea - vest | volume_up | tı̨lıbàa - roadside |
| volume_up | bò - meat | volume_up | deboa - thin |
Ch ch volume_up
Pronounced like the ch in charge or which.
Some speakers, especially from Gametı̀ and Whatı̀, pronounce ch as ts (i.e. tsekoa instead of chekoa, Behtsokǫ̀ instead of Behchokǫ̀).
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | chekoa - child | volume_up | Tłı̨chǫ - Dogrib |
| volume_up | chǫ - rain | volume_up | ması̀cho - thank you very much |
| volume_up | chı̨ą - bird | volume_up | nechà - big, large |
Ch' ch' volume_up
Pronounced like the ch in charge or which, but more forcefully, so as to produce a popping sound.
This consonant is called 'ch click'. It does not have a direct equivalent in English.
Ch' is pronounced by placing the tongue in the same position as for a normal ch sound, but allowing more air than usual to build up behind the tongue. This air is then forcefully ejected all at once, producing a ch sound with an accompanying click sound. Some speakers, especially from Gametı̀ and Whatı̀, pronounce ch' as ts' (i.e. ts'à instead of ch'à or ts'ıı̀ instead of ch'ıı̀).
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ch'à - against, preventing (something) | volume_up | ehch'ę̀ę - pickerel |
| volume_up | ch'oh - porcupine quill | volume_up | tıch'aàdı̀ı - animal |
| volume_up | ch'àɂats'edı - complain; whine | volume_up | tıch'ıı̀ - dirty water, sewage |
D d volume_up
Pronounced like the d in dare or done.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | dǫ - person | volume_up | edı - it is hot |
| volume_up | degoo - white | volume_up | godè - younger sister |
| volume_up | dàtłǫ - how many? | volume_up | sedaà - my eye |
Dl dl volume_up
Pronounced like the dl in middle or paddle.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | dlòo - squirrel | volume_up | yıhdlo - urine |
| volume_up | dlı̨ą - mouse | volume_up | nàɂets'edlò - laugh, smile |
| volume_up | dlah - waterweed | volume_up | tǫnı̀ı̨dlaa - long crack in ice |
Dz dz volume_up
Pronounced like the ds in pads or meds.
Some speakers also pronounce dz as j (as in jam).
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | dzę - day | volume_up | nedzaà - your leg |
| volume_up | dzèh - spruce gum | volume_up | edzeè - (caribou) heart |
| volume_up | dzǫ - muskrat | volume_up | k'ets'edzo - slide, slip, skate |
E e volume_up
Pronounced like the e in get or Emily.
This vowel is called the 'oral high tone e', or simply 'e'.
Like other vowels, e can be doubled to ee. Double e (ee) is pronounced the same way as the single e, but it is held for longer. It is NOT pronounced like the English ee (i.e. feed or need); this sound is represented in Tłı̨chǫ with the letter ı.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ebò - (caribou) stomach | volume_up | goteets'ǫ̀ - over | volume_up | ade - be, become |
| volume_up | Edà - Cree | volume_up | hoteh - portage | volume_up | ahxe - rich, competent, important |
| volume_up | enıı̀yah - be miraculous | volume_up | nàts'ete - dream | volume_up | ı̨̀le - no |
Ę ę volume_up
Pronounced like the an in ran or man.
This vowel is called the 'nasal high tone e', or simple 'nasal e'. It is produced by making the typical 'e' sound while also pushing some air through the nose.
Like other vowels, ę can be doubled to ęę. Double ę (ęę) is pronounced the same way as the single ę, but it is held for longer. It is NOT pronounced like the English ee (i.e. feed or need); this sound is represented in Tłı̨chǫ with the letter ı.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | volume_up | adzęzaà - moon | volume_up | wedę - without | |
| volume_up | volume_up | hęɂę - yes | volume_up | enę - mother | |
| volume_up | volume_up | dzęahta - week | volume_up | dzę - day |
È è volume_up
Pronounced like the e in get or Emily, but with a lower pitch.
This vowel is called the 'oral low tone e', or simply 'low tone e'. It produced by making the typical 'e' sound, but with a lower pitch than usual.
Like other vowels, è can be doubled to èè. Double è (èè) is pronounced the same way as the single è, but it is held for longer. It is NOT pronounced like the English ee (i.e. feed or need); this sound is represented in Tłı̨chǫ with the letter ı.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | èt'ıı̀ - immediately, as soon as | volume_up | Hoteèda - Inuk, Inuit person | volume_up | gotsè - nail |
| volume_up | èèzhaelı̨ - be shy | volume_up | dzèhkw'ò - sticky spruce gum | volume_up | goxè - with us |
| volume_up | èdııkǫ̀ǫ̀ - electricity | volume_up | ehtł'ètı̀ - muddy water | volume_up | ı̨łè - one |
Ę̀ ę̀ volume_up
Pronounced like the an in ran or man, but with a lower pitch.
This vowel is called the 'nasal low tone e'. It produced by making the typical 'e' sound at a low pitch while also pushing some air through the nose.
Like other vowels, ę̀ can be doubled to ę̀ę̀. Double ę̀ (ę̀ę̀) is pronounced the same way as the single ę̀, but it is held for longer. It is NOT pronounced like the English ee (i.e. feed or need); this sound is represented in Tłı̨chǫ with the letter ı.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | volume_up | k'ę̀ęjı̀e - saskatoon berry | volume_up | k'ę̀ę̀ - like, according to | |
| volume_up | volume_up | volume_up | ekę̀ę̀ - beaver lodge | ||
| volume_up | volume_up | volume_up | ı̨xę̀ę - yesterday |
G g volume_up
Pronounced like the g in game or gold.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | gah - rabbit | volume_up | degoo - white |
| volume_up | gomǫ - our mother | volume_up | dagowo - dance |
| volume_up | geh - cane, fire poker | volume_up | wègaat'ı̨ - it is visible |
Gh gh volume_up
A sound not found in English, but somewhat resembling the French r in revenir or retourner.
This consonant is pronounced by placing the tongue in the same position as it would be for a g sound, and then making a trilling or growling noise.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ghats'eedlò - laugh at | volume_up | gogha - for us |
| volume_up | ghàts'eeda - look at | volume_up | goghoh - thigh |
| volume_up | ghaıtà - be counted | volume_up | weghǫ - about him/her |
Gw gw volume_up
Pronounced like the gu in language or Guam.
The gw sound in Tłı̨chǫ does not appear at the beginning of words, and is relatively uncommon.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | volume_up | ehgwàa - dryfish | |
| volume_up | volume_up | wǫhgwı̨ - owl | |
| volume_up | volume_up | whagweè - sandy area |
H h volume_up
Pronounced like the h in ham or hand.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | hats'edı - say that | volume_up | nahots'eezı̀ - rest |
| volume_up | hanı̀-le dè - or | volume_up | ǫhk'è - sometimes |
| volume_up | hazǫǫ̀ - all | volume_up | goht'ǫ - clothing |
I ı volume_up
Pronounced like the ee in bee or tree, or like the ea in please or meat.
This vowel is called the 'oral high tone ı', or simply 'ı'
The letter ı in Tłı̨chǫ is never written with a dot, and is always dotless by default. This is to avoid confusion with the low tone marker.
Like other vowels, ı can be doubled to ıı. Double ı (ıı) is pronounced the same way as the single ı, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ıjı - handgames | volume_up | łıwe - fish | volume_up | k'ı - birch |
| volume_up | ınèe - in the past | volume_up | dıh - spruce grouse | volume_up | ats'edı - say |
| volume_up | ıtà - be counted | volume_up | tıtǫǫ̀ - water bucket | volume_up | golı - ice |
Į ı̨ volume_up
Pronounced like the ean in bean or mean.
This vowel is called the 'nasal high tone ı', or simply 'nasal ı'. It is produced by making the typical 'ı' sound while also pushing some air through the nose.
Like other vowels, ı̨ can be doubled to ı̨ı̨. Double ı̨ (ı̨ı̨) is pronounced the same way as the single ı̨, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ı̨hdaa - jackfish | volume_up | chı̨hkǫǫ̀ - alone | volume_up | ts'ehtsı̨ - do, make |
| volume_up | ı̨doò - up, above | volume_up | dechı̨nı̨ - bush, wilderness, forest | volume_up | k'achı̨ - again |
| volume_up | ı̨k'ǫǫ̀ - medicine power | volume_up | enı̨htł'è - paper, book | volume_up | haehsı̨ - I say |
Ì ı̀ volume_up
Pronounced like the ee in bee or tree, but with a lower pitch.
This vowel is called the 'oral low tone ı', or simply 'low tone ı'. It produced by making the typical 'ı' sound, but with a lower pitch than usual.
Like other vowels, ı̀ can be doubled to ı̀ı̀. Double ı̀ (ı̀ı̀) is pronounced the same way as the single ı̀, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ı̀ch'è - be angry | volume_up | dı̀ga - wolf | volume_up | edotı̀ - paint, ink |
| volume_up | ı̀dloo - be cracked | volume_up | esanı̀le - be okay, be alright | volume_up | làanı̀ - like, similar to |
| volume_up | ı̀hłè - become, turn into | volume_up | hanı̀hò - but | volume_up | hozıı̀ - barrenlands |
Į̀ ı̨̀ volume_up
Pronounced like the ean in bean or mean, but with a lower pitch.
This vowel is called the 'nasal low tone ı'. It produced by making the typical 'ı' sound at a low pitch while also pushing some air through the nose.
Like other vowels, ı̨̀ can be doubled to ı̨̀ı̨̀. Double ı̨̀ (ı̨̀ı̨̀) is pronounced the same way as the single ı̨̀, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ı̨̀hk'aa - whiskeyjack, grey jay | volume_up | mı̨̀hk'è - fishing place | volume_up | ajı̨̀ı̨̀ - lichen |
| volume_up | ı̨̀le - no | volume_up | k'ı̨̀t'aà - feather for an arrow | volume_up | etsı̨̀ - pounded meat |
| volume_up | ı̨̀whǫ̀ - be numb | volume_up | echı̨̀ı̨lı̨ı̨ - outflow of a lake | volume_up | dzǫkı̨̀ı̨̀ - muskrat pushup |
J j volume_up
Pronounced like the j in jam or jail.
Unlike the letter ı, the j in Tłı̨chǫ is written with a dot.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | jı̀e - berry | volume_up | lajıh - glove |
| volume_up | jıh - mitt | volume_up | ajà - happen |
| volume_up | jǫ - here | volume_up | ajı̨̀ı̨̀ - lichen |
K k volume_up
Pronounced like the k in king or kind.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ke - shoe | volume_up | nàhkà - aurora, northern lights |
| volume_up | kǫ̀ - house, fire | volume_up | ts'èko - woman |
| volume_up | kàɂaa - various, several types | volume_up | whekǫ̀ - it is hot |
K' k' volume_up
Pronounced like the k in king or kind, but more forcefully, so as to produce a popping sound.
This consonant is called 'k click'. It does not have a direct equivalent in English.
K' is pronounced by placing the tongue in the same position as for a normal k sound, but allowing more air than usual to build up behind the tongue. This air is then forcefully ejected all at once, producing a k sound with an accompanying click sound.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | k'àba - ptarmigan | volume_up | behk'ò - gull |
| volume_up | k'ı - birch | volume_up | whek'ò - it is cold |
| volume_up | k'àowo - chief, boss | volume_up | nèk'e - land, country |
Kw kw volume_up
Pronounced like the qu in quick or quiet.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | kwe - rock, stone | volume_up | ekwǫ̀ - caribou |
| volume_up | Kwet'ı̨ı̨̀ - English | volume_up | dekwo - yellow |
| volume_up | kwǫą - diaper | volume_up | sekwı̀ - my head |
Kw' kw' volume_up
Pronounced like the qu in quick or quiet, but more forcefully, so as to produce a popping sound.
This consonant is called 'kw click'. It does not have a direct equivalent in English.
Kw' is pronounced by placing the tongue in the same position as for a normal kw sound, but allowing more air than usual to build up behind the tongue. This air is then forcefully ejected all at once, producing a kw sound with an accompanying click sound.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | kw'ah - moss | volume_up | ekw'ǫǫ̀ - bone |
| volume_up | kw'ahtı - policeman | volume_up | ts'eèhkw'e - sit (plural), be located (plural) |
| volume_up | kw'ıh - mosquito | volume_up | ehkw'ıı̀ - correctly |
L l volume_up
Pronounced like the l in loud or lame.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | lajıh - glove | volume_up | ats'ele - do, make |
| volume_up | lıdı̀ - tea | volume_up | elà - boat |
| volume_up | la - work | volume_up | ı̨̀le - no |
Ł ł volume_up
A sound not found in English, produced by placing the tongue in the same position as for an l sound, but then pushing air through the mouth as if pronouncing a h sound. In practice, it is a hissing sound, as if an l and an h were being pronounced simultaneously.
This consonant is called 'bar l' or 'barred l'.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | łèt'è - bread | volume_up | ı̨łè - one |
| volume_up | łǫ - lots | volume_up | ełexè - together |
| volume_up | łı̀h - whitefish | volume_up | ałak'aà - both of you |
M m volume_up
Pronounced like the m in man or moment.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ması̀ - thank you | volume_up | amı̀ı - who |
| volume_up | mą̀ą - visitor, traveller | volume_up | nemǫ - your mother |
| volume_up | Mòla - White person, French person | volume_up | lamè - Mass |
Mb mb volume_up
Pronounced like the mb in thimble or rumble.
Most fluent speakers from Behchokǫ̀, Whatı̀, Gamètı̀, and Wekweètı̀ use b instead of mb (i.e. bò instead of mbò, behchı̨ı̨̀ instead of mbehchı̨ı̨̀, nàbe instead of nàmbe). However, some older speakers, as well as many fluent speakers from Yellowknife, T'èɂehdaà, and Ndılǫ, do fully pronounce mb, particularly at the start of words.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | mbeh - knife | volume_up | nàmbe - otter |
| volume_up | mbehchı̨ı̨̀ - car | volume_up | ı̨mbè - summer |
| volume_up | mbò - meat | volume_up | sǫǫ̀mba - money |
N n volume_up
Pronounced like the n in north or van.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | nezı̨ - good | volume_up | eneèko - old man |
| volume_up | nàts'ezè - hunt | volume_up | enı̀ı̨tǫ - door |
| volume_up | nı̨hbàa - tent | volume_up | hoònǫ - ten |
Nd nd volume_up
Pronounced like the nd in end or Andrew.
Most fluent speakers from Behchokǫ̀, Whatı̀, Gamètı̀, and Wekweètı̀ use d instead of nd (i.e. dı instead of ndı, dè instead of ndè, Tıdeè instead of Tındeè). However, some older speakers, as well as many fluent speakers from Yellowknife, T'èɂehdaà, and Ndılǫ, do fully pronounce nd.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ndè - land | volume_up | Tındeè - Great Slave Lake |
| volume_up | ndı - island | volume_up | sı̨nde - my older brother |
| volume_up | volume_up | Endà - Cree |
O o volume_up
Pronounced like the oa in boat or the o in remote.
This vowel is called the 'oral high tone o', or simply 'o'.
Like other vowels, o can be doubled to oo. Double o (oo) is pronounced the same way as the single o, but it is held for longer. Some speakers also pronounce double o like the English oo in food and boot.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | volume_up | agot'ı̨ - happen | volume_up | behcho - big knife | |
| volume_up | volume_up | echotı̀ - ocean | volume_up | kwıı̀cho - bullet | |
| volume_up | volume_up | kwoh - red-necked grebe, coot | volume_up | ło - smoke |
Ǫ ǫ volume_up
Pronounced like the one in bone or the oan in moan.
This vowel is called the 'nasal high tone o', or simply 'nasal o'. It is produced by making the typical 'o' sound while also pushing some air through the nose.
Like other vowels, ǫ can be doubled to ǫǫ. Double ǫ (ǫǫ) is pronounced the same way as the single ǫ, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ǫhchı̀ - sack | volume_up | det'ǫyè - duck egg | volume_up | dǫ - person |
| volume_up | ǫhdaa - adult, elder | volume_up | latǫmı̨̀ - willow bark net | volume_up | ekǫ - there |
| volume_up | ǫhk'è - sometimes | volume_up | Mǫhwhı̀ - Monfwi | volume_up | wheɂǫ - be located (chunky object) |
Ò ò volume_up
Pronounced like the oa in boat or the o in remote, but lower pitch.
This vowel is called the 'oral low tone o', or simply 'low tone o'. It produced by making the typical 'o' sound, but with a lower pitch than usual. Some speakers also pronounce ò similarly to the oo in boot.
Like other vowels, ò can be doubled to òò. Double ò (̀oò) is pronounced the same way as the single ò, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | òòɂa - crane | volume_up | Mòla - White person, French person | volume_up | bò - meat |
| volume_up | Òro - Rose | volume_up | k'òmǫą - butterfly | volume_up | ewò - (caribou) hide |
| volume_up | volume_up | gòla - be located (plural objects) | volume_up | behk'ò - gull |
Ǫ̀ ǫ̀ volume_up
Pronounced like the one in bone or the oan in moan, but lower pitch.
This vowel is called the 'nasal low tone o'. It produced by making the typical 'o' sound at a low pitch while also pushing some air through the nose.
Like other vowels, ǫ̀ can be doubled to ǫ̀ǫ̀. Double ǫ̀ (ǫ̀ǫ̀) is pronounced the same way as the single ǫ̀, but it is held for longer.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | At the end of a word | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ǫ̀ts'eehshı̀ - throw away | volume_up | tsǫ̀kǫ̀ - bathroom | volume_up | kǫ̀ - house, fire |
| volume_up | ǫ̀nı̀eɂà - be lonely | volume_up | nǫ̀hkwǫǫ̀ - moss for smoking mosquitoes | volume_up | ekwǫ̀ - caribou |
| volume_up | ǫ̀hk'aa - whiskeyjack | volume_up | mǫ̀ht'a - outside | volume_up | deɂǫ̀ǫ̀ - more than, past |
R r volume_up
Pronounced like the r in road or real.
Some speakers also pronounce this as a tap, similar to the tt in the word butter when said quickly.
The r sound is not used by most speakers, and is most common in the speech of much older speakers and speakers from French Point in Behchokǫ̀. In most words with r, fluent speakers simply omit the sound (i.e. dehdoo instead of dehdorı).
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | rets'è - female (animal) | volume_up | ɂorı - spruce bough |
| volume_up | rèk'ǫ̀ - be burning | volume_up | dehdorı - longnose sucker |
| volume_up | rèhyeh - be scared | volume_up | dǫxare - nun, nurse |
S s volume_up
Pronounced like the s in see or sell .
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | sedaà - my eye | volume_up | dehso - be furry |
| volume_up | sa - month | volume_up | ası̀ı - thing |
| volume_up | satsǫ̀ - metal | volume_up | dehse - grow |
Sh sh volume_up
Pronounced like the sh in shell or push.
Some speakers pronounce sh sounds as s, particularly younger speakers and speakers from Gametı̀ and Whatı̀ (i.e. sı̀h instead of shı̀h).
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | shı̨ - song | volume_up | nıhshe - potato |
| volume_up | shèts'ezhe - eat | volume_up | dǫhshǫ̀ǫ - dishtowel, napkin |
| volume_up | shı̀h - mountain | volume_up | ts'eehshı̀ - whistle |
T t volume_up
Pronounced like the t in time or tool.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | taı - three | volume_up | ı̨tı̨̀ - bow |
| volume_up | tanı - half | volume_up | setà - my father |
| volume_up | tı - water | volume_up | atı̨̀ - sneeze |
T' t' volume_up
Pronounced like the t in time or tool, but more forcefully, so as to produce a popping sound.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | t'à - because of, since | volume_up | det'oo - thick |
| volume_up | t'oò - paddle | volume_up | sèot'ı̨ı̨̀ - my family |
| volume_up | t'ah - feather | volume_up | ts'eht'ı̀ - pull |
Tł tł volume_up
A sound not found in English, but somewhat resembling the cl sound in clean or cling.
This consonant is pronounced by producing a t sound immediately followed by a ł sound.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | tłı̨ - dog | volume_up | dàtłǫ - how many |
| volume_up | tłeh - fat, grease, fuel | volume_up | nàtła - quick, fast |
| volume_up | Tłı̨chǫ - Dogrib | volume_up | xàetła - go out |
Tł' tł' volume_up
A sound not found in English. Tł' is pronounced by producing the tł sound, but building up more air than usual behind the tongue before releasing it, so as to make a popping noise.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | tł'oh - grass | volume_up | enı̨htł'è - book, paper |
| volume_up | tł'ı - rope | volume_up | dahtł'ı̨ı̨̀ - highbush cranberry |
| volume_up | tł'à - bay | volume_up | whetł'ı - be located (fluid substance) |
Ts ts volume_up
Pronounced like the ts in cats or rats.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | tsekaa - child | volume_up | nàtso - strong |
| volume_up | tsà - beaver | volume_up | satsǫ̀ - metal |
| volume_up | tsıa - caribou calf | volume_up | hǫtsaa - suddenly |
Ts' ts' volume_up
Pronounced like the ts in cats or rats, but more forcefully, so as to produce a popping sound.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ts'ah - hat | volume_up | tǫts'ı̀ - spring, breakup time |
| volume_up | ts'ı - spruce | volume_up | eghàlats'eeda - work |
| volume_up | ts'edǫ - drink | volume_up | aats'ǫǫ̀ - always |
W w volume_up
Pronounced like the w in win or power.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | wèdaat'ı̨ - beautiful | volume_up | tııwoo - soup |
| volume_up | wedę - without | volume_up | ewò - (caribou) hide |
| volume_up | waàk'ǫ̀ą - Métis | volume_up | lawą̀ - oats, porridge |
Wh wh volume_up
Pronounced like a w preceded immediately by a h, like the wh in the old-fashioned pronunciations of where or what.
For some speakers, this sound may be pronounced similarly to an f sound, but without the the front teeth touching the bottom lip. Fluent speakers also sometimes use a simple w sound instead of wh.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | wha - pole, marten | volume_up | nahwhı̨ - snowblindness |
| volume_up | whǫ̀ - star | volume_up | gowhąą̀ - alone |
| volume_up | wheda - be located, sit (singular) | volume_up | ı̨whaà - quick, early |
X x volume_up
A sound not found in English. Produced by placing the back of the tongue on the roof of the mouth and allowing air to pass through as if pronouncing an h. In practice, this produces a hissing sound, like the hiss of a cat.
For some speakers, x and h sound very similar, and are sometimes used interchangeably (xàts'eetła ~ hàts'eetła).
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | xah - goose | volume_up | goxı̨ - us |
| volume_up | xok'e - wintertime | volume_up | ahxe - rich, competent, important |
| volume_up | xı̨ı̨̀ - raft | volume_up | bòxàeht'èe - cook, jack (in cards) |
Y y volume_up
Pronounced like the y in young or yellow
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | yak'e - sky | volume_up | ayı̀ı - what |
| volume_up | yaazea - little bit | volume_up | eya - hurt, be painful, be sick |
| volume_up | yatł'ǫhbàà - flag | volume_up | dàwı̀yeh - what is he called? |
Z z volume_up
Pronounced like the z in zebra or zap.
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | zah - snow | volume_up | nezı̨ - good |
| volume_up | zǫ - only | volume_up | sahzǫ̀ą - sheep |
| volume_up | Zezı̀ - Jesus | volume_up | goı̨zǫ - be smart |
Zh zh volume_up
Pronounced like the g in beige or the si in vision.
Some speakers, particularly in Gamètı̀ and Whatı̀, use z instead of zh (i.e. zah instead of zhah).
| At the start of a word | In the middle of a word | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | zhàh - lice | volume_up | nazha - wool, yarn |
| volume_up | zhahkak'ekòa - snowmobile, skidoo | volume_up | dezhı̀ - hard |
| volume_up | zhahkǫ̀ - igloo | volume_up | ezhǫǫ̀ - ghost |
Click on the letters above to learn how to pronounce each, as well as to hear example pronunciations from fluent speakers.
The Tłı̨chǫ alphabet consists of 41 letters. These can be divided into 37 consonants and 4 vowels. Each of the four vowels can also be pronounced with nasality (ą, ę, ı̨, ǫ), low tone (à, è, ı̀, ò), both (ą̀, ę̀, ı̨̀, ǫ̀), or neither (a, e, ı, o), making a total of 16 possible vowel sounds.
There are several features which are systematically represented in the Tłı̨chǫ alphabet which are not present in English; namely, tones, nasality, and clicks. These are explained below:
Tones
Tłı̨chǫ yatıı̀ is a tonal language. This means that the meanings of words may change depending on if the vowel(s) in that word are pronounced with high tone (that is, high pitch) or low tone (that is, low pitch). Consider the following example:
| High Tone | Low Tone | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | zhah - snow | volume_up | zhàh - lice |
In the above example, zhah (with a high tone vowel) means 'snow', whereas zhàh (with a low tone vowel) means 'lice'. The only difference in pronunciation between these two words is the tone of the vowel a. This contrast between high and low tone exists for all four vowels. For example
| High Tone | Low Tone | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | zhah - snow | volume_up | zhàh - lice |
| volume_up | eye - drum | volume_up | eyè - egg |
| volume_up | sekwı - my grandchild | volume_up | sekwı̀ - my head |
| volume_up | ts'o - fly | volume_up | ts'ò - blanket |
By default, vowels in Tłı̨chǫ yatıı̀ are high tone. To indicate that a vowel is low tone, the accent ` is used above the letter (i.e. à, è, ı̀, ò). In English, this marker called a 'grave accent' or simply a 'low tone marker'. In Tłı̨chǫ, it is called wets'aà (literally "its hat").
Nasality
Vowels in Tłı̨chǫ yatıı̀ can be either nasal or non-nasal (oral). Nasal vowels are pronounced with airflow coming from both the mouth and nose, whereas oral vowels are pronounced with only airflow from the mouth. Consider the following example:
| Oral (Non-Nasal) | Nasal | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | ło - smoke | volume_up | łǫ - lots |
In the above example, łǫ (with a nasal vowel) means 'lots', whereas ło (with an oral vowel) means 'smoke'. The only difference in pronunciation between these two words is the nasality of the vowel o; in the word for 'lots' (łǫ), the vowel o is pronounced with a slight airflow coming from the nose, whereas in the word for 'smoke' (ło), air only comes from the mouth. Like tone, nasal and oral variants exist for all four vowels. For example:
| Oral (Non-Nasal) | Nasal | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | nàte - s/he dreams | volume_up | ną̀te - you dream |
| volume_up | sedzeè - my heart | volume_up | sedzęę̀ - my (birth)day |
| volume_up | gots'ıı̀ - guts, intestines | volume_up | gots'ı̨ı̨̀ - soul |
| volume_up | to - night | volume_up | tǫ - bucket |
By default, vowels in Tłı̨chǫ yatıı̀ are oral, with no airflow from the nose. To indicate that a vowel is nasal, the accent ̨ is used below the letter (i.e. ą, ę, ı̨, ǫ). In English, this marker called an 'ogonek' or simply a 'nasal marker'. In Tłı̨chǫ, it is called wı̨ghǫ̀ą (literally "its little nose").
Vowels can also be both nasal and low tone (i.e. ą̀, ę̀, ı̨̀, ǫ̀), in which case they are pronounced with a low pitch and a slight airflow from the nose at the same time.
Clicks
Some consonants in Tłı̨chǫ yatıı̀ can be pronounced as clicks. This means that the consonant is pronounced more forcefully to produce a 'pop'-like click sound, alongside the normal consonant. For example:
| No Click | Click | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | choh - down feathers | volume_up | ch'oh - porcupine quills |
In the above example, choh (without a click) means 'down feathers', whereas ch'oh (with a click) means 'porcupine quills'. The only difference in pronunciation between these two words is the click sound on the consonant ch. The contrast between click and non-click exists for six consonants, namely ch, k, kw, t, tł, and ts. For example
| No Click | Click | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| volume_up | choh - down feathers | volume_up | ch'oh - porcupine quills |
| volume_up | ke - shoe | volume_up | k'e - on; upon |
| volume_up | kwah - carrot | volume_up | kw'ah - moss, diaper moss |
| volume_up | wetà - his/her father | volume_up | wet'à - with it |
| volume_up | tłeh - grease, fat, fuel | volume_up | tł'eh - flint |
| volume_up | tsà - beaver | volume_up | ts'à - preventing, against |
By default, these six consonants do not have a click. To indicate that they do have a click, the marker ' is used next to the letter (i.e. ch', k', kw', t', tł', ts'). In English, this marker called an 'apostrophe' or simply a 'click marker'. There is no widely accepted name for this written marker in Tłı̨chǫ, but it is sometimes called weweèk'è (literally "its voicebox").