Learn Sumerian: Ancient Phrases, Vocabulary & Culture
Basic Sumerian Greetings & Phrases
Silim – Health, Hello (informal)
Silimma hemeen – May you have good health (formal greeting)
Muzu anaam? – What’s your name?
Mungu [name]-am – My name is ...
Mu – Name
Metamen? – Where are you from?
Londontamen – I am from London
Me'a intilen? – Where do you live?
Roma intilen – I live in Rome
Famous Sumerian Expressions
“Inanna zirru kabtu.” – Inanna is the queen of heaven.
“Nin mešara ilu rabû.” – The lord of wisdom is the great god.
“Ereškigal ki'šub la tari.” – Ereshkigal does not give life.
“Nin-ĝir-su ki-ur-ta.” – Ningirsu, the hero of Girsu.
“Nam-šub ki-en-gi.” – The farmer is the king’s servant.
Common Sumerian Vocabulary
- An – Sky
- Dingir – God
- Ki – Earth
- Lugal – King
- Nam – Fate
- Nammu – Primeval sea goddess
- Nin – Lady
- Ninkharsag – Earth Mother
- Ninkilim – Goddess of pottery
- Ninsar – Lady of vegetation
- Ninsikil – Lady of grain
- Shumu – Son
- Udug – Demon
- Zalag – A type of beer
- Zig – Seed
The Legacy of the Sumerians
The Sumerians were pioneers of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia. Through their invention of cuneiform writing, we’ve gained incredible insight into their lives, beliefs, and innovations.
Sumerian society had a rich pantheon of gods, structured governments, and advanced technologies for agriculture and construction. Their legacy lives on through architecture, math, astronomy, and the foundations of written language.
Note: Sumerian is an extinct language. Our modern understanding is reconstructed through extensive archaeological research.
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