Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
A: Nga Na'vi plltxe nìltsan
B: Ngaru tsul
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
taronyutsyìp ke tsun ke'ut stivä'.
This (worthless) little hunter can't catch anything.
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Hayalo ta oe
Next time from me
(That is, I've done something for you and you've thanked me, but next time you'll do something comparable for me, and I'll thank you.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Kamtsyìpìl wutsot yerom.
Little Kamun is having dinner.
(Kamun might be a little boy, but he might also be a huge adult Na'vi, in which case –tsyìp is ironic and/or affectionate.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Ke pxan.
Not worthy.
(That is, I don't deserve your praise.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Kea kin.
No need.
(That is, there's no need to thank me.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Kempe si nga, ma sa'nutsyìp?
What are you doing, little mommy?
(This would not be said to an actual mother, which would be disrespectful, but rather to a young girl, in endearing anticipation of her becoming a mother.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Nga nìawnomum to oetsyìp lu txur txan.
As everyone knows, you're a lot stronger than little old me.
(Here –tsyìp is used ironically, for mock self-deprecation. Also, oetsyìp is pronounced WE.tsyìp.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Ngari tswintsyìp sevin txan lu nang!
What a pretty little queue you have!
(Note that in sentences like this that involve possession, especially “inalienable possession, the –ri form (i.e. the topic marker) is slightly more idiomatic than the possessive pronoun, although both are correct. So “Ngeyä tswintsyìp . . .” is fine, although many Na'vi would prefer to say “Ngari . . .”)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Ngaru tsul.
To you the mastery.
(This is said in a situation where the one praising you is better at the activity you're being praised for than you are yourself.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Ngatsyìp yawne lu oer.
I love you, little one.
(Could be said to any loved one, not only to a young child.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Ngatsyìpìl new peut ta oe?
What does little you want from me?
Note that while ngatsyìp was endearing in the previous example, here it's disparaging. To tell which is which, you need to consider the context, facial expressions, and body language.
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
prrte'
Gladly, with pleasure
(That is, what you've thanked me for, I did with pleasure.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Oeru meuia.
An honor to me.
(That is, it was an honor to be of help to you.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Po zola'u tseng(ne)
(With verbs of motion, ne can be optionally omitted if the destination comes after the verb.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Pum nge.
Yours
(That is, you've thanked me, but I really should be thanking you.)
Proverbial expression or phrase
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Seykxel nitram!
Strong and happy!
(That is, may you derive strength and happiness from this event, accomplishment, etc.)
Translation provided by separate source (e.g. AD, Horen, forum poster, comment)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Sìlpey oe, ayngari fìtìpängkxotsyìp eltur tìtxen silvi.
I hope, you have found this dialog interesting.
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Tstunwi.
Kind.
(That is, it's kind of you to say that.)
Diminutives; Conversational Expressions (naviteri.org, 2010-07-11) View all from source
Za'u tseng, ma 'itetsyìp.
Come here, little daughter.
(Could be said even to an adult daughter.)