fire
Héyeqw is the Halq’eméylem word for ‘fire’. You can also use it for a ‘flame’. Héyeqw is related to the verb yéqw, which means ‘to burn’ …
Pronunciation
- Héyeqw sounds like HEY-yook, except that instead of a k you say the Halq’eméylem qw sound.
- Halq’eméylem qw is made further back in your mouth, touching your uvula. You also round your lips (i.e. stick them out) for qw.
- Some elders pronounce the first vowel differently, like this: HEE-yook. This is also correct.
Audio: Elizabeth Herrling, Elizabeth Phillips
Related words
Here are some words related to héyeqw:
- Yéqw – to burn
- Yéqwelchep – build a fire (-elchep means ‘firewood’)
- Yeqwí:l – a lamp, electric light
Plural
Héyeqw does not appear to have a special plural form. To talk about the fires you could say ye héyeqw.
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