Cherokee Word of the Day: bear

Welcome to the Osiyo.net Cherokee Word of the Day series! Each day we teach you a new Cherokee word — in the Cherokee syllabary, with phonetic pronunciation, meaning, and cultural context.

What It Means

The Cherokee word yo-na (ᏲᎾ) means bear in English.

How to Pronounce It

Say it as yo-na. The 'yo' sounds like the English word 'yo' and the 'na' is like 'nah'.

Using It in a Sentence

Cherokee: ᏲᎾ ᏥᎪᏩᏘᎭ.

English: "I see a bear."

Cultural Context

Bears are culturally significant and respected as powerful spirits in Cherokee medicine and stories.

Keep Learning Cherokee

Come back tomorrow for the next Cherokee Word of the Day! To dive deeper into the Cherokee language:

• Cherokee citizenship and tribal nation resources
• Cherokee education and language programs
• Cherokee Nation official language resources

Cherokee Word of the Day #61 — bear

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