angivoq
Big
Usage
For stating size, e.g. clothes or rooms
Grammar Note
Kalaallisut has no adjective class — qualities are verbs. "Angivoq" means "it is big"
mikivoq
Small
Usage
The opposite of big; use it to ask for another size
Grammar Note
"It is small"; as a modifier it becomes "mikisoq" (a small one)
oqimaappoq
Heavy
Usage
Describe a heavy bag, often before asking for help
Grammar Note
"It is heavy"
oqippoq
Light (weight)
Usage
Light in weight — a different word from "bright"
Grammar Note
"It is light" — in weight only, nothing to do with brightness
akisuvoq
Expensive
Usage
Opens a price negotiation
Grammar Note
From "aki" (price) — "it is expensive"
akikippoq
Cheap
Usage
Use it when hunting for a cheaper option
Grammar Note
From "aki" (price) plus "-kit-" (little) — "it is cheap"
kissarpoq
Hot
Usage
Hot to the touch — distinct from hot weather
Grammar Note
"It is hot" of an object; hot weather is "Silaq kissarpoq"
nillerpoq
Cold
Usage
Cold to the touch — distinct from cold weather
Grammar Note
"It is cold" of an object; cold weather is "Silaq nillerpoq"
nutaavoq
New
Usage
For asking for a new item or a different room
Grammar Note
From "nutaaq" (a new one)
pisoqaavoq
Old (thing)
Usage
Old as in an object — not used for people here
Grammar Note
"It is old" of an object; "pisoqaq" is an old thing
inuusuttuvoq
Young
Usage
For talking about a person's age
Grammar Note
From "inuusuttoq" (a young person)
utoqqaavoq
Old (person)
Usage
The word used for people; keep it apart from "old thing"
Grammar Note
"He/she is old", from "utoqqaq" (an elderly person); objects take "pisoqaq" instead
minguitsuvoq
Clean
Usage
For the cleanliness of a room or of water
Grammar Note
From "minguitsoq" (something unsoiled) — clean
minguppoq
Dirty
Usage
For complaints, e.g. asking to change rooms
Grammar Note
"It is dirty"
ajunngilaq
Good
Usage
The most general word for a positive judgement
Grammar Note
Literally "it is not bad" — Kalaallisut expresses "good" as a negation
ajorpoq
Bad
Usage
For reporting something faulty or unwell
Grammar Note
"It is bad" — the positive counterpart of "ajunngilaq"
qanippoq
Near
Usage
Comes up constantly as an answer about distance
Grammar Note
"It is near"
ungasippoq
Far
Usage
Check it to decide between walking and taking transport
Grammar Note
"It is far"; "Ungasippa?" asks whether it is far
piaarpoq
Early
Usage
Early in time — this entry is about the clock, not speed
Grammar Note
Early in time; fast in speed is "sukkavoq"
kingusippoq
Late
Usage
Late in time; also used to report a delay
Grammar Note
Late in time; slow in speed is "arriippoq"
amerlapput
Many
Usage
A large quantity; handy for adjusting an order
Grammar Note
A plural form: "they are many"
ikipput
Few
Usage
A small quantity; use it to ask for less
Grammar Note
A plural form: "they are few"
Silaq kissarpoq
Hot (weather)
Usage
Hot weather; many languages use a different word than for hot objects
Grammar Note
"Silaq" means the weather or the outdoors; hot weather takes it as the subject
Silaq nillerpoq
Cold (weather)
Usage
Cold weather; many languages use a different word than for cold objects
Grammar Note
Cold weather also takes "silaq" as the subject; "issippoq" also works
More Kalaallisut phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Diving & Water Sports
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences