When I was preparing for my Arctic Circle Trail, I stumbled upon a gap in my personal development: I never thoroughly studied local culture, let alone learned some Greenlandic words. Which might come in handy when I stumble into Inuit hunters somewhere on the trail. Or not and it’s just super nice to know some local words when I’m in Kangerlussuaq or Sisimiut. So here are some essential Greenlandic words for hiking in Greenland.

WelcomeTikilluarit
Tikilluaritsi
Hello (General greeting)Aluu (inf)
Inuugujoq
Kutaa (frm)
Hello (on phone)Haluu
How are you?Qanoq ippit?
Qanorippit?
Ajunngilatit?
Ajunngi?
Reply to ‘How are you?’Ajunngilanga. Illimmi qanoq ippit?
Long time no seeQangali takugakkit
What’s your name?Qanoq ateqarpit?
My name is ……imik ateqarpunga
Where are you from?Suminngaaneerpit?
I’m from ……minngaaneerpunga
Pleased to meet youNuanneq naapillutit
Good morning
(Morning greeting)
Iterluarit
Kumoorn
Good afternoon
(Afternoon greeting)
Inuugujaq
Good evening
(Evening greeting)
Inuugujaq
Good nightSinilluarit (sg)
Sinilluaritsi (pl) – “sleep well”
Goodbye
(Parting phrases)
Takuss’ (see you)
Ajunnginniarna (farewell)
Inuulluarina (said to someone you won’t see again)
Ajunngikkina
Good luck!Iluatitsilluarina
Iluatitsilluarisi
Cheers! Good Health!
(Toasts used when drinking)
Kasuutta!
Have a nice dayAluu!
Ulloq naalluarniariuk!
Have a nice mealNerilluarisi
Have a good journeyAngalalluarina
I don’t understandPaasinngilara
Paasinngilakkit
Paasisinnaannginnakkummi
Please speak more slowlyArriitsumik oqalulaalit
Please write it downQanoq akeqarpa?
Please say that againUteqqissinnaaviuk?
Do you speak English?Tuluttut oqalusinnaavit?
Do you speak Greenlandic?Kalaallit oqalusinnaavit?
Yes, a little
(reply to ‘Do you speak …?’)
Aap, immannguaq
I don’t speak GreenlandicKalaallisut oqalussinnaanngilanga
How do you say … in GreenlandicQanoq Kalaallisut oqartarpisi?
Excuse meUtoqqatsissutigaa
Patsit
Utoqqatserpunga
How much is this?Qanoq akeqarpa/t?
SorryUtoqqatsissutigaa
Patsit
Utoqqatserpunga
PleaseIkinngutinnersumik
Thank youQujan
Qujanaq
Qujanarsuaq
Reply to thank youIllillu (sg)
Ilisillu (pl)
Where’s the toilet / bathroom?Naak W.C-ii?
Would you like to dance with me? (I totally imagine myself doing this in the middle of the street or with the first Inuit I encounter)Qiteqatigerusuppingaa?
I love youAsavakkit
Get well soonIluarsilluarina
Rain?
Help!Ikiunnga!
Ikiortissannik!
Sun?
Congratulations!Pilluarit (sg)
Pilluaritsi (pl)
Food?
Water?

Please let me know if you have other Greenlandic words to add.

0 Shares:
3 comments
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like