Saturday, April 3, 2010

Leksion Chamoru: Prefix gi-

The prefix gi- is not used as frequently anymore as it once was, but the concept is rather simple. Gi- just represents origin and/or residence. Here are some examples:
  • Gi- + Luta => Gilita (a person from Rota)
  • Gi- + Yo'ña => Giye'ña (a person from Yona)
  • Gi- + Guåhan => Giguahan (a person from Guam)
This construction is still used, but is often replaced by "taotao ___."

When you add the prefix gi- to a noun the rules of vowel harmony apply. The prefix "pulls back" the sound of the vowel that follows, where applicable. I.e.: In general, we change the first vowel in the root word from å to a, o to e, and u to i.


  1. gi lita is an informal way of using it and taotao luta is a formal way of saying it.

  2. I'm not so sure about it being "informal" per se, but it is a shorter way of saying it.

  3. Helen Pangelinan DatuinApril 8, 2010 at 12:14 PM

    Hi Aaron,
    Thank you so much for this site, please keep it up. We NEED it.

  4. Thanks for the encouragement! Just trying to help out in what ways I can.