Jùrìmé

Méníshè

Etymology

From jùrì ("chance") +‎ mé ("from").

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /dʒu˩ɾi˩me˥/

Adverb

jùrìmé

1. perhaps, maybe

   Sé t'akálà bà jùrìmé kat'énjì t'amwè.

   Perhaps it is time for some new leadership.

   -General Sharma (Motherland: Fort Salem)

Creation and Usage Notes

I think this may be my favorite word in Méníshè. While "t'amwè" means "time" with a sense of something ongoing or continuing (and is an earth noun), "ùrì" means "time" or "moment" with a sense of immediacy or suddenness (and is an air noun). Changing "ùrì" to a fire noun leads to "jùrì," which means "chance, opportunity" (because a chance or opportunity is an unpredictable, unexpected moment). That leads us to "jùrìmé," literally "from chance," bearing the meaning of "perhaps, maybe." This word is among my top favorites (if not my actual favorite) because of its history, its use as an adverb (adverbs are fascinating!), the different interpretations of the word "time" that led to two completely different words, and its opening sound. Who doesn't love a good "j" word? -Jessie Sams 12:39, 2 April 2020 (PDT)